great man theory


An approach to history associated with the nineteenth-century Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle, who declared, “The history of the world is but the biography of great men.” Carlyle argued that heroes shape history through the vision of their intellect, the beauty of their art, the prowess of their leadership, and, most important, their divine inspiration.

notes for great man theory

Carlyle's theories have generally fallen out of fashion.

Example sentences from the Web for great man theory

  • Thus the Great-Man-Theory of history must surely be admitted to assign a real condition of national success.

    Logic |Carveth Read