NAME Jeremy Bentham
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Jeremy Bentham is famous for being a philosopher, social reformer, and legal theorist. He is considered one of the founders of modern utilitarianism.
BIRTH Jeremy Bentham was born on February 15, 1748, in Houndsditch, London, England.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Bentham was from a wealthy and influential family who supported the Tory party. His father, Jeremiah Bentham, was a successful attorney, and his mother, Alicia Grove, came from a family of merchants. His family life reflected a mix of Enlightenment rationalism and religious piety.
CHILDHOOD Jeremy Bentham grew up in a privileged household. Considered a prodigy, he received an education at home before attending Westminster School. He was groomed for a legal career
EDUCATION Jeremy Bentham was practically spoon-fed learning from day one. By the time he could wobble on his chubby legs, there he was, knee-deep in a massive history of England at his dad's desk. Latin followed at the ripe old age of three, and then, just to show off, he waltzed into Oxford at the tender age of twelve.
Bentham studied Queen's College, Oxford. where he excelled academically. He later studied law at Lincoln's Inn and was called to the bar in 1769.
CAREER RECORD Although qualified as a lawyer, Bentham didn't practice. Instead, he set his sights on ripping the whole legal system apart and rebuilding it from the ground up, along with a shiny new theory of law and morality for good measure. He started by churning out short works bursting with his ideas, like a legal reform happy meal.
Bentham focused on philosophical and reformist writings. He advocated for social and legal reforms based on utilitarian principles, aiming to maximize happiness and minimize suffering.
APPEARANCE Bentham was described as having a plain and unassuming appearance, often seen in simple clothing. He was likely of average height with a round face.
Portrait of Jeremy Bentham by Thomas Fyre |
FASHION Bentham's attire was conventional for his time, reflecting his focus on intellectual and academic pursuits rather than fashion.
Notably, he wore a distinctive round hat.
CHARACTER Bentham was known for his sharp intellect, rationality, and dedication to social improvement through legal and ethical reforms. He could be critical and impatient with those who disagreed with him.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Bentham had a dry and analytical sense of humor, often employing wit in his philosophical writings. He sometimes used satire to make his points.
RELATIONSHIPS Bentham never married and had no children
He had close friendships with other intellectuals and reformers, including James Mill and John Stuart Mill, who were influenced by his ideas.
MONEY AND FAME Although born into wealth, Bentham used his resources to support his intellectual pursuits rather than seeking riches.
He achieved fame within philosophical and reform circles, but wasn't widely known by the general public.
FOOD AND DRINK Bentham's lifestyle was modest, and he focused more on intellectual pursuits than culinary interests.
MUSIC AND ARTS Bentham had a limited interest in music and the arts, preferring academic and philosophical endeavors.
LITERATURE An avid reader, Bentham was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and David Hume. Their focus on reason, empiricism, and individual rights greatly shaped his own philosophical ideas.
Bentham was a prolific writer, producing numerous books, articles, and pamphlets advocating for utilitarian reform. His most famous works include A Fragment on Government (1776) and An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (1780). He argued in the latter that the proper objective of all conduct and legislation is "the greatest happiness of the greatest number."
NATURE While not a prominent theme in his writings, Bentham valued rational inquiry and scientific observation.
Bentham owned a cat called Langbourne who he fed on macaroni. Over time, Langbourne's name became The Reverend Sir John Langbourne, D.D. (Doctor of Divinity).
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Bentham's primary interests were in philosophy, law, and social reform, leaving little time for recreational hobbies or sports.
Bentham called his a favorite walking stick ‘Dapple’.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Bentham had a keen interest in science and mathematics, applying empirical methods to his philosophical investigations.
One of Bentham's big contributions was the "felicific calculus" – basically a way to weigh up pleasures and pains with a handy calculator (or at least that was the idea). This would then help figure out laws that made the most people happy, the greatest number and all that. Sure, some folks poked fun at its lack of precision, but Bentham countered that it was a work in progress, not a magic happiness formula.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY The founder of modern utilitarianism, which emphasizes the importance of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering in ethical decision-making.
He challenged traditional religious authority and advocated for a secular society.
SCANDAL Bentham's life was relatively scandal-free, focused instead on intellectual pursuits and social reform.
MILITARY RECORD Bentham did not have a military career but dedicated his life to legal and philosophical pursuits.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bentham's health was generally robust, allowing him to pursue his intellectual work until his later years. He continued to write up to a month before his death.
HOMES Bentham lived most of his life in Westminster, London, England. His home, known as Queen Square Place, became a center of intellectual activity.
Bentham designed the house himself, incorporating features that reflected his utilitarian principles, such as maximizing efficiency and natural light.
The Panopticon is a type of institutional building designed by Bentham. Imagine a prison where the inmates could never tell if they were being watched, always feeling those watchful eyes. That's the Panopticon. Bentham spent ages dreaming up the design, but the government wasn't buying it. Still, it's a clever idea, even if it is a bit creepy. Think CCTV cameras everywhere – that's the Panopticon principle in action, according to some social critics.
Elevation, section and plan of Bentham's panopticon prison, drawn by Willey Reveley in 1791 |
TRAVEL Bentham himself did not travel extensively. However, his ideas traveled far and wide.
His writings on utilitarianism and legal reform influenced political and social movements throughout Europe and the Americas. The United States Declaration of Independence, for instance, echoes some of Bentham's ideas on individual rights and the pursuit of happiness.
DEATH Bentham died on June 6, 1832 aged 84 at his residence in Queen Square Place.
Bentham wasn't exactly shy about what should happen to him after he shuffled off this mortal coil. His body was to be dissected and preserved, with the skeleton eventually assembled and displayed in a seated position, clothed in his usual attire at University College London. A bit out there, sure, but hey, to each their own.
And so it came to pass. There he sits, Bentham's skeleton, all dressed up with a wax head (the real one got mummified), in a glass case at UCL. He even gets to attend important university meetings – though whether he has much to say is another matter.
Bentham's head did have a bit of an adventure in 1975. Some pranksters from rival King's College nicked it, but thankfully, they returned it unharmed after a small ransom of £10 was paid to the homeless charity, Shelter. Just another day in the wild world of Jeremy Bentham.
Below is Bentham's auto-icon in a new display case at University College London's Student Centre in 2020.
By Philip Stevens - Own work,Wikipedia |
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Bentham's preserved skeleton at University College London is a unique and enduring media presence.
His writings continue to be studied and debated by scholars and philosophers.
There have also been occasional documentaries and biographies exploring his life and ideas.
ACHIEVEMENTS Bentham's founding of modern utilitarianism remains a cornerstone of ethical and political thought.
His ideas on legal and social reform significantly impacted 19th-century society, influencing everything from prison design to the expansion of voting rights.
NAME: Pope Benedict XVI
WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Former Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
BIRTH: He was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, Holy Saturday, 1927 at Schulstraße 11 at 8:30 in the morning in his parents' home in Marktl, Bavaria, Germany.
FAMILY BACKGROUND: He was the son of Joseph Ratzinger, a police officer, and Maria Ratzinger (née Peil). He had an older brother, Georg, who also became a priest.
CHILDHOOD: Raised in a devout Catholic family, young Joseph experienced the challenges of growing up during the tumultuous years of Nazi Germany. He served in the Hitler Youth, which was mandatory for boys his age.
Benedict described his childhood as shaped by faith and music.
EDUCATION: He pursued his education in theology and philosophy, attending several institutions including the Higher School of Philosophy and Theology of Freising and the University of Munich.
CAREER RECORD: Ordained as a priest in 1951, Ratzinger served as a professor of theology at various universities, rising to become Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977. Here's his resume:
Professor of Theology at several German universities
Archbishop of Munich and Freising (1977-1982)
Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (1981-2005)
Elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005
APPEARANCE: Pope Benedict XVI had piercing blue eyes and a thoughtful expression. He was a frail and scholarly figure in later years.
FASHION: His fashion was characterized by simplicity and adherence to traditional papal garments, including the white cassock, red shoes, and zucchetto (skullcap).
Benedict XVI during a canonization mass by Kancelaria Prezydenta RP - prezydent.pl, Wikipedia |
CHARACTER: Known for his intellectual depth, humility, and commitment to doctrinal orthodoxy, Benedict XVI was often described as reserved and scholarly. He was known for his humility and kindness.
On top of his native German, Benedict could hold his own in French, Italian, English, and Spanish. He even dabbled in Portuguese, Latin, and a few biblical languages for good measure.
SENSE OF HUMOUR: While he maintained a serious demeanor, Pope Benedict XVI was known to appreciate wit and humor in appropriate settings.
RELATIONSHIPS: His most significant relationship was with his brother, Georg Ratzinger, with whom he shared a lifelong bond.
MONEY AND FAME: As Pope, Benedict XVI lived a humble life, focused on spiritual and pastoral responsibilities rather than personal wealth or fame.
FOOD AND DRINK: His diet reportedly consisted of simple Bavarian fare, reflecting his roots.
MUSIC AND ARTS: Pope Benedict XVI had a deep appreciation for classical music and traditional sacred art.
He played the piano and had a preference for Mozart and Bach.
LITERATURE: Benedict wasn't shy about putting pen to paper. He churned out mountains of writing, all in defense of good old-fashioned Catholic traditions, values, and rituals. He started out as a bit of a theological maverick, but by the late 60s, he'd swung firmly into the conservative camp.
NATURE: He admired the beauty of nature and often emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Benedict was known for his love of classical music and reading, he enjoyed playing the piano and spending quiet time in prayer and contemplation.
SCIENCE AND MATHS: While his primary focus was theology, he appreciated the value of scientific inquiry and intellectual rigor.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: By the late 1950s, Ratzinger was already a rockstar theologian, a real heavyweight in the world of religious scholarship. They didn't mess around back then; he snagged a full professorship at the tender age of 31.
For years, he bounced around German universities, a professor of theology leaving minds suitably boggled wherever he went. Then, in 1977, came a surprise promotion – Archbishop of Munich and Freising, a curious choice for someone who hadn't exactly spent his career elbows deep in the everyday hustle of parish life. But hey, the Pope – Paul VI, at the time – clearly saw something special in him.
Five years later, in 1981, Ratzinger landed another bigwig job: Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Now, that's a fancy title for you, basically putting him in charge of making sure Catholic doctrine stayed on the straight and narrow. By 2002, he'd climbed even higher, becoming Dean of the College of Cardinals. By the time he finally reached the top spot, the papacy in 2005, he was already a major player on the Vatican stage, whispering wisdom in John Paul II's ear and shaping the direction of the Church for a good 25 years.
He also had a bit of a thing for aesthetics, this Pope Benedict. He brought back some old-school traditions, like the Tridentine Mass, and even loosened the reins on using Latin again. He saw the Church and the arts as natural pals, and even brought back some classic papal garb, earning himself the nickname "The Pope of Aesthetics."
But all good things must come to an end. In 2013, at a sprightly 86 years old, Benedict surprised everyone by announcing his resignation. He blamed his advancing age and a dwindling supply of mental and physical stamina. It was a big deal – the first papal resignation since the Middle Ages, in fact. He stepped down on February 28th, making way for Pope Francis, and settled into a posh new retirement pad – the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, right there in the Vatican.
One of the most influential Catholic theologians of the 20th century, Benedict XVI emphasized reason, faith, and the importance of tradition. His writings focused on systematic theology, biblical theology, and the Church Fathers.
Benedict sought to defend Catholic doctrine in the face of modern secularism.
SCANDAL: He faced criticism for his handling of child sexual abuse cases during his time as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (1981-2005). Though he took steps to address the issue, some critics felt he did not do enough. This remains a stain on Benedict's legacy.
Benedict's handling of sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church and opposition to usage of condoms in areas of high HIV transmission led to criticism from public health officials, anti-AIDS activists, and victim's rights organizations
MILITARY RECORD: Benedict served in a labor unit of the German wartime anti-aircraft corps during World War II. He deserted towards the end of the war. This experience likely influenced his later commitment to peace and reconciliation
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: In his later years, Benedict XVI faced health challenges, including arthritis and a stroke. Ultimately, declining health was a major factor in his decision to resign the papacy in 2013.
HOMES Benedict lived in various locations throughout Germany during his academic career, including Freising, Bonn, and Munich.
Following his election as Pope in 2005, his primary residence became the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace within the Vatican City.
Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence outside Rome, also served as a temporary home during his papacy.
TRAVEL: Pope Benedict XVI traveled extensively during his pontificate, visiting numerous countries to promote interfaith dialogue and Catholic unity.
Benedict never learned to drive, but was licensed to fly a helicopter.
DEATH: Pope Benedict XVI died on December 31, 2022, at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the Vatican City. Millions around the world mourned his passing.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: He made numerous public appearances during his papacy, addressing global audiences and engaging in dialogue with various religious and cultural leaders.
ACHIEVEMENTS: Pope Benedict XVI's legacy includes his contributions to Catholic theology, his efforts to strengthen interfaith relations, and his commitment to upholding traditional Catholic teachings during a challenging period in the Church's history.