Which famous writers and thinkers did George Berkeley meet in London?

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When George Berkeley arrived in London in 1713, he quickly became a celebrated figure among the city's intellectual elite, often referred to as the "London wits." During this time, he met and interacted with several prominent writers and thinkers:

  • Jonathan Swift: The dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, who introduced Berkeley at court.1
  • Sir Richard Steele: The essayist for whom Berkeley wrote contributions to The Guardian to oppose freethinkers.1
  • Joseph Addison: The poet and essayist, with whom Berkeley attended the opening night of the play Cato.1
  • Alexander Pope: The famous poet, who famously credited Berkeley with possessing "ev’ry virtue under heav’n".1

Additionally, Berkeley served as a chaplain on an embassy to Sicily with Charles Mordaunt, 3rd Earl of Peterborough, whom he held in high regard.1