Past and Present

work by Carlyle

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July 1, 2026

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Past and Present is a work by Thomas Carlyle, published in 1843. It contrasts the medieval past with the author's contemporary 19th-century society, advocating for a return to the perceived virtues of earlier times. Carlyle uses the example of a medieval abbot's wise rule to critique the perceived chaos and softness of his own era, favoring strong leadership and a sense of duty over laissez-faire economics and utilitarian ethics. The work is part of Carlyle's broader critique of industrial society and his search for a more meaningful spiritual and social order.123

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Thomas Carlyle
London
…the hero was elaborated in Past and Present, which strove “to penetrate…into a somewhat remote century…in hope of perhaps illustrating our own poor century thereby.” He contrasts the wise and strong rule of a medieval abbot with the muddled softness and chaos of the 19th century, pronouncing in favour of…
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…the hero was elaborated in Past and Present, which strove “to penetrate…into a somewhat remote century…in hope of perhaps illustrating our own poor century thereby.” He contrasts the wise and strong rule of a medieval abbot with the muddled softness and chaos of the 19th century, pronouncing in favour of…
Read More

history of Europe
Postrevolutionary thinking
Later, Carlyle gave in Past and Present a suggestive picture of what he deemed a true community: quasi-medieval, based on the Faustian joy of work, and relying for its cohesion on its leader’s genius and strength of soul.
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Later, Carlyle gave in Past and Present a suggestive picture of what he deemed a true community: quasi-medieval, based on the Faustian joy of work, and relying for its cohesion on its leader’s genius and strength of soul.
Read More