ARNOLD, THOMAS

ARNOLD, THOMAS. - English theologian, historian, politician, and educator. Born at West Cowes (Isle of Wight) on 13 June 1795, died at Fox How (Westmorland) on 12 June 1842. He exercised considerable influence over the youth of his time, chiefly by serving as rector of Rugby School. His formation was grounded in classical culture, especially Euclid and Aristotle. The author wished the educator to be thoroughly imbued with Christian spirit. Religious instruction, as a force that should shape the whole person, constituted for him the foundation of all education. Christ is not only the Redeemer but also the friend and teacher. The teacher, to be truly such, must possess certain inner qualities, such as a sense of justice and a love of truth. In his dealings with pupils, the author showed understanding and love. In his curriculum, Latin and Greek, by reason of their beauty and power, formed the basis of learning; though he intended that children should not approach authors who were not always morally edifying, such as Tibullus, Propertius, Juvenal, or historians like Livy on account of their less than absolute historical fidelity. His love and admiration for ancient culture did not lead him to despise the culture of his own time, which he sought to reconcile with the spirit of classical literature.