Irving Babbitt was an American literary critic and scholar born in 1865. He became a prominent figure in the early 20th century, known for his advocacy of a traditionalist approach to literature and culture. Babbitt's work often emphasized the importance of moral and ethical considerations in artistic expression, suggesting that literature should not only entertain but also elevate the human spirit. Babbitt was associated with the New Humanism movement, which sought to revive classical ideas of beauty and virtue in reaction to the prevailing trends of modernism. He argued that literature should be infused with moral rigor, and he critiqued contemporary writers for their perceived lack of depth and focus on surface-level experiences. His influential ideas contributed to discussions around the value of high culture in society. In addition to his critical writings, Babbitt's work reflected his views on the relationship between culture and civilization. He believed that a strong moral foundation was necessary for society's development, and he urged artists and intellectuals to recognize their role in shaping cultural values. His legacy continues to resonate in discussions of literary criticism and the role of ethics in the arts. Irving Babbitt was an influential American literary critic born in 1865. He championed a traditionalist approach to literature that emphasized moral and ethical dimensions. He was a key figure in the New Humanism movement, advocating for a revival of classical ideas of beauty and virtue in response to modernist trends. Babbitt critiqued contemporary literature for its superficiality and lack of depth. Babbitt believed in the importance of a strong moral foundation for both culture and civilization, encouraging artists to acknowledge their role in shaping societal values. His work remains significant in literary criticism and discussions of ethics in the arts.