Samuel Smiles was a British author and government reformer. Although he campaigned on a Chartist platform, he promoted the idea that more progress would come from new attitudes than from new laws. His primary work, Self-Help (1859), promoted thrift and claimed that poverty was caused largely by irresponsible habits, while also attacking materialism and laissez-faire government. It has been called "the bible of mid-Victorian liberalism" and had lasting effects on British political thought.
Samuel Smiles, Scottish-English author (born 1812)
On April 16, in the year 1904, Samuel Smiles, Scottish-English author (born 1812). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of April 16, one of 433 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Samuel Smiles. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 16, 1904 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 25 February 2026.
On This Date in History 433
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