Early Life and Education
George Parkin Grant was born on November 13, 1918, in Toronto, Canada. He was raised in a prominent Canadian family, with his father being the principal of Upper Canada College. Grant attended Upper Canada College for his secondary education before going on to study at Balliol College in Oxford, England. After completing his undergraduate degree, he returned to Canada to pursue a Master’s degree at Queen’s University.
Philosophical Influences
Grant’s philosophical work was heavily influenced by a variety of thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and Martin Heidegger. He was also influenced by the works of T.S. Eliot and F.R. Leavis, who emphasized the importance of tradition and culture in shaping society.
Professional Career
After completing his education, Grant began his career as a professor of philosophy at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He later taught at McMaster University in Hamilton before returning to Queen’s University as a professor of religion and philosophy. Throughout his career, Grant published numerous books and articles on topics ranging from ethics and politics to theology and literature.
Notable Works
One of Grant’s most famous works is his book “Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism,” which was published in 1965. In this book, Grant argues that Canada had lost its sense of national identity and had become too closely aligned with the United States. He also criticized the growing influence of technology and capitalism on Canadian society.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, George Grant received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to philosophy and Canadian culture. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 1984, he was awarded the Pierre Chauveau Medal for his outstanding contributions to Canadian culture.
Personal Life
In 1948, George Grant married Karen Mills, with whom he had four children. Karen Grant was also a philosopher and writer, and the two often collaborated on projects together. The Grants lived in Toronto for much of their married life, where they were active members of the intellectual community.
Legacy
George Grant’s work continues to have a lasting impact on Canadian philosophy and culture. His critiques of technology, capitalism, and American influence remain relevant today, as Canada continues to grapple with issues of national identity and cultural sovereignty. Grant’s emphasis on tradition, community, and ethical values has inspired generations of thinkers and writers.
Death
Tragically, George Grant passed away on September 27, 1988, at the age of 69. His death was mourned by many in the philosophical community, who recognized him as one of Canada’s most important intellectuals. Despite his untimely passing, Grant’s work continues to be studied and celebrated by scholars around the world.
