Robert Burton (8 February 1577 – 25 January 1640) was an English writer and fellow of Oxford University, best known for his encyclopedic book The Anatomy of Melancholy.
Born in 1577 to a comfortably well-off family of the landed gentry, Burton attended two grammar schools and matriculated into Brasenose College, Oxford in 1593, age 15. Burton's education at Oxford was unusually lengthy, possibly drawn out by an affliction of melancholy, and including an early transfer to Christ Church. Burton received an MA and BD, and by 1607 was qualified as a tutor. From as early as 1603, Burton indulged early literary interests at Oxford, including some Latin poems, a now-lost play performed before and panned by King James I himself, and his only surviving play: an academic satire called Philosophaster. This work, though less well regarded than Burton's masterpiece, has notably "received more attention than most of the other surviving examples of university drama".Sometime after obtaining his MA in 1605, Burton was making some attempt to leave the university. Though he never fully succeeded, he managed to obtain the living of St Thomas the Martyr's Church, Oxford through the university, and external patronage for the benefice of Walesby and the rectorship of Seagrave. As a fellow of Oxford, he served in many minor administrative roles and as the librarian of Christ Church Library, from 1624 until his death. Over time he came to accept his "sequestered" existence in the libraries of Oxford, speaking highly of his alma mater throughout the Anatomy.
Burton's most famous work and greatest achievement was The Anatomy of Melancholy. First published in 1621, it was reprinted with additions from Burton no fewer than five times. A digressive and labyrinthine work, Burton wrote as much to alleviate his own melancholy as to help others. The final edition came to more than 500,000 words total. The book is permeated by quotations from and paraphrases of many authorities, both classical and contemporary, amounting to the culmination of a lifetime's worth of erudition.
Burton died in 1640. His large personal library was split between the Bodleian and Christ Church. The Anatomy was used and plagiarised by many authors during his lifetime and after his death, but entered a lull in popularity through the 18th century. It was only the revelation of Laurence Sterne's plagiarism that revived interest in his work into the 19th century, especially among the Romantics. The Anatomy received more academic attention in the 20th and 21st centuries. Whatever his popularity, Burton has always attracted distinguished readers, including Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin, John Keats, William Osler, and Samuel Beckett.
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Some of their strengths
Robert Burton has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Analytical, Innovative, Optimistic, Energetic, Passionate, Brave, and Adventurous.
Idealistic and Altruistic
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Robert Burton is someone who is an idealist and an altruist who possesses an innovative, intellectual, and analytical mind, and who approaches life in an optimistic and easygoing manner. A person who defines themself by their friends and what groups they belong to.
Helpful and Supportive
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Robert Burton well know them as someone who can be accepting, supportive, and productive, like a garden.
Truthful and Kind
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Robert Burton as someone who is honest, compassionate, imaginative, and instinctual.
A person who enjoys new challlenges, is a magnet for attracting other creative types, good at identifying opportunities, and who is good at forming loyal, lifelong friendships.
Stable and Creative
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Robert Burton is someone who thrives in volatile situations, and who tends to be a source of stability and comfort for others who are experiencing challenging times .
They are also someone who is curious, dynamic, and positive, and who enjoys inspiring and communicating with other people.
Altruistic and Innovative
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Robert Burton tends to be someone who sacrifices things for the good of others and wants to do "good" in the world. Who is often thought of as an innovator or rebel who thrives when trying to chase a breakthrough of some sort, who has a clear and sound mind, and who can be charming and sociable.
Some of Robert Burton's challenges
While Robert Burton has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Robert Burton can be Rebellious, Short-tempered, Impulsive, Selfish, Emotionally Distant, Hypocritical, and Self-centered.
Rebellious and Emotionally Distant
One of Robert Burton's key challenges is that they are someone who can be rebellious and emotionally distant.
Unrealistic and Indecisive
Robert Burton is someone who can be unrealistic, indecisive, and lacking in confidence, who can be impulsive when it comes to making important decisions, have difficulty collaborating with others, can be argumentative and not willling to accept criticism, and who can be disappointed by the high expectations they place on others.
Serious and Callous
Finally, Robert Burton also can be too giving, come across as too "high and mighty", and can have a hard time expressing feelings.
