He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world. Celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature. In 2009 he was chosen as the greatest Scot by the Scottish public in a vote run by Scottish television channel STV.
Life and Career
As well as making original compositions, Burns also collected folk songs from across Scotland, often revising or adapting them. His poem (and song) "Auld Lang Syne" (1788) is often sung at Hogmanay (the last day of the year), and "Scots Wha Hae" (1793) served for a long time as an unofficial national anthem of the country. Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well known across the world today include "Halloween" (1785), "To a Mouse" (1785), "To a Louse" (1786), "The Battle of Sherramuir" (1787), "Tam o' Shanter" (1790), "Ae Fond Kiss" (1791), "A Red, Red Rose" (1794) and "A Man's a Man for A' That" (1795).
Key Facts
- Born: January 25, 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Died: 1796
- Field: Literature
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Robert Burns extends far beyond his own lifetime. He fundamentally shaped literature and the written word, and his written works and literary innovations remain foundational to this day.
Though he passed away in 1796, his ideas continue to be studied, debated, and built upon by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
Robert Burns remains one of the most celebrated minds to emerge from Scotland, a testament to the rich intellectual heritage of the region.
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