Who Is Edward Said? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on November 1, 1935, Edward Said was a renowned Palestinian-American intellectual who passed away in 2003. In 2025, had he lived, he would have celebrated his 90th birthday, a testament to his lasting influence on the fields of literature, postcolonial studies, and cultural criticism. Known for his groundbreaking work "Orientalism," Said's legacy continues to spark discussions around colonialism and cultural representation. His thoughtful insights and critiques on identity, culture, and politics remain pivotal for scholars and the general public alike.
| Occupation | Philosophers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1935 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Palestine |
| Date of death | 24 September, 2003 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Edward Said's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Edward Said were not extensively documented, it’s known that during his life he had an average build. He stood approximately 6 feet tall and often presented a scholarly appearance characterized by his distinguished features, which included sharp facial lines and a thoughtful demeanor.
In the mid-1990s, Said wrote the foreword to the history book Jewish History, Jewish Religion: The Weight of Three Thousand Years (1994), by Israel Shahak, about Jewish fundamentalism, which presents the cultural proposition that Israel's mistreatment of the Palestinians is rooted in a Judaic requirement (of permission) for Jews to commit crimes, i
ncluding murder, against Gentiles (non-Jews).
In his foreword, Said said that Jewish History, Jewish Religion is "nothing less than a concise history of classic and modern Judaism, insofar as these are relevant to the understanding of modern Israel"; and praised the historian Shahak for describing contemporary Israel as a nation subsumed in a "Judeo–Nazi" cultural ambiance that allowed the d
ehumanization of the Palestinian Other:
Family, Dating & Relationship Status (Boyfriend / Girlfriend / Husband / Wife)
Edward Said was married to Marie-Therese Antoinette Said in 1961, with whom he had three children: Najla, Nadine, and Basil. Despite his profound influence as a cultural critic, Said maintained a relatively private family life. While there were various rumors surrounding his relationships, his marriage to Marie-Therese remained the cornerstone of his personal life, grounded in mutual respect and commitment.
Born in Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine, in 1935, Said was a United States citizen by way of his father, who had served in the United States Army during World War I. After the 1948 Palestine war, he relocated the family to Egypt, where they had previously lived, and then to the United States.
Said enrolled at the secondary school Victoria College while in Egypt and Northfield Mount Hermon School after arriving in the United States. He graduated with a BA in English from Princeton University in 1957, and later with an MA (1960) and a PhD (1964) in English Literature from Harvard University.
His principal influences were Antonio Gramsci, Frantz Fanon, Aimé Césaire, Michel Foucault, and Theodor W. Adorno.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2003, Edward Said had an estimated net worth of around $8 million, owing primarily to his extensive academic career and various literary endeavors. Though he was not driven by wealth, his publications, lectures, and public appearances contributed significantly to his earnings. In 2025, had he been alive, his accumulated wealth would likely have continued to grow due to the enduring interest in his scholarly works.
Career, Business and Investments
Edward Said’s illustrious career began in academia, securing a position at Columbia University where he became a prominent figure in literary and cultural studies. His book "Orientalism" (1978) changed the discourse surrounding Western representations of the East and is often credited with laying the groundwork for postcolonial theory. Over the decades, Said published numerous influential texts, gave lectures worldwide, and contributed to various journals, making him one of the most cited authors in his field. Additionally, his engagement with music and his critique of Western media further showcased his multifaceted talents.
Beyond academia, Said was an active advocate for Palestinian rights, using his platform to bring attention to political issues, contributing to his legacy as a voice for marginalized communities.
Said's first published book, Joseph Conrad and the Fiction of Autobiography (1966), was an expansion of the doctoral dissertation he presented to earn the PhD degree. Abdirahman Hussein said in Edward Saïd: Criticism and Society (2010), that Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness (1899) was "foundational to Said's entire career and project".
In Beginnings: Intention and Method (1974), Said analyzed the theoretical bases of literary criticism by drawing on the insights of Vico, Valéry, Nietzsche, de Saussure, Lévi-Strauss, Husserl, and Foucault. Said's later works included
Social Network
Edward Said was not an active participant in social media, as his time predated its rise in popularity. However, his ideas have thrived in various online platforms, with discussions, book clubs, and academic works being shared extensively on sites like Twitter, Facebook, and dedicated academic forums. His intellectual contributions continue to inspire countless followers and students across various social media channels.
Edward Wadie Said (1 November 1935 – 24 September 2003) was a Palestinian-American academic, literary critic, and political activist. As a professor of literature at Columbia University, he was among the founders of post-colonial studies.
As a cultural critic, Said is best known for his book Orientalism (1978), a foundational text which critiques the cultural representations that are the bases of Orientalism—how the Western world perceives the Orient.
His model of textual analysis transformed the academic discourse of researchers in literary theory, literary criticism, and Middle Eastern studies.
Education
Edward Said attended several prestigious institutions for his education, including Columbia University, where he earned his Ph.D. His academic journey was marked by an extensive study of literature, philosophy, and critical theory. His education played a crucial role in shaping his perspectives on culture and politics, deeply influencing his later works and the development of his critiques of imperialism and representation.
In conclusion, Edward Said’s life and legacy offer an important lens into the intersections of culture, identity, and power dynamics, continuing to resonate with audiences across generations. As we reflect on what might have been had he lived into 2025, it is clear that his contributions remain vital to contemporary discussions on these themes.
In 1963, Said joined Columbia University as a member of the English and Comparative Literature faculties, where he taught and worked until 2003. He lectured at more than 200 other universities in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
