Angelus Silesius

Date of Birth: December 25, 1624

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: July 9, 1677

Biography

Angelus Silesius, born Johannes Scheffler on December 25, 1624, in Breslau, Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland), was a notable German poet and mystic. He is best known for his religious and mystical poetry, particularly his collection “The Cherubinic Wanderer” (“Der Cherubinische Wandersmann”). Silesius initially studied medicine and philosophy at the University of Strasbourg and later at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Around 1653, he converted from Lutheranism to Roman Catholicism, which profoundly influenced his later writings. He adopted the pen name Angelus Silesius, which means “The Angel of Silesia.” Silesius’ works often explored the themes of divine love, the nature of the soul, and the mystical union with God. He became a priest in 1661 and spent his later years engaging in religious activities and continuing his literary work. Angelus Silesius passed away on July 9, 1677, in Breslau.

5 Interesting Facts about Angelus Silesius

1. Angelus Silesius was originally born Johannes Scheffler and changed his name after converting to Roman Catholicism.

2. He studied medicine and philosophy, earning a doctorate in medicine in 1648.

3. His most famous work, “The Cherubinic Wanderer,” is a collection of over 1,600 epigrams that blend Christian mysticism with poetic expression.

4. Silesius’ conversion to Catholicism was partly influenced by the mystical writings of Jakob Böhme and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.

5. He was ordained as a priest in 1661 and spent his remaining life in religious devotion and writing.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Angelus Silesius

1. “The rose is without why; it blooms because it blooms.”

2. “God, whose goodness fills the earth, is far more than we can express in words.”

3. “Man is an angel born in the mud, yet destined to soar to the heavens.”

4. “Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that unless we love the truth, we cannot know it.”

5. “If Christ were born a thousand times in Bethlehem and not in thee thyself; then art thou lost eternally.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Angelus Silesius did not accumulate significant wealth during his lifetime. His contributions were primarily in the realm of religious and mystical poetry rather than financial gain.