Ernest Renan

Date of Birth: February 28, 1823

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: October 2, 1892

Biography

Joseph Ernest Renan, born on February 28, 1823, in Tréguier, France, was a renowned philosopher, historian, and scholar of religion. Renan’s works predominantly explored the origins of Christianity and the nature of religious belief. His most famous work, “Life of Jesus,” published in 1863, was groundbreaking and controversial, as it applied historical-critical methods to the study of Jesus and the Gospels. Renan’s intellectual journey began in the ecclesiastical seminary, but he eventually left due to growing doubts about the compatibility of faith and science. He then pursued a career in philology and history, where he made significant contributions to the understanding of Semitic languages and cultures. Renan held several academic positions, including the chair of Hebrew at the Collège de France, though his appointment was initially met with resistance due to his unorthodox views. Despite criticism from religious authorities, he continued to produce influential works, including “The Apostles” (1866) and “The Antichrist” (1873). Renan’s philosophical outlook combined a deep appreciation for scientific progress with a nuanced understanding of religion’s role in human life. He passed away on October 2, 1892, leaving behind a legacy of critical scholarship and intellectual courage.

5 Interesting Facts about Ernest Renan

1. Renan’s “Life of Jesus” was banned by the Catholic Church for its controversial approach to the historical Jesus.

2. He was a member of the prestigious Académie Française, an institution dedicated to the promotion of French literature and culture.

3. Despite his critical stance on religion, Renan maintained a lifelong respect for the spiritual and moral dimensions of religious traditions.

4. Renan’s sister, Henriette, played a significant role in his intellectual development and was his close companion until her death.

5. He was an early advocate for the scientific study of religion, which laid the groundwork for modern religious studies.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ernest Renan

1. “Man makes holy what he believes, as he makes beautiful what he loves.”

2. “The simplest schoolboy is now familiar with truths for which Archimedes would have sacrificed his life.”

3. “The liberty of the individual must be thus far limited; he must not make himself a nuisance to other people.”

4. “To conceive the good, in fact, is not sufficient; it must be made to succeed among men.”

5. “The essential condition of the existence of a good society is the intellectual and moral elevation of the people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ernest Renan’s highest net worth is difficult to determine accurately, as he lived in the 19th century and was primarily an academic and author, not a businessman. His wealth would have been modest, reflective of a scholar of his time.

Children

Ernest Renan had two children with his wife, Cornélie Scheffer: 1. Ary Renan, who became a notable artist. 2. Noémie Renan, who lived a relatively private life.