Ernst Junger

Date of Birth: March 29, 1895

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: February 17, 1998

Biography

Ernst Jünger was a prolific German writer, philosopher, and soldier, best known for his works on war and technology. Born on March 29, 1895, in Heidelberg, Germany, he grew up in a well-to-do family that valued education and culture. Jünger volunteered for military service at a young age and served throughout World War I, an experience that deeply influenced his writing. His first book, “Storm of Steel,” is a gripping memoir of his wartime experiences and is considered one of the greatest war books ever written. After the war, Jünger pursued a career in writing and became a prominent figure in German literature. His works often explored themes of existentialism, technology, and the human condition. He was awarded numerous accolades throughout his life, including the Goethe Prize and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Jünger continued to write and publish until his death on February 17, 1998, leaving behind a substantial legacy that continues to be studied and admired.

5 Interesting Facts about Ernst Junger

1. Ernst Jünger was wounded seven times during World War I and was awarded the Pour le Mérite, the highest military honor in Germany at the time.

2. Despite his controversial views, Jünger managed to distance himself from the Nazi regime and refused a parliamentary seat offered by the Nazis in 1927.

3. Jünger was an entomologist and collected over 40,000 beetles, contributing significantly to the field of entomology.

4. He lived to be 102 years old, making him one of the longest-living notable literary figures of the 20th century.

5. Jünger’s philosophical work “The Worker” is considered a critical commentary on modern industrial society and has been influential in various academic fields.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ernst Junger

1. “War is a biological necessity of the first importance, a regulative element in the life of mankind which cannot be dispensed with.”

2. “The forest flees before the axe but comes back again and again.”

3. “The secret of the warrior’s strength lies in the fact that he is willing to die.”

4. “Pain is a part of life, and it is the price we pay for the heights we reach.”

5. “Time is a river that carries us away, but it also provides the opportunity to sail.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Ernst Jünger is estimated to be around $1 million, primarily through his book sales and literary prizes.

Children

Ernst Jünger had two sons, Ernst Jünger (1926–1944) and Alexander Jünger (1934–1993). His first son, Ernst, died during World War II, and his second son, Alexander, passed away in 1993.