Georg Brandes

Date of Birth: February 4, 1842

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: February 19, 1927

Biography

Georg Morris Cohen Brandes was a Danish critic and scholar born on February 4, 1842, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Brandes was a pioneering figure in the Modern Breakthrough, a Scandinavian movement that aimed to modernize literature and align it with contemporary social issues. He studied philosophy at the University of Copenhagen and was significantly influenced by the works of Søren Kierkegaard. Brandes traveled extensively across Europe, immersing himself in the intellectual currents of the time, particularly in Germany and France. He became well-versed in multiple languages and was known for his comprehensive knowledge of European literature and culture. Brandes’ most significant work came in the 1870s when he delivered a series of lectures at the University of Copenhagen, later published as “Main Currents in 19th Century Literature.” These lectures were revolutionary, promoting realism and naturalism and advocating for literature to engage with social issues such as democracy, equality, and individual rights. Throughout his life, Brandes remained a strong advocate for liberal and progressive causes. He was a vocal critic of the oppressive political and social systems of his time. Brandes was also a prolific writer, contributing to various newspapers and periodicals, and his influence extended beyond Denmark to the broader European literary and intellectual community. He passed away on February 19, 1927, in Copenhagen.

5 Interesting Facts about Georg Brandes

1. Georg Brandes was instrumental in introducing the works of Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg to a wider audience, significantly impacting Scandinavian literature.

2. He was a proponent of the idea that literature should reflect societal issues, a principle that influenced the development of naturalism and realism in literature.

3. Brandes was of Jewish descent and often faced anti-Semitic sentiments, which he addressed in his writings.

4. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature numerous times but never won.

5. Brandes had a contentious relationship with the Danish literary establishment, often criticizing what he saw as its provincialism and conservatism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georg Brandes

1. “That a literature in our day, after the publication of Darwin and Spencer, should still be written in the style of our grandfathers is a disgrace and an absurdity.”

2. “The stream of time sweeps away errors, and leaves the truth for the inheritance of humanity.”

3. “To have a great poet is to have a third government.”

4. “A person without character is just a shadow, a nothing.”

5. “Literature must become an instrument of progress, a means of achieving the ideal of the perfect human society.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Georg Brandes’ net worth is difficult to ascertain in modern terms, but he was primarily known for his intellectual contributions rather than financial wealth. His influence and legacy in the literary world far surpassed any monetary achievements.

Children

Georg Brandes had three children with his partner Elise Jespersen: Carl Edvard Cohen Brandes, Ernst Brandes, and Ellen Brandes. Both of his sons, Carl and Ernst, followed in their father’s footsteps and became notable figures in their own right, contributing to Danish culture and society.