Immanuel Kant

Date of Birth: April 22, 1724

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: February 12, 1804

Biography

Immanuel Kant was a renowned German philosopher who is considered one of the central figures in modern philosophy. Born on April 22, 1724, in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia), Kant spent his entire life in his hometown. He was the fourth of nine children in a modest family. Kant’s philosophy, known as transcendental idealism, emphasizes the role of human cognition in shaping our experiences. His most influential work, “Critique of Pure Reason,” published in 1781, sought to answer the question of how humans perceive the world and understand existence. Kant’s ideas have had a profound impact on various fields, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political theory, and aesthetics. He never married and led a life of rigorous discipline, characterized by a strict daily routine. Kant passed away on February 12, 1804, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary thought.

5 Interesting Facts about Immanuel Kant

1. Immanuel Kant never traveled more than 10 miles from his hometown of Königsberg throughout his entire life.

2. Kant’s daily routine was so predictable that locals were said to set their clocks by his afternoon walks.

3. He initially pursued a degree in theology before switching to philosophy.

4. Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason” was initially met with confusion and criticism, but it eventually became a cornerstone of Western philosophy.

5. He developed the concept of the “categorical imperative,” a fundamental principle in his moral philosophy that dictates that one should act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Immanuel Kant

1. “Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.”

2. “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.”

3. “Two things awe me most, the starry sky above me and the moral law within me.”

4. “All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason.”

5. “Immaturity is the incapacity to use one’s intelligence without the guidance of another.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Immanuel Kant did not accumulate significant wealth during his lifetime. His financial status was modest, primarily sustained through his academic positions and publications.