Date of Birth: January 9, 1890
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: December 25, 1938
Biography
Karel Čapek was a prolific Czech writer, playwright, and essayist, renowned for his diverse body of work that includes science fiction, plays, and political commentaries. Born on January 9, 1890, in Malé Svatoňovice, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Čapek grew up in a well-to-do family. His father was a doctor, and his mother was a homemaker with a deep interest in arts and literature, which certainly influenced Čapek’s literary inclinations. Čapek studied at Charles University in Prague, where he initially focused on philosophy before shifting his attention to literature. His early works were heavily influenced by his philosophical studies, particularly his interest in pragmatism and relativism. Čapek’s collaboration with his brother, Josef Čapek, who was also an accomplished artist and writer, resulted in some of his most famous works, including the play “R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots)” which introduced the word “robot” to the world. Throughout his career, Čapek wrote on a wide range of topics, from the ethical implications of scientific advancements to the dangers of totalitarianism. His works often tackled complex social and political issues, blending elements of science fiction, satire, and philosophical discourse. Some of his other notable works include “War with the Newts,” “The Absolute at Large,” and “The Makropulos Affair.” Čapek was also an outspoken critic of fascism and communism, which made him a target of both the Nazis and the Communists. Despite facing political persecution, he continued to write and publish until his death on December 25, 1938, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. His legacy endures, as his works remain influential and continue to be studied and performed around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Karel Capek
1. Karel Čapek is credited with coining the term “robot,” which first appeared in his play “R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots)” in 1920.
2. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature seven times but never won.
3. Čapek’s play “The Makropulos Affair” was adapted into an opera by the renowned Czech composer Leoš Janáček.
4. He was a close friend of the first President of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, and wrote a book-length conversation with him titled “Talks with T. G. Masaryk.”
5. Despite his anti-totalitarian beliefs, Čapek’s works were banned by both the Nazis and later the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Karel Capek
1. “Relativism is not indifference; on the contrary, passionate indifference is necessary in order for you not to hear the voices that oppose your absolute decrees.”
2. “One never knows whether people have principles on principle or whether they are just stubborn.”
3. “Man will never be enslaved by machinery if the man tending the machine be paid enough.”
4. “The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.”
5. “There came into the world an unlimited abundance of everything people need. But people need everything except unlimited abundance.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Karel Čapek’s exact net worth is not documented, but his literary works and their adaptations have had significant cultural and financial impacts.
Children
Karel Čapek did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karel-Capek
2. [Karel Čapek on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/56432.Karel_apek
3. [The Karel Čapek Society](http://capek.misto.cz/english/
4. [Karel Čapek’s Works on Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/author/Capek,+Karel
