Karl Kraus

Date of Birth: April 28, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: June 12, 1936

Biography

Karl Kraus was an influential Austrian writer and journalist, renowned for his satirical works and sharp critique of contemporary society, politics, and culture. Born in Jičín, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), Kraus moved to Vienna at a young age, where he would become a central figure in the city’s literary and intellectual circles. He is best known for his magazine “Die Fackel” (The Torch), which he founded in 1899 and used as a platform to lambast the hypocrisy and corruption he perceived in various aspects of Austrian life. Kraus’s works were characterized by their wit, linguistic precision, and moral fervor, making him a formidable critic of his time. Kraus’s career spanned several decades, during which he wrote numerous essays, plays, and aphorisms. His most famous play, “The Last Days of Mankind,” is a monumental anti-war drama that vividly portrays the absurdity and horror of World War I. Despite facing significant opposition and censorship, Kraus remained steadfast in his commitment to truth and justice, earning him both admirers and detractors.

5 Interesting Facts about Karl Kraus

1. Karl Kraus was a fierce critic of Sigmund Freud and the psychoanalytic movement, which he saw as pseudoscience.

2. He was a close friend and supporter of the composer Arnold Schoenberg, who revolutionized classical music with his twelve-tone technique.

3. Kraus was known for his public readings, where his dramatic delivery and biting satire drew large audiences.

4. He was an early and vocal critic of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, condemning their ideology and actions long before many others did.

5. Despite his acerbic critiques, Kraus had a deep love for the German language and was known for his meticulous attention to linguistic detail.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Karl Kraus

1. “The truth is a precious commodity. That’s why I use it sparingly.”

2. “Language is the mother of thought, not its handmaiden.”

3. “How is the world ruled and led to war? Diplomats lie to journalists and believe these lies when they see them in print.”

4. “Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country.”

5. “Stupidity is an elemental force for which no earthquake is a match.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Karl Kraus’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his primary wealth was in his intellectual contributions and influence rather than material riches.