Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel

Date of Birth: March 10, 1772

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: January 12, 1829

Biography

Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel, commonly known as Friedrich Schlegel, was a prominent German poet, literary critic, philosopher, and philologist. Born on March 10, 1772, in Hanover, Germany, Schlegel was a key figure in the early German Romantic movement. He initially studied law at the Universities of Göttingen and Leipzig but turned his focus to literature and philosophy, writing extensively on a range of subjects. Schlegel’s works include critical essays, poetry, and novels, but he is best known for his contributions to the Romantic literary theory. His book “Lucinde,” published in 1799, is considered one of the first Romantic novels. Along with his brother August Wilhelm Schlegel, he co-founded the journal “Athenaeum,” which became a central publication for Romantic literature and thought. Friedrich Schlegel’s philosophical work emphasized the importance of individual creativity and the interconnectedness of all forms of art and knowledge. He played a significant role in the intellectual circles of his time, influencing many contemporaries and later thinkers. Schlegel married Dorothea Veit, the daughter of Moses Mendelssohn, in 1804. Throughout his life, he moved across Europe, living in places such as Paris, Cologne, and Vienna, where he continued his literary work until his death on January 12, 1829.

5 Interesting Facts about Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel

1. Friedrich Schlegel is credited with coining the term “Romanticism.”

2. His novel “Lucinde” was controversial for its candid portrayal of romantic and sexual relationships.

3. Schlegel converted to Catholicism in 1808, which influenced his later philosophical and literary works.

4. He was a polyglot and had a significant interest in studying Sanskrit and Asian literature.

5. Along with his brother, he translated many works of William Shakespeare into German, contributing to Shakespeare’s popularity in Germany.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel

1. “Poetry can only be made out of other poems; novels out of other novels.”

2. “The historian is a prophet looking backwards.”

3. “Irony is a clear consciousness of eternal agility, of the infinitely abundant chaos.”

4. “Art, like love, excludes all competition and absorbs the man entirely.”

5. “The real spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Friedrich Schlegel’s net worth was not documented in a manner comparable to modern financial records. As a literary figure of the early 19th century, his wealth would have been modest, primarily derived from his writings and patronage.