Ludwig Wittgenstein

Date of Birth: April 26, 1889

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: April 29, 1951

Biography

Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein was an Austrian philosopher who made significant contributions to logic, the philosophy of mathematics, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of language. Born into one of the wealthiest families in Austria, Wittgenstein initially studied mechanical engineering in Berlin and Manchester before turning to philosophy. His early work culminated in the “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus,” a groundbreaking text that aimed to identify the relationship between language and reality and to define the limits of science. After World War I, Wittgenstein gave away his considerable inheritance and worked as a schoolteacher in rural Austria. His later work, primarily represented by “Philosophical Investigations,” marked a shift in his thinking. In this text, he argued that the meaning of words is rooted in their public use rather than in any inherent connection to the objects they describe. Wittgenstein’s work has had a profound influence on contemporary philosophy, particularly in the analytic tradition, and he is considered one of the greatest philosophers of the 20th century.

5 Interesting Facts about Ludwig Wittgenstein

1. Wittgenstein served as a soldier in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I and was decorated for bravery.

2. He was a close friend and intellectual adversary of the British philosopher Bertrand Russell.

3. Wittgenstein built a house for his sister Margaret, which is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

4. He spent some time working as a gardener in a monastery after renouncing his wealth.

5. Wittgenstein’s philosophical work is often divided into his early and later periods, each marked by a distinct approach and methodology.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ludwig Wittgenstein

1. “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”

2. “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.”

3. “Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.”

4. “A picture is a model of reality.”

5. “If people did not sometimes do silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ludwig Wittgenstein gave away his substantial inheritance and lived a relatively modest life, so he did not accumulate significant personal wealth. The highest net worth he achieved was estimated to be equivalent to millions in today’s currency, but he renounced it early in his life.