Miguel de Unamuno

Date of Birth: September 29, 1864

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: December 31, 1936

Biography

Miguel de Unamuno was a prominent Spanish writer, philosopher, and educator, best known for his prolific output in literature and his deep philosophical inquiries. Born in Bilbao, Spain, Unamuno was a central figure in the Spanish literary and intellectual movement known as the Generation of ’98. His work delved into existential themes, often grappling with the tension between faith and reason, the nature of human existence, and the search for meaning. Unamuno pursued his education in Madrid, earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Letters. He later became a professor of Greek and then the rector at the University of Salamanca, positions that allowed him to influence Spanish intellectual life profoundly. His works, ranging from essays and novels to poetry and plays, reflect his diverse interests and his fervent engagement with the political and social issues of his time. Despite his academic success, Unamuno’s life was marked by political conflict. His opposition to the dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera and later to Francisco Franco’s regime led to periods of exile and house arrest. Nonetheless, his intellectual legacy endures, with works like “The Tragic Sense of Life” and “Abel Sánchez” continuing to inspire readers and thinkers worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Miguel de Unamuno

1. Miguel de Unamuno was exiled to the Canary Islands in 1924 due to his outspoken criticism of the Primo de Rivera dictatorship.

2. He coined the term “intrahistoria” to describe the underlying, everyday life of ordinary people that he believed was the true substance of history.

3. Unamuno was a prolific writer, producing over 100 books, essays, novels, plays, and poems throughout his lifetime.

4. He was removed from his position as rector of the University of Salamanca multiple times due to his political views.

5. Unamuno’s novel “Abel Sánchez” is a modern retelling of the biblical story of Cain and Abel, exploring themes of envy and brotherhood.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Miguel de Unamuno

1. “At times, to be silent is to lie. You will win because you have enough brute force. But you will not convince. To convince, you need to persuade. And in order to persuade you would need what you lack: Reason and Right.”

2. “Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible.”

3. “Faith which does not doubt is dead faith.”

4. “To fall into a habit is to begin to cease to be.”

5. “Life is doubt, and faith without doubt is nothing but death.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no records indicating that Miguel de Unamuno accumulated significant wealth; his contributions were primarily intellectual and cultural rather than financial.