Moses Mendelssohn

Date of Birth: September 6, 1729

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: January 4, 1786

Biography

Moses Mendelssohn was a prominent German-Jewish philosopher, born on September 6, 1729, in Dessau, Principality of Anhalt-Dessau (now Germany). He is considered one of the key figures of the Jewish Enlightenment, also known as the Haskalah. Mendelssohn’s contributions to philosophy, particularly in the areas of metaphysics and aesthetics, have left an indelible mark on both Jewish and general European intellectual history. Mendelssohn’s early education was traditional, focusing on Jewish texts, but he also taught himself German, Latin, Greek, and later, French and English. He moved to Berlin in 1743 and became friends with the playwright Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. This friendship significantly influenced his philosophical development. In 1763, Mendelssohn won the Prussian Academy’s essay contest on the topic of “Evidence in the Metaphysical Sciences,” which established him as a major thinker. His most famous work, “Jerusalem,” published in 1783, argued for the separation of church and state and for religious tolerance. Mendelssohn also played a crucial role in modernizing Jewish thought, advocating for the integration of Jews into European society while maintaining their cultural and religious identity. He passed away on January 4, 1786, in Berlin.

5 Interesting Facts about Moses Mendelssohn

1. Moses Mendelssohn was nicknamed the “German Socrates” due to his profound philosophical insights.

2. He was the grandfather of the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn.

3. Mendelssohn’s translation of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) into German was groundbreaking for Jewish education.

4. He was the first Jew to be buried in the Jewish cemetery in Berlin without the traditional Jewish shroud, reflecting his unique blend of tradition and modernity.

5. His work “Phaedon” was a defense of the immortality of the soul, inspired by Plato’s dialogues.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Moses Mendelssohn

1. “The first step to wisdom is to question everything—and the last step is to come to terms with everything.”

2. “To think is to differ.”

3. “The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.”

4. “If you desire to read and to understand, you must suspend judgment until you have read and understood.”

5. “The greatest benefit we owe to the artist, whether painter, poet, or novelist, is the extension of our sympathies.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a philosopher in the 18th century, Moses Mendelssohn did not amass a significant financial fortune. His highest net worth would be considered modest by today’s standards, reflecting his primarily intellectual contributions rather than material wealth.

Children

Moses Mendelssohn had six children with his wife, Fromet Guggenheim. His children included: 1. Joseph Mendelssohn (1770–1848) – a banker who co-founded Mendelssohn & Co. 2. Dorothea Schlegel (1764–1839) – an author and literary critic who married the philosopher Friedrich Schlegel. 3. Abraham Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1776–1835) – the father of the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn and Fanny Mendelssohn.