Novalis

Date of Birth: May 2, 1772

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 25, 1801

Biography

Novalis, born Georg Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg on May 2, 1772, in Wiederstedt, Prussia, was a German poet, author, and philosopher of Early German Romanticism. He is best known for his mystical and allegorical writings, which include the unfinished novel “Heinrich von Ofterdingen” and his collection of hymns, “Hymnen an die Nacht” (Hymns to the Night). His work was highly influential in Romantic literature, characterized by its deep exploration of the inner self, nature, and the divine. Novalis was born into a large family of minor nobility. He received a comprehensive education in law, philosophy, and natural sciences at institutions such as the University of Jena, University of Leipzig, and University of Wittenberg. His life was marked by the early death of his fiancée, Sophie von Kühn, which profoundly influenced his work, infusing it with themes of love, loss, and transcendence. Novalis’s career was cut short by his untimely death from tuberculosis on March 25, 1801, at the age of 28. Despite his brief life, his contributions to literature and philosophy have left an enduring legacy, earning him a lasting place among the luminaries of German Romanticism.

5 Interesting Facts about Novalis

1. Novalis was deeply influenced by his philosophical studies under Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling and Johann Gottlieb Fichte.

2. His engagement to Sophie von Kühn, who passed away at just 15, had a profound impact on his life and works.

3. “Heinrich von Ofterdingen” features the famous symbol of the “Blue Flower,” which became a central emblem of Romanticism.

4. Novalis was also involved in the mining industry and studied mineralogy, which influenced his scientific writings.

5. Despite his short life, he left a significant mark on the German Romantic movement, influencing later poets and writers like Friedrich Schlegel and Ludwig Tieck.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Novalis

1. “Where are we really going? Always home.”

2. “Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason.”

3. “The world must be romanticized. In this way the originary meaning may be found again.”

4. “Every disease is a musical problem; every cure is a musical solution.”

5. “Character is perfectly educated will.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a poet and minor nobleman in the late 18th century, Novalis did not achieve significant financial wealth. His highest net worth is not well-documented but is estimated to have been modest, primarily derived from his family’s estate and his work in the mining industry.