Richard von Weizsaecker

Date of Birth: April 15, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: January 31, 2015

Biography

Richard Karl Freiherr von Weizsäcker was a prominent German politician who served as the President of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1984 to 1994. He was born into a distinguished family with a strong political and intellectual heritage. His father, Ernst von Weizsäcker, was a diplomat and senior civil servant under the Nazi regime, which impacted Richard’s later political and moral perspectives. Weizsäcker studied history, law, and political science at the universities of Oxford, Grenoble, and Göttingen. After completing his education, he worked as a lawyer and corporate executive before transitioning into politics. He began his political career with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and was elected to the Bundestag, the German federal parliament, in 1969. Weizsäcker became the governing mayor of West Berlin in 1981. His tenure was marked by his advocacy for reconciliation and his efforts to bridge the divides created by the Cold War. In 1984, he was elected President of West Germany and later of reunified Germany, serving two terms until 1994. His presidency is most noted for his efforts to address Germany’s Nazi past, his emphasis on moral responsibility, and his commitment to fostering unity and democracy. After his presidency, Weizsäcker continued to be an influential figure in German and international politics, engaging in numerous diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard von Weizsaecker

1. Richard von Weizsäcker delivered a landmark speech on May 8, 1985, marking the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II, in which he described the day as a “day of liberation” for Germany.

2. He served as the President of Germany during the crucial period of German reunification in 1990.

3. Weizsäcker was a member of the prestigious German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

4. His father, Ernst von Weizsäcker, was tried and convicted at the Nuremberg Trials, which profoundly influenced Richard’s views on justice and historical responsibility.

5. Weizsäcker was awarded the Leo Baeck Medal in 1987 for his efforts to promote German-Jewish relations.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard von Weizsaecker

1. “Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer; the secret of redemption lies in remembrance.”

2. “Whoever refuses to remember the inhumanity is prone to new risks of infection.”

3. “We do not have the right to judge others, but we do have the duty to learn from history.”

4. “The day of the liberation of Germany is a day of freedom for the entire continent.”

5. “History must not be rewritten; it must be remembered, and remembered truthfully.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Richard von Weizsäcker was not known for his personal wealth accumulation, as he dedicated most of his life to public service. There are no accurate records of his net worth, but his influence and contributions to society were invaluable.

Children

Richard von Weizsäcker had four children with his wife Marianne von Kretschmann. Their names are Robert Klaus von Weizsäcker, Andreas von Weizsäcker, Beatrice von Weizsäcker, and Fritz Eckhart von Weizsäcker.