Stefan Zweig

Date of Birth: November 28, 1881

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: February 22, 1942

Biography

Stefan Zweig was an Austrian writer born on November 28, 1881, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary. He was a prolific novelist, playwright, journalist, and biographer, known for his novels and novellas as well as his biographies of notable historical figures. Zweig came from a wealthy Jewish family, which allowed him to pursue his passion for writing and culture from an early age. He studied philosophy at the University of Vienna and earned his doctorate in 1904. Zweig’s early works were largely influenced by his travels across Europe, where he met and interacted with other literary figures. He became well-known for his psychological insight and his ability to capture the inner lives of his characters. Some of his most famous works include “The Royal Game,” “Beware of Pity,” and “Letter from an Unknown Woman.” His biographies of figures such as Marie Antoinette, Mary Stuart, and Erasmus were also highly acclaimed. With the rise of the Nazi regime in the 1930s, Zweig, who was Jewish, faced increasing persecution. He left Austria in 1934 and eventually settled in Brazil with his second wife, Lotte Altmann. Despite his success, Zweig struggled with feelings of despair over the state of the world and the destruction of European culture. Tragically, he and Lotte died by suicide on February 22, 1942, in Petrópolis, Brazil.

5 Interesting Facts about Stefan Zweig

1. Stefan Zweig was fluent in several languages, including German, French, English, and Italian.

2. He was a close friend of Sigmund Freud and was influenced by Freud’s work on psychoanalysis.

3. Zweig’s works were banned and burned by the Nazis due to his Jewish heritage and anti-war stance.

4. His novella “The Royal Game” (also known as “Chess Story”) was written during his exile in Brazil and is considered one of his masterpieces.

5. Zweig’s memoir, “The World of Yesterday,” provides a poignant account of the cultural and social changes in Europe during his lifetime.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Stefan Zweig

1. “The life of a man is only a succession of misunderstandings, leading to the final truth.”

2. “Every wave of the sea has a different light, just as the beauty of the beloved woman has a different beauty in a different light of day.”

3. “In history, the moments during which reason and reconciliation prevail are short and fleeting.”

4. “One must be convinced to convince, to have enthusiasm to stimulate the others.”

5. “Freedom is always and exclusively freedom for the one who thinks differently.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Stefan Zweig’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but he was known to come from a wealthy background and was financially comfortable throughout his life due to the success of his literary works.