Johann Gottfried Von Herder Quotes

A collection of quotes by Johann Gottfried Von Herder.

Johann Gottfried von Herder, born on August 25, 1744, in Mohrungen, East Prussia (now Poland), was a German philosopher, theologian, and literary critic. He played a significant role in shaping the fields of anthropology, philosophy of history, and aesthetics during the Enlightenment era.

Herder began his education in theology but soon developed a passion for philosophy and literature. He became a prominent figure of the Sturm und Drang movement, which emphasized individual expression and emotional intensity in art and literature. Herder's work, "Fragments on Recent German Literature" (1767), established him as a leading literary critic.

Throughout his career, Herder focused on the importance of culture and language in shaping individual and collective identities. He believed that each culture possessed unique values and qualities that should be celebrated and preserved. His ideas greatly influenced the development of German Romanticism and nationalism.

Herder's notable works include "On the Origin of Language" (1772), "Ideas Towards the Philosophy of the History of Mankind" (1784-1791), and "Critical Forests" (1769-1777). In these writings, he explored topics such as the nature of language, the development of human society, and the role of arts in culture.

Johann Gottfried von Herder died on December 18, 1803, in Weimar, Germany. His contributions to philosophy, literature, and cultural studies continue to influence scholars and thinkers to this day.