Friedrich Von Schlegel Quotes

A collection of quotes by Friedrich Von Schlegel.

Friedrich Von Schlegel was a German philosopher, literary critic, and poet born on March 10, 1772. He was one of the key figures of German Romanticism, known for his extensive contributions to literature, aesthetics, and philosophy. Von Schlegel's work emphasized the importance of individuality, subjectivity, and the connection between art and life. He is particularly remembered for his ideas on irony and for coining the term "romantic" to describe a literary movement. Von Schlegel's writings had a profound influence on German intellectual thought and played a significant role in shaping European Romanticism. He passed away on January 12, 1829.

The innermost meaning of sacrifice is the annihilation of th

The innermost meaning of sacrifice is the annihilation of the finite just because it is finite. In order to demonstrate that this is the only purpose, the most noble and beautiful must be chosen; above all, man, the fulfillment of the earth. Human sacrifices are the most natural sacrifices. Man, however, is more than the fulfillment of the earth; he is reasonable, and reason is free and nothing but an eternal self-determination toward the infinite. Thus man can sacrifice only himself, and that is what he does in the omnipresent sanctissimum of which the masses are not aware. All artists are self-sacrificing human beings, and to become an artist is nothing but to devote oneself to the subterranean gods. The meaning of divine creation is primarily revealed in the enthusiasm of annihilation. Only in the throes of death is the spark of eternal life ignited.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

Every uneducated person is a caricature of himself.

Every uneducated person is a caricature of himself.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

Virtue is reason which has become energy.

Virtue is reason which has become energy.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

Good drama must be drastic.

Good drama must be drastic.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

A critic is a reader who ruminates. Thus, he should have mor

A critic is a reader who ruminates. Thus, he should have more than one stomach.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

Genius is, to be sure, not a matter of arbitrariness, but ra

Genius is, to be sure, not a matter of arbitrariness, but rather of freedom, just as wit, love, and faith, which once shall become arts and disciplines. We should demand genius from everybody, without, however, expecting it.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

An aphorism ought to be entirely isolated from the surroundi

An aphorism ought to be entirely isolated from the surrounding world like a little work of art and complete in itself like a hedgehog.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

Proverbial Wisdom

In actual life every great enterprise begins with and takes

In actual life every great enterprise begins with and takes its first forward step in faith.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

What is called good society is usually nothing but a mosaic

What is called good society is usually nothing but a mosaic of polished caricatures.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

Prudishness is pretense of innocence without innocence. Wome

Prudishness is pretense of innocence without innocence. Women have to remain prudish as long as men are sentimental, dense, and evil enough to demand of them eternal innocence and lack of education. For innocence is the only thing which can ennoble lack of education.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

It is peculiar to mankind to transcend mankind.

It is peculiar to mankind to transcend mankind.

Friedrich Von Schlegel

Irony is the form of paradox. Paradox is what is good and gr

Irony is the form of paradox. Paradox is what is good and great at the same time.

Friedrich Von Schlegel