Leo Strauss Quotes

A collection of quotes by Leo Strauss.

Leo Strauss (1899-1973) was a German-American political philosopher known for his influential contributions to the field of political theory. Born into a Jewish family in Hesse, Germany, Strauss served in the German army during World War I and later studied at the University of Marburg, where he was introduced to the works of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger.

In 1932, Strauss immigrated to the United States to escape the rise of Nazism in Germany. He settled in New York and eventually became a professor at the New School for Social Research and later at the University of Chicago. Strauss established himself as a leading figure in the field of political philosophy, attracting numerous students who would go on to become influential scholars in their own right.

Strauss's work focused on a critical examination of the philosophical and political traditions of Western civilization. He emphasized the importance of studying great texts from ancient to modern times, seeking to reveal their hidden meanings and challenges to contemporary liberal thought. Strauss provoked debate with his interpretations of classic texts, questioning prevailing interpretations and proposing alternative readings that emphasized the tension between individual freedom and the requirements of a just society.

Although some criticized Strauss's ideas as elitist and obscure, his ideas have had a lasting impact on academic discourse. His disciples, often referred to as "Straussians," continue to engage with and interpret his ideas, exploring fundamental questions about human nature, political philosophy, and the nature of society.