1. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer, scientist, and statesman whose works and ideas influenced not just the culture of Germany but also the rest of Europe and transcend time to modern day.
2. Born in Frankfurt in 1749, Goethe early on expressed a passionate interest in literature, language and philosophy, which his father supported as Goethe began his formal education.
3. As a precocious youngster, Goethe sometimes wrote and produced plays for the happy amusement of himself and his schoolmates.
4. Even in his early education, Goethe was a fast learner. In fact, some have called him a genius since he easily excelled in a variety of studies, including literature, history and mathematics.
5. During his travels as a young man, Goethe met many well-known writers, including Johann Jakob Engel, Johann Winckelmann, Christian Fürchtegott Gellert and Jean Paul. Goethe threw himself into these experiences with gusto, exchanging ideas and opinions and deeply studying the works of other well-known artists.
6. Goethe fondly referred to the intellectual stimulation he found during these journeys as his Goethe Zeit (Goethe period).
7. In 1775, Goethe became the director of the theater group in Weimar, where he served as one of the leading figures in the literary and social world. During this time, he wrote more plays and created poems and works of art on the side.
8. In 1790, Goethe wrote the first part of Faust, his most famous work. This play became a cornerstone of European literature, expressing the human experience with good and evil in a dramatic tale of temptation and redemption.
9. Goethe was also a leader in the development of the philosophy known as Goetheanism (Goetheanism). This school of thought emphasized the need to experience lifes wonders holistically, connecting individuals to their environment and seeing the big picture of the world.
10. In the 19th century, Goethe was respected highly enough to be called Germanys greatest man by many people. His works and ideas continue to be felt throughout Europe and beyond to this very day.
