Friedrich Schiller
Friedrich Schiller (1759 - 1805), full name Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller, was a German poet and dramatist, born at Marbach on the Neckar, son of an army-surgeon. He was bred first to law and then to medicine, but took chief interest in philosophy and literature, to the cultivation of which he by-and-by devoted his life. His first work, a play, "The Robbers," which on its publication in 1782 produced quite a ferment, and was followed in 1783 by two tragedies, "Fresco" and "Kabale und Liebe". However, it was with "Don Carlos" in 1787 his mature authorship began, and this was followed by the "History of the Netherlands" and "History of the Thirty Years' War," to be succeeded by "Wallenstein" (1799), "Maria Stuart" (1800), "The Maid of Orleans" (1801), "The Bride of Messina" (1803), and "Wilhelm Tell" (1804). Besides he wrote a number of ballads and lyrics. In 1794, his friendship with Goethe began, and it was a friendship which was grounded on their common love for art, and lasted with life. He was an earnest man and a serious writer, and much beloved by the great Goethe (1759-1805). See Carlyle's "Life of Schiller," and his essay on him in his "Miscellanies."Wisdom & Quotes
- But soon a milder age will follow. An age of truer wisdom. Then the careful state will spare her children.
- I follow my heart for I can trust it.
- World history is the world's verdict.
- A beautiful soul has no other merit than its own existence.
- Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain.
William Pitt