Johann Georg Hamann (1730–88) was a German Protestant philosopher, fideist, and a close friend of Immanuel Kant. He pioneered the Sturm und Drang movement, which embodied the anti-rationalistic and anti-Enlightenment spirit in German culture. Hamann’s skepticism towards reason led him to conclude that childlike faith in God was the only solution to the perplexing philosophical problems.
Born in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia,) Hamann developed a friendship with Immanuel Kant. Hamann primarily educated himself and had a varied early career, working as a private tutor, merchant, commercial traveler, and secretary. Eventually, he found employment in the excise office and customs house 1767–84.
From 1784 onward, Hamann enjoyed a more comfortable income through private patronage. His writings aimed to reconcile Christianity and philosophy, and his impatience and distrust of rationalism and abstract thinking led him to emphasize the importance of faith. He developed an original form of fideism, viewing truth as a necessary unity of reason, faith, and experience. His primary focus was on reconciling philosophy with Christianity.
The edition of Hamann’s writings by Josef Nadler, a literary historian at the University of Vienna, titled Johann Georg Hamann: Werke (6 vol., 1949–57,) played a significant role in renewing interest in Hamann. Additionally, the rise of Christian existentialism contributed to a greater appreciation of his influence on German literature, religious thought, and renowned philosophers such as Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and Søren Kierkegaard.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Johann Georg Hamann
The weakness of ourselves and of our reason makes us see flaws in beauties by making us consider everything piece by piece.
—Johann Georg Hamann
The thirst for vengeance was the beautiful nature which Homer imitated.
—Johann Georg Hamann
Topics: Vengeance
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