The Philosophy of Life and Language (ePub)

Friedrich von Schlegel (1772-1829) was a notable German philosopher, critic, and poet who played a significant role during the Jena Romanticism movement. With a broad spectrum of intellectual interests ranging from literature and philosophy to linguistics and Oriental studies, Schlegel's work influenced early German Romanticism profoundly. Particularly, his contributions to the development of literary theory and hermeneutics are well recognized. His seminal work "The Philosophy of Life and Language" demonstrates his complex engagement with the intricate connections between linguistic structures and life itself, underscoring the philosophical underpinnings of human communication and expression. Schlegel's literary style is characterized by its fragmentary nature, a hallmark of his approach to capturing the ineffable and evolving nature of philosophical thought. His other influential works such as "Lucinde" and the essays collected in "Athenaeum" showcase the breadth of his literary and critical talents, from novelistic experiments to incisive essays on art and culture. Beyond his own writings, Schlegel also played a critical role in promoting the works of other literary giants of his time, such as Goethe and Shakespeare. His endeavors in translating Shakespeare into German particularly attest to his commitment to intercultural dialogue and his belief in the universality of literary genius.