107-503: Lebensphilosophie ( German: [ˈleːbm̩s.filozoˌfiː] ; meaning ' philosophy of life ') was a dominant philosophical movement of German-speaking countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which had developed out of German Romanticism . Lebensphilosophie emphasised the meaning, value and purpose of life as the foremost focus of philosophy. Its central theme was that an understanding of life can only be apprehended by life itself, and from within itself. Drawing on
214-669: A career in industrial chemistry . He took two semesters at Leipzig, during 1891–1892, then one semester at the Technische Hochschule Hannover (now the University of Hannover), during 1892–1893. Klages moved to Munich in 1893, continuing his undergraduate degree at Munich University . The same year, he joined the Chemisches Institut , a laboratory founded at the university by Adolf von Baeyer in 1875. Alongside his studies, he engaged in
321-466: A certain cultural mood that influenced large parts of the intelligentsia . Lebensphilosophie was equated with the popular philosophy that was widespread in the late 18th century, which deliberately distanced itself from school philosophy and, as a philosophy of practical action, was committed to the general dissemination of the ideas of the Enlightenment . Since then, the wisdom of life and
428-400: A certain cultural mood that influenced large parts of the intelligentsia . Lebensphilosophie was equated with the popular philosophy that was widespread in the late 18th century, which deliberately distanced itself from school philosophy and, as a philosophy of practical action, was committed to the general dissemination of the ideas of the Enlightenment . Since then, the wisdom of life and
535-481: A contradiction between two different forces: on the one hand, the reasonable and calm Apollonian force and on the other, the exuberant and wasteful Dionysian force; an contradiction that he also observed present in the classical Greek tragedy . Nietzsche explicitly connected the Dionysian force with Schopenhauer's metaphysical Will. In ancient Greece there was a good balance between both principles. However, this
642-424: A contradiction between two different forces: on the one hand, the reasonable and calm Apollonian force and on the other, the exuberant and wasteful Dionysian force; an contradiction that he also observed present in the classical Greek tragedy . Nietzsche explicitly connected the Dionysian force with Schopenhauer's metaphysical Will. In ancient Greece there was a good balance between both principles. However, this
749-417: A critical stress on norms and conventions. The first elements of a Lebensphilosophie are found in the context of early German Romanticism which conceived existence as a continuous tension of "the finite towards the infinite ", an aspiration that was always disappointed and generated either a withdrawal into oneself and detachment with an attitude of pessimistic renunciation, or on the contrary exaltation of
856-416: A critical stress on norms and conventions. The first elements of a Lebensphilosophie are found in the context of early German Romanticism which conceived existence as a continuous tension of "the finite towards the infinite ", an aspiration that was always disappointed and generated either a withdrawal into oneself and detachment with an attitude of pessimistic renunciation, or on the contrary exaltation of
963-615: A fundamental step, but also insufficiently radical. The Lebensphilosophie movement bore indirect relation to the subjectivist philosophy of vitalism developed by Henri Bergson , which lent importance to immediacy of experience . An early systematic presentation was formulated by the German psychologist Philipp Lersch [ de ] , who, while primarily studying Bergson , Dilthey and Spengler , saw Georg Simmel and Ludwig Klages as Lebensphilosophie's most important representatives. Philosopher Fritz Heinemann considered
1070-559: A fundamental step, but also insufficiently radical. The Lebensphilosophie movement bore indirect relation to the subjectivist philosophy of vitalism developed by Henri Bergson , which lent importance to immediacy of experience . An early systematic presentation was formulated by the German psychologist Philipp Lersch [ de ] , who, while primarily studying Bergson , Dilthey and Spengler , saw Georg Simmel and Ludwig Klages as Lebensphilosophie's most important representatives. Philosopher Fritz Heinemann considered
1177-539: A journal publication owned by Stefan George, who himself had eagerly recognized Klages' talent. In 1896, Klages, Meyer, and Busse founded a new graphological institution, the Deutsche Graphologische Gesellschaft (German Graphological Society). Klages' childhood friendship with Theodor Lessing came to a bitter end in 1899. Both would later write about the depth of their relationship and influence on each other—though many aspects, such as
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#17327879037851284-836: A new Schwabing flat in 1895, he entered into an intense sexual relationship with his landlady's daughter, with the mother's approval; the daughter, whom Klages called 'Putti', was 12 years old, and their relationship continued for almost two decades. During his years in Schwabing, Klages also became romantically involved with novelist Franziska zu Reventlow , which was further alluded to in her 1913 roman à clef Herrn Dames Aufzeichnungen . Both Stefan George and Alfred Schuler , with whom Klages closely associated, were openly homosexual men. Whilst some of Klages' outward statements on homosexuality may be seen as harsh, he maintained an intimate personal and academic admiration for Schuler all throughout his life. Klages, like Friedrich Nietzsche ,
1391-623: A new-found earthly rootedness." After his death, the German philosopher Jürgen Habermas urged that Klages' developments in the fields of anthropology and philosophy of language should not be left veiled behind his enigmatic metaphysics and apocalyptic philosophy of history . Habermas characterized Klages' thought in this regard as ahead of its time. Klages influence was widespread and amongst his great admirers were contemporaries like Jewish thinker Walter Benjamin , philosopher Ernst Cassirer , philologist Walter F. Otto and novelist Hermann Hesse . The novelist Robert Musil satirised Klages as
1498-428: A philosophy based on the concept of the world, which comes from life itself and is aimed at practical life. Other individuals associated with the earliest forms of "Lebensphilosophie" were Johann August Ernesti and Johann Georg Heinrich Feder . At the end of the 18th century, life and world wisdom were fashionable terms in higher social circles. The philosophy of life was less a specific philosophical doctrine than
1605-426: A philosophy based on the concept of the world, which comes from life itself and is aimed at practical life. Other individuals associated with the earliest forms of "Lebensphilosophie" were Johann August Ernesti and Johann Georg Heinrich Feder . At the end of the 18th century, life and world wisdom were fashionable terms in higher social circles. The philosophy of life was less a specific philosophical doctrine than
1712-434: A wish is fulfilled, it immediately becomes unreal and only grief and pain remain. In this way, human life is nothingness, emptiness (vanitas) and vanity, covered by the deceptive veil of Maya. In earthly life, man can only escape this emptiness through abstinence and asceticism , the highest form of which, complete contemplation, can be found in art. Schopenhauer's additional reflections on the practice of life can be found in
1819-434: A wish is fulfilled, it immediately becomes unreal and only grief and pain remain. In this way, human life is nothingness, emptiness (vanitas) and vanity, covered by the deceptive veil of Maya. In earthly life, man can only escape this emptiness through abstinence and asceticism , the highest form of which, complete contemplation, can be found in art. Schopenhauer's additional reflections on the practice of life can be found in
1926-575: Is also seen as a pioneering figure of critique against the Hegelian notion of spirit as adverse to the affirmation of life . Much of Klages' work makes noted use of highly precise philosophical German language as well as occasional esoteric terminology. He created a complete theory of graphology and will be long associated with the concepts of form level, rhythm and bi-polar interpretation. Together with Friedrich Nietzsche and Henri Bergson he anticipated existential phenomenology . He also coined
2033-418: Is contributed to Charles Darwin 's theory of evolution and the effect it had on society ; resulting in an proverbial " biologization " of man and society in which everything began to be interpreted in terms of survival and natural selection (i.e. social Darwinism ). Man was no longer seen as a being that was completely different from animals, but only as one of them, although he was often placed higher on
2140-443: Is instead understood as part of a biocentric distinction between life-affirming and life-denying principles. While often rejected by academic philosophers, it had strong repercussions in the arts. This philosophy pays special attention to life as a whole, which can only be understood from within. The movement can be regarded as a rejection of Kantian abstract philosophy or scientific reductionism of positivism. Inspired by
2247-458: Is never adaptation, conservation, but continuous growth without which the living being dies. The typical attempt of humanity to found its life on certainties, seeking them in religion , science , moral values , causes it to die out, overwhelmed by the proverbial "modern culture". In the field of ancient philosophy , whilst almost all philosophers have sidestepped the question of "how man should live", some had devoted themselves to it entirely. At
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#17327879037852354-458: Is never adaptation, conservation, but continuous growth without which the living being dies. The typical attempt of humanity to found its life on certainties, seeking them in religion , science , moral values , causes it to die out, overwhelmed by the proverbial "modern culture". In the field of ancient philosophy , whilst almost all philosophers have sidestepped the question of "how man should live", some had devoted themselves to it entirely. At
2461-542: Is primarily a "willing" being: he continually desires things, without rational grounds, but only on the basis of emotions and drives. On chapter 46 of The World as Will and Representation , entitled "On the Nothingness and Suffering of Life," Schopenhauer describes man as a suffering and lost individual who only finds salvation through death. Man lives in a constant desire with limitless wishes and inexhaustible demands, so that he can never find happiness and salvation. If
2568-482: Is primarily a "willing" being: he continually desires things, without rational grounds, but only on the basis of emotions and drives. On chapter 46 of The World as Will and Representation , entitled "On the Nothingness and Suffering of Life," Schopenhauer describes man as a suffering and lost individual who only finds salvation through death. Man lives in a constant desire with limitless wishes and inexhaustible demands, so that he can never find happiness and salvation. If
2675-483: Is questionable. Vitality in this sense is instead understood as part of a biocentric distinction between life-affirming and life-denying principles. While often rejected by academic philosophers, it had strong repercussions in the arts. This philosophy pays special attention to life as a whole, which can only be understood from within. The movement can be regarded as a rejection of Kantian abstract philosophy or scientific reductionism of positivism. Inspired by
2782-649: Is similarly seen as a forebear to critical theory , deep ecology , and existential phenomenology . Klages' place in modern psychology has been likened to those of his contemporaries Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung . His philosophy was roundly attacked by Nazi leaders during the height of his career, though his proximity has since fallen to dispute. Though little of his literary output has historically been available in English, Klages' thought has exhibited sweeping influence on German developments in psychology, psychiatry, literature, and various other disciplines. Klages
2889-418: Is therefore in fact only an illusory veil that lies over reality as it really is: in reality the world is nothing other than a World Will that, without any rational principle, continually produces new phenomenal manifestations, such as man, in order to express its own will. The world is therefore anything but rational and benign, and reason is certainly not central. The world is indifferent to man, and man himself
2996-418: Is therefore in fact only an illusory veil that lies over reality as it really is: in reality the world is nothing other than a World Will that, without any rational principle, continually produces new phenomenal manifestations, such as man, in order to express its own will. The world is therefore anything but rational and benign, and reason is certainly not central. The world is indifferent to man, and man himself
3103-621: The European New Right . Addressing the issue of antisemitism, Klages wrote: I have never endorsed the claim that the Nazi big-wigs belonged to a superior race. However, I must also add that I have consistently refused to accept the claim of another such race as the chosen people . The arrogance is identical in both cases, but with this important distinction: after waging war against mankind for more than three thousand years, Judaism has finally achieved total victory over all nations of
3210-737: The Lyceum am Georgsplatz (later called the Kaiser-Wilhelm-und-Ratsgymnasium [ de ] ) in Hannover, when his aunt, Ida Kolster, soon came to live with them to help raise the children, in keeping with the dying mother's request. Klages' early education was marked by a traditional emphasis on the classics and humanities. He quickly developed a strong interest in both prose and poetry writing, as well as in Greek and Germanic antiquity. His relationship with his father
3317-710: The Romantic movement . Romantics such as Novalis emphasized that not only reason, but also the feelings and wills that are more closely related to life, must be taken into account in philosophy. "Philosophy of life contains the science of independent, self-made life, which is in my own power - and belongs to the doctrine of the art of living - or the system of rules for preparing such a life for oneself." In 1794, Immanuel Kant opposed this type of “salon philosophy” in his essay Über den Gemeinspruch: Das mag in der Theorie richtig sein, taugt aber nicht für die Praxis [ de ] . In 1827, Friedrich Schlegel 's lectures on
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3424-653: The Romantic movement . Romantics such as Novalis emphasized that not only reason, but also the feelings and wills that are more closely related to life, must be taken into account in philosophy. "Philosophy of life contains the science of independent, self-made life, which is in my own power - and belongs to the doctrine of the art of living - or the system of rules for preparing such a life for oneself." In 1794, Immanuel Kant opposed this type of “salon philosophy” in his essay Über den Gemeinspruch: Das mag in der Theorie richtig sein, taugt aber nicht für die Praxis [ de ] . In 1827, Friedrich Schlegel 's lectures on
3531-738: The cosmogony of the ancient Greeks , who saw each individual part of the world in pantheist and pagan terms", writes contemporary scholar Paul C. Bishop ; he concludes however, that Klages' religious views in this regard "must remain an open question". Other sources, such as by Josephson-Storm, have more overtly regarded Klages as a neo-pagan . Klages has largely been identified as apolitical , with resemblances to deep ecology in his bioethical stance, feminism in his rejection of Christian patriarchy , and pacifism in his staunch anti-war position on German involvement in World Wars I and II. Despite his opposition to fascist militarism, among
3638-447: The deterministic philosophy of nature as defended by John Stuart Mill and Herbert Spencer . Human experience always involves experiencing a coherence; a coherence that cannot be divided into scientific " atoms " or basic elements . Philosophy of life Lebensphilosophie ( German: [ˈleːbm̩s.filozoˌfiː] ; meaning ' philosophy of life ') was a dominant philosophical movement of German-speaking countries in
3745-439: The deterministic philosophy of nature as defended by John Stuart Mill and Herbert Spencer . Human experience always involves experiencing a coherence; a coherence that cannot be divided into scientific " atoms " or basic elements . Ludwig Klages Friedrich Konrad Eduard Wilhelm Ludwig Klages (10 December 1872 – 29 July 1956) was a German philosopher , psychologist , graphologist , poet, writer, and lecturer, who
3852-498: The human ego to the divide it effectuates between living beings. Central to Klages' thought is a linguistic opposition to logocentrism , a term introduced by Klages to diagnose a fixation on language or words to the detriment of the things to which they refer. His formulation of this concept came to be of significant importance to semiotic studies of Western science and philosophy, namely within Derridean deconstruction . Klages
3959-399: The "interpreting soul" encompasses the full consciousness and not just reason. The interpreting soul, however, includes both the distinguishing, connecting, deductive reason, as well as the pondering, inventing, presaging imagination; it encompasses both forces, standing in the middle between them. But it also forms the turning point of the transition between understanding and will, and, as
4066-431: The "interpreting soul" encompasses the full consciousness and not just reason. The interpreting soul, however, includes both the distinguishing, connecting, deductive reason, as well as the pondering, inventing, presaging imagination; it encompasses both forces, standing in the middle between them. But it also forms the turning point of the transition between understanding and will, and, as the connecting middle link, fills
4173-771: The Lebensphilosophie as an intermediate stage in the transition from the philosophy of spirit to the philosophy of existence . Georg Misch , Dilthey's student and son-in-law, worked out the relationship between the philosophy of Martin Heidegger and Edmund Husserl and the Lebensphilosophie in 1930. Characteristics that regularly recur in the work of Lebensphilosophie thinkers, although not in every writer, can be summarized as follows: Additionally, Lebensphilosophie can be divided into following different schools: The Lebensphilosophie tries to make sense of an continuous and unresolved clash between "the infinite and
4280-641: The Lebensphilosophie as an intermediate stage in the transition from the philosophy of spirit to the philosophy of existence . Georg Misch , Dilthey's student and son-in-law, worked out the relationship between the philosophy of Martin Heidegger and Edmund Husserl and the Lebensphilosophie in 1930. Characteristics that regularly recur in the work of Lebensphilosophie thinkers, although not in every writer, can be summarized as follows: Additionally, Lebensphilosophie can be divided into following different schools: The Lebensphilosophie tries to make sense of an continuous and unresolved clash between "the infinite and
4387-400: The Lebensphilosophie, such as a view of world events as an organic structure and the concepts of the will to power and the eternal return . Nietzsche turned Schopenhauer's concept of the will as the will to live into the formula of the will to power, which dominates all life. Already in his early work The Birth of Tragedy , Nietzsche established that the human condition is determined by
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4494-400: The Lebensphilosophie, such as a view of world events as an organic structure and the concepts of the will to power and the eternal return . Nietzsche turned Schopenhauer's concept of the will as the will to live into the formula of the will to power, which dominates all life. Already in his early work The Birth of Tragedy , Nietzsche established that the human condition is determined by
4601-470: The Lebensphilosophie, which were explicitly directed against the "system philosophers" Kant and Hegel , helped the philosophy of life to gain wider attention. Schlegel viewed the formal concepts of school philosophy, such as logic, as merely preparation, not as philosophy itself. To him, philosophy must mediate between the philosophy of reason and natural science. That it is important to explore "the inner spiritual life, and indeed in all its fullness" and that
4708-470: The Lebensphilosophie, which were explicitly directed against the "system philosophers" Kant and Hegel , helped the philosophy of life to gain wider attention. Schlegel viewed the formal concepts of school philosophy, such as logic, as merely preparation, not as philosophy itself. To him, philosophy must mediate between the philosophy of reason and natural science. That it is important to explore "the inner spiritual life, and indeed in all its fullness" and that
4815-518: The Philosophy of Life from 1772 and Karl Philipp Moritz : Contributions to the Philosophy of Life from 1780 (already in its third edition in 1791). Characteristics of Lebensphilosophie are attributed to verse from Goethe 's Faust ; All theory, dear friend, is gray, but the golden tree of life springs ever green. The Lebensphilosophie found new inspiration in Sturm und Drang movement, as well as
4922-407: The Philosophy of Life from 1772 and Karl Philipp Moritz : Contributions to the Philosophy of Life from 1780 (already in its third edition in 1791). Characteristics of Lebensphilosophie are attributed to verse from Goethe 's Faust ; All theory, dear friend, is gray, but the golden tree of life springs ever green. The Lebensphilosophie found new inspiration in Sturm und Drang movement, as well as
5029-645: The active character of life, contrasting it with the staticity of idealistic perfection of rationalism . Schopenhauer reveals the essential irrationality of living that manifests itself in the will to live ( German : Wille zum Leben ) , the senseless noumenal essence of everything in the world that has the sole purpose of increasing itself. Nietzsche conceives life as a continuous growth and overcoming of those values consolidated over time that would hypocritically try to normalize existence in current morality. Life, in Nietzsche's thought, contrary to Darwinism ,
5136-588: The active character of life, contrasting it with the staticity of idealistic perfection of rationalism . Schopenhauer reveals the essential irrationality of living that manifests itself in the will to live ( German : Wille zum Leben ) , the senseless noumenal essence of everything in the world that has the sole purpose of increasing itself. Nietzsche conceives life as a continuous growth and overcoming of those values consolidated over time that would hypocritically try to normalize existence in current morality. Life, in Nietzsche's thought, contrary to Darwinism ,
5243-470: The aphorisms on the Parerga and Paralipomena . The thought of Friedrich Nietzsche is also considered a forerunner of the Lebensphilosophie. Nietzsche was a follower of Schopenhauer's philosophy and was known for expressing his skepticism towards reason, science, culture and the modern ideal of the search for truth. Throughout his work, Nietzsche developed ideas that are considered to be inspiration for
5350-416: The aphorisms on the Parerga and Paralipomena . The thought of Friedrich Nietzsche is also considered a forerunner of the Lebensphilosophie. Nietzsche was a follower of Schopenhauer's philosophy and was known for expressing his skepticism towards reason, science, culture and the modern ideal of the search for truth. Throughout his work, Nietzsche developed ideas that are considered to be inspiration for
5457-564: The character Meingast in The Man Without Qualities . Although the portrayal is a parody, influences from Klages' theories can be found throughout the novel's treatment of image and eros. In uniting his philosophy and personal preferences, Klages generally opposed sexuality as a formal concept. Even during the heyday of sexual and bohemian rebellion, Herf writes, "Klages struck most observers as strikingly clean and honourable in erotic matters." When Klages moved into
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#17327879037855564-404: The connecting middle link, fills the gap that lies between the two and separates them. It was not until the second half of the 19th century until Lebensphilosophie could be tangibly identified as a real movement. It nevertheless contained many of the ideas that were already present in the predecessors, but radicalized and extrapolated them and developed them into a fully-fledged philosophy through
5671-548: The critique of rationalism in the works of Arthur Schopenhauer , Søren Kierkegaard , and Friedrich Nietzsche , Lebensphilosophie emerged in 19th-century Germany as a reaction to the Age of Enlightenment , rise of positivism and the theoretical focus prominent in much of post-Kantian philosophy. As such, Lebensphilosophie is defined as form of irrationalism , as well as a form of Counter-Enlightenment . Twentieth-century forms of Lebensphilosophie can be identified with
5778-494: The critique of rationalism in the works of Arthur Schopenhauer , Søren Kierkegaard , and Friedrich Nietzsche , Lebensphilosophie emerged in 19th-century Germany as a reaction to the Age of Enlightenment , rise of positivism and the theoretical focus prominent in much of post-Kantian philosophy. As such, Lebensphilosophie is defined as form of irrationalism , as well as a form of Counter-Enlightenment . Twentieth-century forms of Lebensphilosophie can be identified with
5885-498: The critiques of epistemology offered by Schopenhauer and Nietzsche , notable ideas of the movement have been seen as precursors to both Husserlian phenomenology and Heideggerian existential phenomenology . Lebensphilosophie criticised both mechanistic and materialist approaches to science and philosophy and as such has also been referred to as the German vitalist movement , though its relationship to biological vitalism
5992-583: The cultural scene in Schwabing , the Bohemian district of Munich. In 1894, Klages met poet and sculptor Hans Busse, who had recently founded the Institut für wissenschaftliche Graphologie (Institute for Scientific Graphology). Handwriting analysis, or graphology , was at that time a more reputable discipline than now; Busse was sought on occasion to give expert testimony in court cases, and his passion for
6099-472: The effect race had on their friendship, remain unclear. In 1900, Klages received his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Munich ; since chemistry had seven years earlier moved from the medical faculty, Klages received his qualification as a philosophy doctorate ( PhD ) rather than a medical doctorate (MD). Klage published his thesis Attempt at a Synthesis of Menthone in 1901. In 1914 at
6206-456: The efforts of a noted thinkers. Lebensphilosophie's emergence is contributed to Charles Darwin 's theory of evolution and the effect it had on society ; resulting in an proverbial " biologization " of man and society in which everything began to be interpreted in terms of survival and natural selection (i.e. social Darwinism ). Man was no longer seen as a being that was completely different from animals, but only as one of them, although he
6313-415: The evolutionary ladder. This opened the door to the Lebensphilosophie, which had to expand this tendency and extend it to all areas of reality. The other factor that paved the way for Lebensphilosophie was the situation at German universities in the second half of the 19th century. The German government then decided to impose strict censorship on German universities. However, this also affected philosophy, in
6420-472: The finite", that is shown in the incessant fading of living beings. The questions that the Lebensphilosophie poses find a first answer in the fifteen lectures held in 1827 in Vienna by Friedrich Schlegel who sees the nucleus of divine revelation in the highlighting of the infinite in the finite of man. Referring to this romantic vision, both Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, with completely different results, exalt
6527-419: The finite", that is shown in the incessant fading of living beings. The questions that the Lebensphilosophie poses find a first answer in the fifteen lectures held in 1827 in Vienna by Friedrich Schlegel who sees the nucleus of divine revelation in the highlighting of the infinite in the finite of man. Referring to this romantic vision, both Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, with completely different results, exalt
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#17327879037856634-408: The first approaches to formalizing Lebensphilosophie, when he no longer placed reason , but will - thusly actual life - at the centre of his thinking. Seeing that the will is the primary basis of ideas, which is a blind, unstoppable urge that encompasses all of nature. Reason and knowledge are dependent on it and are an expression of the will, with the entire life force of the world being reflected in
6741-408: The first approaches to formalizing Lebensphilosophie, when he no longer placed reason , but will - thusly actual life - at the centre of his thinking. Seeing that the will is the primary basis of ideas, which is a blind, unstoppable urge that encompasses all of nature. Reason and knowledge are dependent on it and are an expression of the will, with the entire life force of the world being reflected in
6848-435: The gap that lies between the two and separates them. It was not until the second half of the 19th century until Lebensphilosophie could be tangibly identified as a real movement. It nevertheless contained many of the ideas that were already present in the predecessors, but radicalized and extrapolated them and developed them into a fully-fledged philosophy through the efforts of a noted thinkers. Lebensphilosophie's emergence
6955-451: The highest form of life, but according to Nietzsche this is only a denial of the creative and dynamic power that life possesses. In his work, Twilight of the Idols , Nietzsche states that: Saying yes to life even in its strangest and hardest problems; the will to live, finding joy in the sacrifice of its highest types of its own inexhaustibility - I called that Dionysian, I guessed that
7062-399: The highest form of life, but according to Nietzsche this is only a denial of the creative and dynamic power that life possesses. In his work, Twilight of the Idols , Nietzsche states that: Saying yes to life even in its strangest and hardest problems; the will to live, finding joy in the sacrifice of its highest types of its own inexhaustibility - I called that Dionysian, I guessed that
7169-473: The influence of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, the early modern form of Lebensphilosophie emerged in Germany near the end of the 19th century . The initial movement was known as " historicism ", which was primarily presented by Wilhelm Dilthey , Rudolf Eucken and Georg Simmel . One noted progenitor was Wilhelm Dilthey , in whose works the notion of "life" or "human experience" is central. He strongly opposed
7276-418: The influence of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, the early modern form of Lebensphilosophie emerged in Germany near the end of the 19th century . The initial movement was known as " historicism ", which was primarily presented by Wilhelm Dilthey , Rudolf Eucken and Georg Simmel . One noted progenitor was Wilhelm Dilthey , in whose works the notion of "life" or "human experience" is central. He strongly opposed
7383-474: The instinctive spirit or vital impulse of the human being, a struggle for existence or a religious acceptance of the destiny of man entrusted to divine providence . Wilhelm Dilthey was the first to seek to account for a "pre-theoretical cohesion of living", by taking the phenomenological turn and relying on the historical experience of life, by highlighting relationships specific to life (Lebensbezüge), that Martin Heidegger would later considered both as
7490-473: The instinctive spirit or vital impulse of the human being, a struggle for existence or a religious acceptance of the destiny of man entrusted to divine providence . Wilhelm Dilthey was the first to seek to account for a "pre-theoretical cohesion of living", by taking the phenomenological turn and relying on the historical experience of life, by highlighting relationships specific to life (Lebensbezüge), that Martin Heidegger would later considered both as
7597-424: The late 19th and early 20th centuries, which had developed out of German Romanticism . Lebensphilosophie emphasised the meaning, value and purpose of life as the foremost focus of philosophy. Its central theme was that an understanding of life can only be apprehended by life itself, and from within itself. Drawing on the critiques of epistemology offered by Schopenhauer and Nietzsche , notable ideas of
7704-549: The latter was forced to close in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I . In 1915, Klages moved to neutral Switzerland , where over the following decades much of his mature philosophical works were written. Klages died in 1956. Klages was a central figure of characterological psychology and the Lebensphilosophie school of thought. Prominent elements of his philosophy include: the opposition between life-affirming Seele and life-denying Geist ; reality as
7811-401: The loss of any kind of transcendental orientation, and the idea of eternal return can serve as a new guideline for life: the person should live in such a way that they would want it to return again and again. There was also the concept of " will to power ": man, life, and even all of reality does not strive for things like "the good" or "the truth", but rather only for more power. Largely due to
7918-401: The loss of any kind of transcendental orientation, and the idea of eternal return can serve as a new guideline for life: the person should live in such a way that they would want it to return again and again. There was also the concept of " will to power ": man, life, and even all of reality does not strive for things like "the good" or "the truth", but rather only for more power. Largely due to
8025-546: The most common charges against Klages is the misconception that he sympathised with Nazism . Attempts have been made to dismiss Klages on these grounds for his inclusion of antisemitic remarks, while under the rule of the Third Reich , in the foreword to a 1940 publication of the late Alfred Schuler 's Nachlass . Klages is also sometimes placed among thinkers of the Conservative Revolution . Klages
8132-400: The movement have been seen as precursors to both Husserlian phenomenology and Heideggerian existential phenomenology . Lebensphilosophie criticised both mechanistic and materialist approaches to science and philosophy and as such has also been referred to as the German vitalist movement , though its relationship to biological vitalism is questionable. Vitality in this sense
8239-451: The new government, particularly on his 80th birthday in 1952. Klages' thought is often seen as the link between Friedrich Nietzsche and much of contemporary continental philosophy , with even Klages once regarding his as "the most plundered" body of work of the present age. Jürgen Habermas , who regarded Klages as well ahead of his time, describes his philosophy as "anti-spiritual" ( German : geistfeindlichen ). In this regard, Klages
8346-409: The on-going creation and interpretation of sensory images, rather than feelings ; a biocentric ethics in response to modern ecological issues and militarism ; an affirmation of eroticism in critique of both Christian patriarchy and the notion of the " sexual "; a theory of psychology focused on expression , including handwriting analysis ; and a science of character aimed at reconciling
8453-457: The outbreak of war Klages moved to Switzerland and supported himself with his writing and income from lectures. He returned to Germany in the 1920s and in 1932 was awarded the Goethe medal for Art and Science. However, by 1936 he was under attack from Nazi authorities for lack of support and on his 70th birthday in 1942 was denounced by many newspapers in Germany. After the war he was honoured by
8560-464: The prime examples of this. The thinking of these precursors of the Lebensphilosophie reached the public through their writings, which are notable for their absence of philosophical jargon and were distributed outside of academic circuits. Thirdly, the political factor is also important, namely in political defeats, had their repercussions in philosophy. Lebensphilosophie precursor Arthur Schopenhauer 's 1818 work The World as Will and Representation ,
8667-462: The prime examples of this. The thinking of these precursors of the Lebensphilosophie reached the public through their writings, which are notable for their absence of philosophical jargon and were distributed outside of academic circuits. Thirdly, the political factor is also important, namely in political defeats, had their repercussions in philosophy. Lebensphilosophie precursor Arthur Schopenhauer 's 1818 work The World as Will and Representation ,
8774-448: The rise of National Socialism . Friedrich Nietzsche , Wilhelm Dilthey and Henri Bergson are considered to be the founders of Lebensphilosophie, with Max Scheler writing the first overview of the Lebensphilosophie in 1913, in which he pointed out the similarities between Nietzsche, Dilthey and Bergson. The main precursor and source of inspiration for the Lebensphilosophie was the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer . He made
8881-444: The rise of National Socialism . Friedrich Nietzsche , Wilhelm Dilthey and Henri Bergson are considered to be the founders of Lebensphilosophie, with Max Scheler writing the first overview of the Lebensphilosophie in 1913, in which he pointed out the similarities between Nietzsche, Dilthey and Bergson. The main precursor and source of inspiration for the Lebensphilosophie was the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer . He made
8988-496: The sense that only the philosophy accepted by the state was allowed to be disseminated and philosophy was limited to epistemology and logic . However, the German public also needed another philosophy, an ethics or metaphysics, a philosophy that could be a guideline for life. In order to fill this void, a group of philosophers emerged in Germany who developed their own philosophy independently of academic thinking. Philosophers such as Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche are
9095-496: The sense that only the philosophy accepted by the state was allowed to be disseminated and philosophy was limited to epistemology and logic . However, the German public also needed another philosophy, an ethics or metaphysics, a philosophy that could be a guideline for life. In order to fill this void, a group of philosophers emerged in Germany who developed their own philosophy independently of academic thinking. Philosophers such as Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche are
9202-485: The subject drew Klages to him. Others figures who entered Klages life at this time include psychiatrist Georg Meyer, poet Stefan George , classicist Alfred Schuler , and novelist Franziska zu Reventlow . After graduating, Klages continued his work as a research chemist and began preparing his doctoral thesis under Alfred Einhorn . Klages' writings in both prose and poetry began appearing in Blätter für die Kunst ,
9309-513: The term logocentrism in the 1920s. As a philosopher, Klages took the Nietzschean premises of Lebensphilosophie "to their most extreme conclusions." He drew a distinction between life-affirming Seele (soul) and life-destroying Geist (spirit or intellect). Geist represented the forces of "modern, industrial, and intellectual rationalization", while Seele represented the possibility of overcoming "alienated intellectuality in favor of
9416-481: The time, most philosophers and schools of thought focused almost exclusively on ethics and the good spirit . For one, Socrates had assumed " know thyself " as a maxim , and said that " the unexamined life is not worth living ", which forms one of the cornerstones of Lebensphilosophie thought. The roots for what would become Lebensphilosophie go back to the distinction made by Immanuel Kant , with regard to Christian Wolff ; between theoretical school philosophy and
9523-480: The time, most philosophers and schools of thought focused almost exclusively on ethics and the good spirit . For one, Socrates had assumed " know thyself " as a maxim , and said that " the unexamined life is not worth living ", which forms one of the cornerstones of Lebensphilosophie thought. The roots for what would become Lebensphilosophie go back to the distinction made by Immanuel Kant , with regard to Christian Wolff ; between theoretical school philosophy and
9630-658: The will. Since the will, the thing in itself, the inner content is the essence of the world; life, the visible world, the appearance, is only the mirror of the will; this will accompany the will as inseparably as its shadow accompanies the body: and if there is will, life, the world will also exist. The will to live is therefore certain of life. His philosophy is largely set out in his 1818 work The World as Will and Representation . In it, Schopenhauer voiced his criticism towards idealistic philosophers - such as Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Hegel - whom he accused of placing too much emphasis on reason and intellect. Schopenhauer himself
9737-657: The will. Since the will, the thing in itself, the inner content is the essence of the world; life, the visible world, the appearance, is only the mirror of the will; this will accompany the will as inseparably as its shadow accompanies the body: and if there is will, life, the world will also exist. The will to live is therefore certain of life. His philosophy is largely set out in his 1818 work The World as Will and Representation . In it, Schopenhauer voiced his criticism towards idealistic philosophers - such as Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Hegel - whom he accused of placing too much emphasis on reason and intellect. Schopenhauer himself
9844-473: The world has often been presented in aphorisms , for example by Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi in the Ffliegen Blätter: "Philosophy is an inner life. A philosophical life is a concentrated life. Through true philosophy the soul becomes still, and ultimately devout." In terms of the history of the concept, the first works to be recorded are those of Gottlob Benedict von Schirach : On Human Beauty and
9951-404: The world has often been presented in aphorisms , for example by Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi in the Ffliegen Blätter: "Philosophy is an inner life. A philosophical life is a concentrated life. Through true philosophy the soul becomes still, and ultimately devout." In terms of the history of the concept, the first works to be recorded are those of Gottlob Benedict von Schirach : On Human Beauty and
10058-466: Was a follower of Kant and retained his distinction between the "thing as we see it" and the " Thing-in-itself ". That the reality in itself is unknowable and is inaccessible to our senses. Schopenhauer, however, also states that there is another way to know the "Thing-in-itself": if one looks into oneself, one experiences that man is nothing more than the expression of an all-encompassing Will that lies hidden behind all phenomena. Reality as we experience it
10165-466: Was a follower of Kant and retained his distinction between the "thing as we see it" and the " Thing-in-itself ". That the reality in itself is unknowable and is inaccessible to our senses. Schopenhauer, however, also states that there is another way to know the "Thing-in-itself": if one looks into oneself, one experiences that man is nothing more than the expression of an all-encompassing Will that lies hidden behind all phenomena. Reality as we experience it
10272-691: Was a two-time nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature . In the Germanosphere , he is considered one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century. He began his career as a research chemist according to his family's wishes, though soon returned to his passions for poetry, philosophy and classical studies . He held a post at the University of Munich , where in 1905 he founded the Psychodiagnostisches Seminar ;
10379-490: Was born on 10 December 1872, in Hannover, Germany , the son of Friedrich Ferdinand Louis Klages, a businessman and former military officer, and wife Marie Helene née Kolster. In 1878, his sister Helene Klages was born and the two shared a strong bond throughout their lives. In 1882, when Klages was nine years old, his mother died. The death is thought to have been the result of pneumonia. Klages had begun attending school at
10486-535: Was critical of Christianity as well as what they both saw as its roots in Judaism . Some of his earlier statements on Judaism in this regard may be seen as only veiled attacks on Christianity , drawing further similarities to Nietzsche and Voltaire . "On one level, it is possible to see in Klages a call for a return to polytheism or pantheism , inasmuch [as] there are significant affinities between his outlook and
10593-470: Was disturbed by the ancient philosophy of Socrates and Plato . They rejected the Dionysian side of life and focused only on the Apollonian side, a shift that can be found throughout the history of Western philosophy . Nietzsche also called for getting rid of the too rationalistic side of life because it mainly results in a denial of life itself. Traditional philosophers praise the ascetic life as
10700-410: Was disturbed by the ancient philosophy of Socrates and Plato . They rejected the Dionysian side of life and focused only on the Apollonian side, a shift that can be found throughout the history of Western philosophy . Nietzsche also called for getting rid of the too rationalistic side of life because it mainly results in a denial of life itself. Traditional philosophers praise the ascetic life as
10807-630: Was however, as Bishop states, "not a fundamentally anti-semitic thinker, not a right-wing philosopher, and not a Nazi." Earlier publishings by scholars Lebovic, Stauth, and Turner regard Klages as antisemitic. Likewise, historian Josephson-Storm states "As an American Jew who lost extended family in the Shoah , I personally find this the most disgusting and odious part of Klages's oeuvre." Bishop further states that such views on Klages can be traced back to polemical interpretations forwarded by Jewish thinkers Ernst Bloch and Georg Lukács , and later embraced by
10914-425: Was not a success upon its release, but found its audience following the failure of the German revolutions of 1848–1849 and the subsequent mood of the country. Indeed, under these circumstances did Friedrich Nietzsche discover Schopenhauer's work and inspire him. Additionally, the German defeat during First World War led to a revival of the so-called German Lebensphilosophie, which in turn also had its influence on
11021-424: Was not a success upon its release, but found its audience following the failure of the German revolutions of 1848–1849 and the subsequent mood of the country. Indeed, under these circumstances did Friedrich Nietzsche discover Schopenhauer's work and inspire him. Additionally, the German defeat during First World War led to a revival of the so-called German Lebensphilosophie, which in turn also had its influence on
11128-445: Was often placed higher on the evolutionary ladder. This opened the door to the Lebensphilosophie, which had to expand this tendency and extend it to all areas of reality. The other factor that paved the way for Lebensphilosophie was the situation at German universities in the second half of the 19th century. The German government then decided to impose strict censorship on German universities. However, this also affected philosophy, in
11235-699: Was strained by the latter's strictness and will to discipline him. Nevertheless, attempts to forbid Klages from writing poetry were unsuccessful by both his teachers and parents. Klages developed an intense childhood friendship with classmate Theodor Lessing , with whom he shared many passionate interests. Klages fought to maintain their friendship in spite of his father's antisemitism . According to Lessing, "Ludwig's father did not view his son's fraternization with ' Juden ' as acceptable." In 1891, Klages completed his Abitur -level schooling and continued to Leipzig University , where he began his studies in physics and chemistry. His father had instructed him to pursue
11342-404: Was the bridge to the psychology of the tragic poet. Nietzsche also determined that there is no transcendental world to mirror ourselves in or to direct ourselves towards (after death); there is only this world and this life. All this is reflected in his well-known propositions such as " God is dead " and the " eternal recurrence " from his 1882 work, The Gay Science . The death of God implied
11449-404: Was the bridge to the psychology of the tragic poet. Nietzsche also determined that there is no transcendental world to mirror ourselves in or to direct ourselves towards (after death); there is only this world and this life. All this is reflected in his well-known propositions such as " God is dead " and the " eternal recurrence " from his 1882 work, The Gay Science . The death of God implied
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