Ludvig Holberg
Ludvig Holberg: The Father of Danish Literature
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ludvig Holberg was born as Hans Ludvig Harboe on December 3, 1684, in Bergen, Norway. He is commonly known by his pen name, Ludvig Holberg.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: December 3, 1684, in Bergen, Norway
Died: January 28, 1754, in Copenhagen, Denmark
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Holberg was a Norwegian-Danish philosopher, historian, playwright, and poet. He is considered one of the most important figures in Danish literature.
Early Life and Background
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Ludvig Holberg was born into a family of merchants. His early life was marked by turmoil, as his father died when he was just two years old. Despite these challenges, Holberg's mother ensured that he received an excellent education at the University of Copenhagen. He went on to study law and philosophy but soon became disillusioned with the strictures of academia.
Major Accomplishments
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Holberg is credited with several significant accomplishments:
He founded the Royal Danish Theatre in 1748, which helped establish a national theatre tradition in Denmark.
As a playwright, he wrote numerous comedies that critiqued societal norms and conventions. His plays often featured clever wordplay, witty satire, and strong social commentary.
Holberg was also an accomplished historian, writing several influential works on the history of Europe during the Middle Ages.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Ludvig Holberg's most notable works include:
The Jesters (1731), a play that satirizes the excesses of the Catholic Church.
The Political Tinkerer (1724), a comedy that critiques the politics of his time.
The Comical History of Denmark (1750-1752), a three-volume work that chronicled the history of Denmark from 1648 to 1739.
Impact and Legacy
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Ludvig Holberg's impact on Danish literature cannot be overstated. He is considered one of the founders of modern Danish drama, paving the way for future generations of playwrights. His satirical works continue to be performed today, offering a unique insight into the social and cultural norms of 18th-century Europe.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ludvig Holberg's quotes are often cited because they offer a unique perspective on human nature, society, and politics. His writings are characterized by their wit, satire, and clever wordplay, making him one of the most quoted figures in Danish literature.
Holberg's legacy extends far beyond his literary contributions. He played a significant role in shaping Denmark's cultural identity and establishing its national theatre tradition. His impact can be seen in the works of countless writers, poets, and playwrights who followed in his footsteps.
Today, Ludvig Holberg is remembered as one of the most important figures in Danish literature. His quotes continue to inspire readers around the world with their wit, wisdom, and insight into human nature.
Quotes by Ludvig Holberg
Ludvig Holberg's insights on:
Det er jo ingen Philosophie at skabe sig til et Dyr, for at være meer end et Menneske.
Det er med Agerdyrknings Videnskab ligesom med Philosophie: Nogle legge Vind paa Hoved-Ting, og lære noget; andre fordybe sig udi Transcendentalske Sager, forvilde alting, og vide intet.
Thi, endskiønt en Ting kand være den samme, saa foraarsager dog Maaden, paa hvilken den skeer, at den ikke bliver den samme. Derpaa grunde sig de mange Inventioner man haver udi Byrders Paaleg, og de mange Navne man setter paa Skatte; hvilke mange ansee, som idel Pedanterie, da dog derudi er en stor Politiqve, saasom Erfarenhed viser, at de fleeste Mennesker ville tracteres som smaa Børn, og at man uden Møye kand bringe dem til at undergaae Byrder, naar de paalegges under visse Navne.
I Herrer Inqvisiteurs tordne mod Keyseren af Japan, efterdi han fordømmer til Baal og Brand alle Christne, som findes i hans Lande. Men han kand sige til sit Forsvar: Vi handle med eder ligesom I handle med andre. I kand ikke klage uden over Eders egen Afmagt, hvilken alleene hindrer eder at udrødde os, og som foraarsager, at vi udrødde eder.
Hvis I ville tillade os at sige den reene Sandhed, da ansee I os heller som eders egne end som eders Religions Fiender; thi hvis I elskede eders Religion, efterlevede I dens Lærdom. Til Slutning maa vi erindre dette, at, hvis Efterkommere holde for at Europa udi vor Tid har været polered, da vil man citere eder for at vise, at vi have levet i Barbariske Tider, og den Idée som man giør sig af eders Opførsel, vil sværte den Alder, som vi leveudi.
Men tillige med denne U-ligheds Ophævelse, forsvandtes all Æmulation; saa at de, som tilforn havde søgt at distingvere sig ved Videnskab og Flittighed, for at nyde de Embeder, som vare best aflagde, bleve lunkne i deres Studeringer; og, naar nogen bebreydede dem saadant, svarede de: Hvad nytter det, at vi distingvere os blant andre, naar Belønningerne ere lige?og havde de derudi ikke U-ret.
I skille eder ved den Fordeel, som eders Religions Principia giver eder over Mahomedaner. Naar de bryste sig af deres Troendes store Mængde, svare I dem, at saadant er erhvervet ved Magt, og at de have fortplantet deres Religion med Sværd. Hvi søge I da at forplante eders ved Baal og Brand.
Jeg taler aldrig med Bønder, uden jeg jo lærer noget af dem: Thi de raisonnere ikke uden om solide og magtpaaliggende Ting, hvorom de vide fuldkommen Beskeed.
...thi det er med Sandhed som med andre Dyder, hvilke, naar Grændser ikke sættes, kand tabe deres Navn af Dyd.