Freiherr von Knigge
Adolph Franz Freidrich Ludwig, Freiherr von Knigge, was a German nobleman born in 1752 near Hanover. He studied law at the University of Göttingen and held various positions in the courts of Hesse-Cassel and Weimar before retiring to private life in 1777. In 1791, he took on the role of civil administrator in Bremen, where he served until his death in 1796. Beyond his administrative duties, Knigge was known for his involvement with the Illuminati, a secret society that aimed to promote moral and intellectual enlightenment. He played a significant role in restructuring the Illuminati and expanding its membership during the late 18th century. Knigge authored several works, but he is most recognized for his influential book "Über den Umgang mit Menschen" (1788), which addresses the principles of human interactions and relationships, emphasizing etiquette and social behavior. The term "Knigge" has since become synonymous with good manners in German culture, reflecting his lasting impact on social conduct.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Freiherr von Knigge
Writer
- Born: October 16, 1752
- Birthplace: Bredenbeck estate, near Hanover, Germany
- Died: May 6, 1796
- Place of death: Bremen, Germany
Biography
Adolph Franz Freidrich Ludwig, Freiherr von Knigge, was born on his family’s estate, Bredenbeck, near Hanover, Germany, in 1752. He studied law at the University of Gottingen and after graduation was attached to the courts of Hesse-Cassel and Weimar. He served the courts as a gentleman-in-waiting until 1777, when he retired to private life with his family and lived in several cities in Germany. In 1791, he was appointed an oberhauptmann, or civil administrator, in Bremen, and served in this position until his death in 1796.
Using the name Philo, Knigge became an influential member of the Illuminati, a secret moral and intellectual society. The Illuminati later became associated with another secret society, the Freemasons. Knigge was purportedly initiated as a Freemason in Kassel, Germany, in 1772. During his involvement with the Illuminati, Knigge restructured the society and recruited many of its prominent members. By 1784, mostly as a result of Knigge’s influence, the Illumnati had between two and three thousand members.
Knigge is the author of several novels, including Der Roman meines Lebens (1781-1787), and Die Reise nach Braunschweig (1792). However, he is best remembered for his book Über den Umgang mit Menscken (1788; Practical Philosophy of Social Life, 1789). In this book, he outlines the fundamental rules for human relationships. The book is known as an authoritative guide to behavior, politeness, and etiquette; however, it is more a philosophical guide to successful relationships than it is a guide to simple etiquette. Nonetheless, the German word knigge has since come to mean good manners.