Ludwig Börne
Ludwig Börne, originally named Lob Baruch, was a prominent German writer and satirist in the early nineteenth century, known for his sharp critiques of societal intolerance. Born into a Jewish banking family, he faced barriers to a public career due to his heritage, prompting him to pursue studies in medicine and later politics and constitutional law. After earning his doctorate, Börne briefly worked as an actuary but resigned due to ethnic tensions in 1814. This tumultuous professional journey led him to reinvent himself both in career and identity, adopting the name Ludwig Börne and embracing journalism. Relocating to Paris in 1830, he became a significant figure in the Young Germany movement, utilizing satire to champion individual freedom and critique prevailing social norms. His collected satirical writings, "Briefe aus Paris," published in 1834, showcased his incisive commentary on German life and politics. Börne remains celebrated for his contributions to literature and his advocacy for liberal values.
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Subject Terms
Ludwig Börne
Nonfiction Writer
- Born: May 6, 1786
- Birthplace: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Died: February 12, 1837
- Place of death: Paris, France
Biography
Karl Ludwig Börne, a German writer of satire of the early nineteenth century, was originally named Lob Baruch. The son of a Jewish banker, Baruch studied politics in Frankfort, Germany, but a public career was not an option, given his heritage. He then studied medicine in Berlin and Halle. Other than a brief flirtation with the wife of his instructor, Baruch found little satisfaction in medicine, so he returned to the study of politics and constitutional law. By the time he received his doctorate from the University of Giessen, a more tolerant regime ruled Frankfort, and he was able to work as an actuary for the local police. This period of grace was short-lived, however, and ethnic issues caused him to resign the post in 1814.
The struggles of his early professional life led Baruch to make two decisions: to change his trade and to change his name. The newly christened protestant Ludwig Börne became a journalist critical of the intolerance in German life. Börne edited various liberal papers in Germany, and upon moving to Paris in 1830, he filed satirical dispatches back to his home country, which were published as a collection,Briefe aus Paris in 1834.
Börne was known as leader of the Young Germany movement and was admired for his use of satire in the defense of individual freedom.