Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Historian, dramatist and theologian Gotthold Ephraim Lessing was born in a small Saxon town, in Germany. His father was a clergyman. It was intended that he should follow his father's calling. He asserted his independence even as a boy; he neglected the theological studies and devoted himself to languages, literature and the drama. His refusal to devote himself to theology was set down as atheism. He said "Religion is not a thing which a man should accept in simple faith". He argued for an art founded on the free expression of feelings. By founding a reformed theatre he tried to enlighten the German people. His influence as a reformist has been immense; but he is not much recognised by the world. He believed in an evolutionary view of religion in which man grew up and passed out of the phase in which religion was necessary. He believed in universal brotherhood of mankind. He never concerned himself with anything beyond his immediate needs. He often lived in financial problems. When his wife died in childbirth he said "I am glad no other experience of the kind remains for me to endure". Lessing found consolation in literature and tenderly caring for his four step-children. In 1779 he completed his Nathan der Weise in which he said that there could be no good reason why the holders of one set of religious principles should not tolerate those having entirely different views. Lessing's chief intellectual quality was a passion for truth. He was always, candid, honest, honorable and generous.