Rediscovering Goethe: A Neglected Genius and His Profound Impact on the Modern World
A. N. Wilson's new book, *Goethe: His Faustian Life*, revisits the largely neglected genius of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in the English-speaking world. Goethe was not only a towering poet but also a scientist, philosopher, and statesman whose influence shaped 19th-century Germany and even touched Darwin's theory of evolution. Wilson intertwines Goethe's life with his masterpiece, *Faust*, showing how he infused his experiences into his art, creating a 'myth' of modern humanity's pursuit of knowledge and truth. The book also explores Goethe's unique scientific perspective, emphasizing holism and reverence for nature, rejecting the simplistic reduction of nature into measurable units. Goethe's insights offer valuable lessons for understanding the relationship between science and art, and humanity's place in the natural world.
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