Angelus Silesius
Angelus Silesius
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Johannes Scheffler was born in 1624 as Johann Scheffler, but later adopted the pen name Angelus Silesius. His chosen moniker, which translates to "angel of Silèsia," reflects his connection to the region of Silesia, where he spent much of his life.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on December 25, 1624, in Pinkwangen (now part of Poland), Angelus Silesius passed away on July 9, 1677, in Berlin.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Angelus Silesius was a German Baroque poet and mystic. He is best known for his poetry, which explores themes of spirituality, nature, and the human condition.
Early Life and Background
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Scheffler's early life was marked by turmoil. His family suffered financial difficulties, and he himself contracted smallpox at a young age. These experiences had a profound impact on his worldview, shaping his later spiritual and artistic pursuits.
Angelus Silesius studied theology in Leipzig before converting to Catholicism from Lutheranism. This change of faith was likely influenced by the Jesuit order, which he joined briefly before returning to his Lutheran roots.
Major Accomplishments
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Scheffler's most notable work is The Cherubic Wanderer (German: _Der cherubinische Wandersmann_), a collection of 1,040 poetic stanzas written between 1657 and 1674. This magnum opus is divided into four sections and explores themes such as the nature of God, the soul's journey toward enlightenment, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to The Cherubic Wanderer, Angelus Silesius wrote several other notable works, including _A Book of Spiritual Songs_ (German: _Ein Buch geistlicher Lieder_) and _Meditations on the Nature of God_. These writings demonstrate his deep spiritual curiosity and poetic gift.
Impact and Legacy
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Scheffler's poetry had a profound impact on German literature. His exploration of mystical themes, nature imagery, and the human condition helped shape the Baroque style in Germany. The influence of The Cherubic Wanderer can be seen in later poets such as Novalis and Rainer Maria Rilke.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Angelus Silesius's poetry remains widely quoted today due to its profound insights into the human experience. His exploration of themes such as spirituality, nature, and the interconnectedness of all living things continues to resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds.
The enduring appeal of Scheffler's work can be attributed to his unique blend of mysticism, poetic skill, and philosophical depth. As a result, Angelus Silesius remains an important figure in German literature, whose influence extends far beyond the boundaries of time and geography.
Quotes by Angelus Silesius
God, whose love and joy are present everywhere, can’t come to visit you unless you aren’t there.
Nothing can throw thee into the infernal abyss so much as this detested word – heed well! – this mine and thine.
Three days: Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday, I know, Yet if the past were cancelled within the here and now And then the future hidden, I could regain that Day Which I, before I was, had lived in God ’s own way.
Don’t think that some tomorrow you’ll see God’s Light. You see it now or err in darkest night.
It isn’t bread that feeds you; it is life and the spirit that feed you through bread.
Do not seek God in outer space – Your heart is the only place in which to meet Him face to face.
Christ could be born a thousand times in Galilee – but all in vain until He is born in me.
I am like God and God like me. I am as large as God. He is as small as I. He cannot above me nor I beneath him be.
Paradise is at your own center; unless you find it there, there is no way to enter.