India: What Can It Teach Us?, CLASSICS TO GO

F. Max Müller

Friedrich Max Müller, born on December 6, 1823, in Dessau, Germany, was a pioneering philologist and Orientalist whose work bridged the gap between Eastern and Western thought. A child prodigy, Müller was deeply influenced by his father, Wilhelm Müller, a celebrated poet. He pursued his studies at Leipzig University and later at the University of Berlin, where he delved into Sanskrit and the ancient texts of India, a passion that would define his career.
Müller’s tenure at Oxford University marked a significant period in his life, where he became a professor of Comparative Philology. His magnum opus, the 50-volume "Sacred Books of the East," translated and edited by Müller, brought the rich spiritual and philosophical traditions of Asia to the Western world. This monumental work not only made Eastern texts accessible but also fostered a deeper understanding and respect for Asian cultures.
A controversial figure, Müller was both lauded and criticized for his views on religion and language. He argued that all religions shared a common essence, a revolutionary idea that challenged the Eurocentric perspectives of his time. His assertion that language and mythology were intertwined also sparked debates among scholars.
Müller’s influence extended to contemporary writers and thinkers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who found inspiration in his translations and interpretations. His work laid the groundwork for modern comparative religion and linguistics, making him a seminal figure in the study of human culture and intellectual history. Friedrich Max Müller passed away on October 28, 1900, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the fields of philology and religious studies.