February 15

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing was a seminal German philosopher, playwright, and literary critic born in 1729. As a leading figure of the Enlightenment, he championed religious tolerance and rational thought. He wrote dramas such as "Minna von Barnhelm" and "Nathan the Wise," which challenged social conventions and advocated humanism. His critical works laid the foundation for modern literary theory and aesthetics. Lessing served as dramaturg in Hamburg, promoting innovative theater practices. His correspondence and essays addressed theology, philosophy, and the arts, reflecting his interdisciplinary intellect. He died in 1781, having left an enduring impact on German literature and philosophy.