Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Biography and Quotes
Birthday: July 1st, 1646
Commemoration: November 14th, 1716
Nationality: German
70
Years Old
Famously known for
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz is a prominent German who was known for his contributions towards physics and mathematics. As a philosopher and mathematician, Leibniz was known for bringing the idea of differential and integral calculus. He is among the significant inventors of mechanical calculators. He established the Leibniz wheel, a calculator used in the arithmometer. Also, he refined the binary number, the mother of digital computers.
Early Life
The natural philosopher was born at St. Nicholas Church on 1st July 1646. His father was Friedrich Leibniz, while his mother was Catharina Scmuck. The inventor was brought by his mother as his father died while he was six years. Leibniz’s father was a philosopher lecturing at the University of Leipzig. His father’s death saw him inherit a personal library, which he started accessing while he was seven years.
At a tender age, the philosopher had access to advanced theological and philosophical works. The books, which were mostly in Latin, also helped boost his proficiency in the language. At the age of 12, he would come up with Latin verses for special events at his school. At the age of 14, Leibniz enrolled at his father’s former university and graduated in 1662 with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Later on, in 1664, the innovator earned a master’s degree from the institution.
Personal Life
Throughout his life, Leibniz never married. He was always complaining about money issues. But, judging from the sum of money that his sister’s stepson inherited after his death, it’s evident that he didn’t have money issues.
Career
Leibniz’s career started as a secretary to an alchemical society, Nuremberg. He served the organization until 1669 when he got an appointment in the Court of Appeal as an assessor. In 1677, the mathematician was promoted to the Privy Counselor of Justice. He held the position until the time of his death. Over his career, Leibniz was involved much in mathematics and physics.
Death
In 1716, Leibniz died while in Hanover and left a mark that can never be erased.
