Egon Friedell

Egon Friedell (born Egon Friedmann; 21 January 1878, in Vienna; died 16 March 1938, in Vienna) was a prominent Austrian philosopher, historian, journalist, actor, cabaret performer (Kabarettist) and theatre critic. Friedell has been described as a polymath.

Friedell was the third child of a Jewish silk manufacturer, Moriz Friedmann, and his wife, Karoline (née Eisenberger). After his parents divorced in 1887, Friedell lived with his father. After his father's death in 1891, Friedell lived with his aunt in Frankfurt am Main, where he would attend school, until he was expelled for unruly behaviour two years later. Even at this young age, Friedell was considered a trouble maker and free thinker. He attended several schools in Austria and Germany, until he finally passed his Abitur (exit examination) after four attempts, in Bad Hersfeld in 1899.

In 1898, prior to his graduation, Friedell had enrolled as a guest student at Berlin University, studying German literature, natural sciences and philosophy. It was during this time, that Friedell renounced Judaism and converted to the Lutheran faith. After graduation, he enrolled in Heidelberg University to study under the philosophy historian and follower of Hegel, Kuno Fischer. In 1899, he accepted his inheritance enabling him to live financially independently in Vienna.

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