The World as an Illusion

Friedrich Albert Lange (1828-1875) made a significant attempt to base his worldview on the idea that everything we perceive is merely the result of our own organization in his “History of Materialism” (1864). He had the audacity and unstoppable consistency to really think this basic idea through to its conclusion. Lange's strength lay in his sharp and, as far as possible, all-round character. He was one of those personalities who can grasp many things and excel everywhere with their abilities. He was a high school teacher, university lecturer, but also, at times, a bookseller and editor, and secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. He immersed himself in the highest problems of knowledge and worked as a journalist on workers' issues. He was as significant in his popular speeches and lectures as he was brilliant in his lectures as a lecturer. Everything he took on became significant under his hand.