Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born on 28 August 1749 in Frankfurt, a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. He descended from a family with a history in the region, with his grandfather changing the family name from Göthe to Goethe. His father, Johann Caspar Goethe, was an Imperial Councillor who ensured his children received a comprehensive education. Goethe's early interests included drawing, literature, and theater, influenced by the puppet shows he witnessed in his youth. He studied law at Leipzig University from 1765 to 1768 but found little satisfaction in the legal profession, leading to a brief return to Frankfurt and a subsequent move to Strasbourg to complete his studies.In Strasbourg, Goethe met Johann Gottfried Herder, who introduced him to the works of Shakespeare and folk poetry, significantly shaping his literary development. He fell in love with Friederike Brion during this time, which inspired several of his early poems. After obtaining his law degree, Goethe attempted to establish a legal practice but faced challenges that led him to focus on writing. His first major work, Götz von Berlichingen, was published in 1773, followed by the highly successful epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther in 1774, which brought him fame and marked the beginning of the Sturm und Drang literary movement.In 1775, Goethe moved to Weimar, invited by Duke Karl August, where he became a central figure in the cultural life of the court. He held various administrative roles, including superintendent of the ducal library and a member of the Duke's privy council. His relationship with Charlotte von Stein, a married woman, lasted for a decade, and he became involved in numerous cultural and scientific endeavors during his time in Weimar. Goethe's scientific interests led to the publication of his first major scientific work, Metamorphosis of Plants, in 1790, and he continued to explore various fields, including color theory and morphology.Goethe's friendship with Friedrich Schiller began in 1794 and lasted until Schiller's death in 1805, during which they collaborated on several projects. Goethe published significant works during this period, including Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship and the first part of Faust in 1808. His literary output included poetry, plays, and essays, and he became a prominent figure in Weimar Classicism, engaging with other intellectuals such as Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Alexander von Humboldt.Goethe traveled to Italy from 1786 to 1788, a journey that profoundly influenced his aesthetic and philosophical outlook. He encountered classical art and architecture, which inspired his later works. Upon returning to Weimar, he continued to engage in political and military affairs, including participation in the Battle of Valmy in 1792. His personal life included a long-term relationship with Christiane Vulpius, whom he married in 1806 after years of cohabitation.In his later years, Goethe focused primarily on literature, producing works such as Elective Affinities and the second part of Faust, which was completed shortly before his death. He passed away on 22 March 1832 in Weimar, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in German literature and thought. His last words, often paraphrased as 'more light,' reflect his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Goethe's contributions to literature, science, and philosophy have had a lasting impact, influencing generations of writers, thinkers, and artists.