Origins & Early Life

Emmanuel Levinas (born Emanuelis Levinas ; French: [ɛmanɥɛl levinas]; 12 January 1906 – 25 December 1995) was a French philosopher of Lithuanian Jewish ancestry who is known for his work within Jewish philosophy, existentialism, and phenomenology, focusing on the relationship of ethics to metaphysics and ontology. Levinas was born on 12 January 1906, into a middle-class Litvak family in Kaunas, in present-day Lithuania, then Kovno district, at the Western edge of the Russian Empire. Because of the disruptions of World War I, the family moved to Kharkiv in Ukraine in 1916, where they stayed during the Russian revolutions of February and October 1917. In 1920, his family returned to the Republic of Lithuania.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Levinas's early education was in secular, Russian-language schools in Kaunas and Kharkiv. Upon his family's return to the Republic of Lithuania, Levinas spent two years at a Jewish gymnasium before departing for France, where he commenced his university education. Levinas began his philosophical studies at the University of Strasbourg in 1923, and his lifelong friendship with the French philosopher Maurice Blanchot. In 1928, he went to the University of Freiburg...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. J. P. Taylor — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Billy Wilder — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Versatile Austrian-American filmmaker known for sharp screenplays and directorial mastery.
• Charles Revson — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Pioneering American cosmetics magnate, founder of Revlon.
• Adolfo Pedernera — Contemporary (Died in 1995) (1995): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.
• Alexander Knox — Contemporary (Died in 1995) (1995): Esteemed Canadian actor and writer, known for dramatic roles and literary contributions.
• Brent Faiyaz — Contemporary (Born in 1995) (1995): American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer known for 'sly vocals' and atmospheric sound.
• Agatha Christie — Shared historical date (01-12 · Died) (1976): The 'Queen of Crime,' a master of the mystery genre, best-selling author of all time.
• Charles Perrault — Shared historical date (01-12 · Born) (1628): Foundational French author, credited with establishing the modern genre of the fairy tale.
• Anwar Sadat — Shared historical date (12-25 · Born) (1918): Egyptian President who spearheaded economic reform and the peace treaty with Israel.
• Barbara Mandrell — Shared historical date (12-25 · Born) (1948): Iconic American country music singer known for her steel guitar skills and crossover appeal.
• 1906 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1906
• January 12 (01-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 12
• 1995 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1995
• December 25 (12-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 25