Origins & Early Life

Leo Strauss (September 20, 1899 – October 18, 1973) was a German-American political philosopher and historian of philosophy whose work greatly influenced twentieth-century political theory in the United States and the study of classical political thought. He is known best for his interpretation of ancient and medieval philosophy, his account of classical natural right, and his claim that philosophers often wrote esoterically, presenting different teachings to general and specialist readers. Strauss argued that the modern turn in philosophy, beginning with Niccolò Machiavelli and culminating in historicism and relativism, marked a decisive break with the classical understanding of politics and the good life. His work sought to recover the questions and methods of ancient political philosophy as a corrective to the perceived crisis of modern thought.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Born in Germany to Jewish parents, he emigrated to the United States in 1937, going on to hold positions at the New School for Social Research and later at the University of Chicago, where he taught from 1949 to 1969. His seminars shaped several generations of political theorists, many of whom became influential scholars in their own right...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al Capone — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alfred Hitchcock — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Master of Suspense, influential English filmmaker known for psychological thrillers.
• Bertil Ohlin — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Influential Swedish economist, Nobel Laureate, and politician.
• Adrien Brody — Contemporary (Born in 1973) (1973): Acclaimed American actor known for intense, emotionally charged character portrayals.
• Akon — Contemporary (Born in 1973) (1973): Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and influential figure in world music.
• Alan Watts — Contemporary (Died in 1973) (1973): Philosopher and lecturer popularizing Eastern thought for the West.
• Annie Besant — Shared historical date (09-20 · Died) (1933): Activist, writer, and Theosophist championing social reform and self-rule.
• Chulalongkorn — Shared historical date (09-20 · Born) (1853): Modernizer of Siam, ensuring its independence through sweeping reforms.
• Canaletto — Shared historical date (10-18 · Born) (1697): Master Vedutista: Celebrated painter of Venetian and Roman cityscapes.
• Charles Babbage — Shared historical date (10-18 · Died) (1871): Pioneering polymath credited with originating the concept of the digital programmable computer.
• 1899 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1899
• September 20 (09-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 20
• 1973 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1973
• October 18 (10-18) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 18