Freiherr Adolph Franz Friedrich Ludwig Knigge (16 October 1752 – 6 May 1796) was a German writer, Freemason, and a leading member of the Order of the Illuminati.
Knigge was born in Bredenbeck (now a part of Wennigsen, Lower Saxony) in the Electorate of Hanover as a member of the lesser nobility. When he was barely eleven, his mother died, and when his father died three years later the teenager inherited a large debt. His creditors took possession of the family property and assigned the boy a meagre pension of 500 thalers.He studied law from 1769 to 1772 in Göttingen where he became a member of Corps Hannovera. He was allegedly initiated into Freemasonry in 1772 in Kassel, where he held a position as Court Squire (hofjunker) and Assessor of the War and Domains Exchequer. In 1777 he became Chamberlain at the Weimar court.
In 1780 Knigge joined Adam Weishaupt's Bavarian Illuminati and his work with the Illuminati gave the group a great deal of publicity and influence of Masonic chapters. But in 1783 dissensions arose between Knigge and Weishaupt, which resulted in Knigge's final withdrawal from the group on 1 July 1784. Knigge stated that he could no longer endure Weishaupt's pedantic domineering, which frequently assumed offensive forms. He accused Weishaupt of "Jesuitism", and suspected him of being "a Jesuit in disguise" (Nachtr., I, 129). "And was I", he adds, "to labour under his banner for mankind, to lead men under the yoke of so stiff-necked a fellow?—Never!"
Knigge's involvement with the Illuminati, support of the advancement of human rights, and a period of serious illness led to the loss of support of his aristocratic sponsors and finally his fortune. Knigge found a measure of financial stability again with a position in Bremen in 1790. He died in Bremen in 1796.
In Germany, Knigge is best remembered for his book Über den Umgang mit Menschen (On Human Relations), a treatise on the fundamental principles of human relations that has the reputation of being the authoritative guide to behaviour, politeness, and etiquette. The work is more of a sociological and philosophical treatise on the basis of human relations than a how-to guide on etiquette, but the German word “Knigge” has come to mean “good manners” or books on etiquette.
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Some of their strengths
Adolfh Freiherr Knigge has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Intelligent, Charismatic, Practical, Diplomatic, Altruistic, Analytical, and Innovative.
Intelligent and Inquisitive
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Adolfh Freiherr Knigge is someone who is an intelligent, inquisitive, and imaginative person, who is practical, considerate, kind, and diplomatic in dealings with others. A person who is charismatic and resourceful.
Charming and Sophisticated
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Adolfh Freiherr Knigge well know them as someone who can be classy, glamorous, and worldly, like jewelry.
Methodical and Exacting
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Adolfh Freiherr Knigge as someone who is careful, methodical, and a perfectionist.
A person who forms successful business partnerships, who appreciates the variety the world has to offer, who takes a frugal approach to life and tends to be a workaholic, and who engages in things that let them express their opinion.
Charismatic and Playful
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Adolfh Freiherr Knigge is someone who is used to being the center of attention, and who has a playful approach to dealing with life.
They are also someone who is curious, dynamic, and positive, and who enjoys inspiring and communicating with other people.
Justice-seeking and Peaceful
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Adolfh Freiherr Knigge tends to be someone who loves peace and is ready to go to any costs to achieve it. Who has a taste for the good things in life, tends to be a good organizer, has a thirst for knowledge, and who tends to have the respect of friends and acquaintances.
Some of Adolfh Freiherr Knigge's challenges
While Adolfh Freiherr Knigge has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Adolfh Freiherr Knigge can be Hesitant, Narcissistic, Rebellious, Emotionally Distant, Sensitive, Critical, and Arrogant.
Hesitant and Narcissistic
One of Adolfh Freiherr Knigge's key challenges is that they are someone who can be hesitant and narcissistic.
Adolfh Freiherr Knigge must also exercise caution as they can have a hard time reconciling wants and needs, and can be short-tempered and aggressive, and can be excessive and unrealistic.
Sensitive and Critical
Adolfh Freiherr Knigge is someone who can be insecure, critical, and pessimistic, who can have difficulty relaxing, can be possessive and jealous, and who can have difficulty listening to others' opinions and perspectives and make hasty decisions.
Pleasure-seeking and Indecisive
Finally, Adolfh Freiherr Knigge also can put others first too much, and hem-and-haw too much when making a decision.
