Late 18th century · Philosophy, Linguistics, Anthropology
Johann Gottfried Herder (1744-1803) was a pivotal German philosopher, theologian, poet, and literary critic, a central figure of the *Sturm und Drang* movement and a key precursor to Romanticism. He profoundly influenced nationalism, linguistics, and cultural anthropology through his championing of the *Volksgeist* and his emphasis on the organic development and unique character of nations and cultures.