Johann Gottlieb Fichte

Fichte sent his hero Kant a paper some weeks after a mutually-disappointing first visit; Kant got it published, and Fichte’s name was made. Hegel arrived in Jena with Fichte already an established colleague. Schelling, initially something of a disciple, took over his post when Fichte was dismissed for his atheism (the two later broke off). Novalis wrote extensively on him; Lavater was a correspondent; Humboldt attended his lectures whenever he could. Fichte contributed to Schiller’s journal, though their relationship was prickly. He had no meaningful contact with Klopstock, despite marrying the old poet’s niece.