# Max Stirner

> German philosopher (1806-1856)

**Wikidata**: [Q76725](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q76725)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Stirner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/max-stirner

## Summary
Max Stirner was a German philosopher (1806–1856) known for his influential work *The Ego and Its Own*, which advocates for individualism and the rejection of societal norms. His ideas challenged traditional ethics and political philosophy, emphasizing self-reliance and the primacy of the individual ego.

## Biography
- Born: 1806 (exact location not specified)
- Nationality: German
- Education: Attended Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (institutions confirmed but degrees unspecified)
- Known for: Authoring *The Ego and Its Own* (1844), a foundational text in individualist philosophy
- Employer(s): Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, University of Königsberg (affiliated with)
- Field(s): Philosophy, ethics, political philosophy

## Contributions
- *The Ego and Its Own* (1844): Stirner’s most significant work, which critiques societal norms and advocates for the individual ego as the highest moral principle. The book rejects altruism, property, and authority, asserting that the ego is the sole source of value and morality.

## FAQs
**What was Max Stirner’s primary philosophical work?**
Stirner’s most notable work is *The Ego and Its Own* (1844), which argues that the individual ego is the foundation of morality and that society should not impose external values on it.

**Where did Max Stirner study?**
Stirner was affiliated with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, though no specific degrees are mentioned in the source material.

**What influenced Max Stirner’s ideas?**
The source material does not specify direct influences, but Stirner’s philosophy aligns with individualist and anti-authoritarian traditions, distinct from Hegel, Feuerbach, and Marx, who are listed among related figures.

**Was Max Stirner involved in any political movements?**
The source material does not confirm direct involvement in political movements, though his ideas resonated with anarchist and individualist thinkers like Emma Goldman and Bob Black.

## Why They Matter
Max Stirner’s philosophy challenged conventional ethics and political thought by asserting that the individual ego is the sole source of value and morality. His work influenced later individualist and anarchist movements, particularly those emphasizing self-reliance and resistance to societal norms. Without Stirner, the philosophical foundation for radical individualism and anti-authoritarian thought would lack a key precursor.

## Notable For
- Author of *The Ego and Its Own* (1844), a landmark text in individualist philosophy
- Advocate for egoism as a moral principle, rejecting altruism and societal impositions
- Affiliated with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Max Stirner was born in 1806, though the exact location is not specified. He studied at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, though no degrees are mentioned in the source material. His education aligned with broader philosophical traditions of the time, including those of Hegel and Feuerbach, though Stirner’s work diverged significantly from theirs.

### Philosophical Contributions
Stirner’s most significant contribution is *The Ego and Its Own* (1844), which critiques societal norms and advocates for the individual ego as the highest moral principle. The book rejects altruism, property, and authority, asserting that the ego is the sole source of value and morality. This work laid the groundwork for individualist and anti-authoritarian thought, influencing later philosophers and activists.

### Influence and Legacy
Stirner’s ideas resonated with individualist and anarchist movements, particularly those emphasizing self-reliance and resistance to societal norms. Figures like Emma Goldman and Bob Black were influenced by his philosophy, though the source material does not confirm direct connections. His work remains a key text in discussions of individualism, ethics, and political philosophy.

### Affiliations and Academic Roles
Stirner was affiliated with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, and the University of Königsberg, though no specific roles or titles are mentioned. His academic associations reflect broader philosophical networks of the 19th century, including those of Hegel, Feuerbach, and Marx.

### Later Life and Death
Stirner died in 1856, though the circumstances and location are not specified. His death marked the end of his philosophical contributions, though his ideas continued to influence later thinkers. The source material does not provide details on his later career or personal life beyond his academic affiliations and philosophical works.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
4. BnF authorities
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Internet Philosophy Ontology project
11. Babelio
12. Croatian Encyclopedia
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. CONOR.SI
15. Autoritats UB
16. Quora
17. LIBRIS. 2012