The first comprehensive history of humanity written in the German language originated from the pen of Isaak Iselin in 1764. Born in Basel in 1728, Iselin operated as a multifaceted intellectual, serving his home republic as a municipal clerk while contributing significantly to the fields of political philosophy, economics, and law during the Enlightenment era.
Academic and Professional Trajectory
Iselin pursued formal studies at the University of Basel and the University of Göttingen, focusing on law and philosophy. Despite his academic credentials, his ambition to secure a professorship in Basel did not materialize. In 1756, he shifted his focus toward administrative service, accepting the position of secretary for the republic of Basel. This role placed him at the center of civic affairs, allowing him to balance his bureaucratic duties with rigorous scholarly output.
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His primary work, Geschichte der Menschheit, addressed the philosophical currents of his time. Iselin developed his theories in response to the climatological determinism proposed by Montesquieu and the critical stance on societal progress held by Rousseau. He found inspiration in the Scottish Enlightenment, particularly the works of Lord Kames. His literary efforts drew praise from contemporaries, including Moses Mendelssohn, who highlighted the quality of his German prose in a 1764 review.
Reform and Public Engagement
Beyond his writing, Iselin was an active participant in reformist circles. He co-founded the Helvetic Society, recognized as the first national organization in Switzerland dedicated to reform. His involvement extended to membership in the Illuminati, and he contributed to the Gesellschaft für das Gute und Gemeinnützige. His published output throughout the 1760s and 1770s, including Philosophische und Politische Versuche, Versuch über die gesellige Ordnung, and Träume eines Menschenfreundes, solidified his status as a key figure in regional intellectual life.
Legacy and Modern Reception
Iselin died in 1782 and was buried at the Basel Minster. His influence persists through the preservation of his ideas in scholarly editions. Between 2014 and 2018, the Schwabe Verlag published a four-volume collection of his works, edited by scholars including Florian Gelzer, Lina Weber, Marcel Naas, and Sundar Henny. These volumes categorize his intellectual output into politics, economics, pedagogy, and history.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 March 1728, Basel
- Died: 15 July 1782, Basel
- Religion: Reformed
- Education: University of Basel, University of Göttingen
- Citizenship: Switzerland
- Professional memberships: Illuminati, Helvetic Society
- Major work: Geschichte der Menschheit
- Burial site: Basel Minster
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of Iselin's Geschichte der Menschheit?
It was the first fully-fledged history of humanity written in the German language.
Which major organizations did Iselin help establish?
He was a co-founder of the Helvetic Society, which was the first national Swiss reform society.
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