Adolph von Knigge

Adolph Franz Friedrich Ludwig Freiherr von Knigge (October 16, 1752 - May 6, 1796) was a German writer and Freemason. He co-founded the Illuminati together with Adam Weishaupt.

Knigge was born in Bredenbeck, Hanover. He was allegedly initiated into Freemasonry in 1772 in Kassel.

In Germany, Knigge is best remembered for his book "Ueber 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 in fact more of a philosophical treatise on the basis of human relations than a how-to guide to etiquette. Nevertheless, the German term "Knigge" has come to mean "good manners".

Knigge died in Bremen.

Works

• "On the Jesuits, Freemasons, and Rosicrucians", 1781
• "Essay on Freemasonry", 1784
• "Contribution towards the latest history of the Order of Freemasons", 1786
• "Philo's final Declaration", 1788
• "Ueber den Umgang mit Menschen" ("On Human Relations"), 1788