Some see him as the "Dieter Bohlen of philosophy". This is not meant disparagingly at all: philosopher and author Richard David Precht is considered one of the most popular intellectuals in the German-speaking world. Since his success with "Who am I - and if so, how many?", all his books on philosophical and socio-political topics have become bestsellers and have been translated into more than 40 languages.
Richard David Precht (60) from Solingen has established himself as one of the most influential intellectuals in the German-speaking world. His works and public appearances have won him a broad readership and following. Precht grew up in a left-wing political family, which significantly influenced his later way of thinking.
After studying philosophy, German studies and art history at the University of Cologne, Precht completed his doctorate in 1994 with a thesis on Robert Musil's "The Man without Qualities".
His academic career led him to an honorary professorship for philosophy and aesthetics at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin.
His first book "Who am I - and if so, how many?", published in 2007, deals with fundamental questions of human existence. It was translated into over 40 languages and was on the bestseller lists for years.
This was followed by other successful works such as "Love - a messy feeling" and "The art of not being an egoist", which established Precht as a versatile thinker.
In his more recent publications, Precht has increasingly devoted himself to socio-political issues. "Von der Pflicht" (2021) and "Freiheit für alle" (2022) deal with the challenges of the modern working world. In the latter, Precht argues for an unconditional basic income as a response to the changing world of work
In 2023, together with Harald Welzer, he published "The Fourth Estate", a critical examination of the role of the media.
In Precht's most recent work, "The Century of Tolerance" (2024), he turns his attention to foreign policy. He argues for a value-based approach to international politics and emphasizes the need to accept other forms of society alongside liberal democracy.
In addition to his writing, Richard David Precht is also present on television and in podcasts. Since 2012, he has hosted the ZDF program "Precht", in which he talks to interesting guests.
Since 2021, he can also be heard together with Markus Lanz in the podcast "Lanz & Precht". The two debate socially relevant topics on a weekly basis.
Richard David Precht is an influential voice in the public debate, making complex philosophical and social issues accessible to a broad audience.
On Monday 26 May 2025, Richard David Precht will be speaking at the Volkshaus in Zurich; the following day, on Tuesday 27 May, at the Theatersaal National in Bern.