Kurnig
philosophical pessimist, (fl. 1894–1918)
Kurnig (fl. 1894–1918) is the pseudonym of a writer and activist who published several works in German and French on topics including anti-militarism, sexology, philosophy, and education in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Philosophy
An outspoken atheist heavily influenced by the philosophical pessimism of Arthur Schopenhauer, Kurnig advocated for a complete abstention from procreation and for voluntary human extinction. After writing a number of pamphlets both in German and in French soliciting support for his campaign, Kurnig published three short books on the topic in the publishing house of Max Spohr in Leipzig, which were republished in a slightly enlarged and revised version in his 1901 main work Der Neo-Nihilismus. At the time, Kurnig's works were actively discussed in a number of scientific journals and newspapers as well as in the early LGBT scene (including by Magnus Hirschfeld and in the Jahrbuch für sexuelle Zwischenstufen), but were mostly received negatively and were even banned in some parts of the world. However, Francis Ronsin argues that Kurnig had an influence on the French neo-Malthusian movement, especially on Marie Huot.
Kurnig is now considered to be one of the first modern antinatalists.
Educational project
Through a series of "Correspondences", which were sent out first from Karlsruhe, Germany, later from Zürich, Switzerland, and distributed around the world, Kurnig also campaigned for pacifism and for the creation of an "international Educational Consulting Centre":
The international Educational Consulting Centre will consist of delegates – two or three teachers (or persons interested in education) from each State, chosen by the Government and the teaching profession; they will devote themselves to the most careful examination of all matters connected with education and will issue printed reports of their discussions, – always however in the spirit of an attempt at international agreement and concord.
Along with people like Herman Molkenboer, who proposed a similar idea, and Ferenc Kemény (sports manager), with whom Kurnig personally corresponded, Kurnig is recognized as one of the forerunners of the UNESCO International Bureau of Education.
Works
(as Quartus:) Völkerbund, nicht: Völkerkrieg.
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