
Heinrich Zschokke was a prominent German-Swiss author and reformer, whose literary contributions spanned various genres, including history and fiction. Born in 1771, he spent much of his life in Switzerland, where he not only built a notable literary career but also engaged in civil service. Zschokke's works often reflected his deep interest in social reform and the human condition, making him a significant figure in the literary landscape of his time. Among his notable works are historical narratives and novels that garnered widespread recognition. His ability to blend storytelling with social commentary allowed him to explore themes of morality and justice, influencing both his contemporaries and future generations of writers. Zschokke's legacy is marked by his commitment to literature as a means of enacting social change, and he remains an important figure in the canon of Swiss literature, remembered for his contributions to both the literary and civic spheres.
“So wahr ich Hans Dampf heiße, alles Gute hat sein Böses, alles Böse sein Gutes. Wenn es aber Gesetz wäre, daß ein Staatsmann allen Klagen im Lande ein Ende oder ein Arzt alle seine Kranken gesund machen müßte, wer möchte wohl Staatsmann oder Arzt werden wollen? Darum, lieber Freund, laßt uns getrost sein. Der liebe Gott hat die Welt so vortrefflich geschaffen, daß unsereins lange daran herumpfuschen kann, ehe er etwas verpfuscht!”
“Wer am wenigsten tut, hat gewiß am meisten getan.”