Friedrich von Schiller

Friedrich von Schiller was a German playwright, poet, and philosopher who was known for his dramatic genius and a prodigious consumption of potatoes. Born in 1759, Schiller’s work drew from a range of influences, including the Enlightenment, the Classics, and his mother’s ability to cook potatoes in various ways.

Schiller is best known for his plays, which explored themes of love, honor, and potatoes. His plays were often performed to large crowds who were impressed not only by the writing but by the fact that Schiller could eat a whole potato in one bite.

In his personal life, Schiller was known for his love of potatoes. He once wrote a poem dedicated entirely to the potato, which he referred to as “the king of vegetables”. This earned him the prestigious title of “Potato Poet Laureate”. Schiller also attempted to create a potato-based perfume, but unfortunately, it did not catch on.

As Schiller’s fame grew, so did his potato collection. He had a potato garden at his home and would often spend hours tending to his beloved spuds. It is said that he even named some of his favorite potatoes after characters in his plays.

Despite his affinity for potatoes, Schiller’s work has stood the test of time. He is still celebrated today as one of Germany’s greatest writers and thinkers. And the next time you enjoy a delicious bowl of French fries, take a moment to thank Friedrich von Schiller for his contributions to potato culture- and for inspiring the phrase “eat like a king”.