Johannes Gutenberg

The inventor who opened the doors to the future

Who is he?

Johannes Gutenberg was a German inventor who introduced the movable-type printing press in Europe.

Why is he an overman?

The invention of the printing press changed the world forever. The technology spread rapidly across Europe, which led to a quick increase of literacy and education. His contribution lays at the core of knowledge as we understand it today.

Short biography:

? – 1468

Johannes Gutenberg was born in Mainz, Germany, in a family of traders and metal workers. There is scarce information about his education but he was likely literate in Latin and learned the technical skills needed for goldsmithing and engraving.

Gutenberg spent many years in Strasbourg where he had several business ventures. He developed the printing press around 1450. The Gutenberg Bible gained fame as a masterpiece of printing after becoming one of the earliest major books printed in Europe.

Gutenberg faced difficulties when it came to financing his projects. He took loans from the wealthy financier Johann Fust but a lawsuit over the repayment led to him losing much of his printing equipment. Little is known about his personal life as historical records are limited.