Friedrich von Hardenberg, commonly known as Novalis, was a German poet and philosopher born on May 2, 1772. He is best known for his contributions to the Romanticism movement, which emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism. His most famous work, "Heinrich von Ofterdingen," is a novel that explores the journey of a young poet in search of his identity and artistic inspiration. Hardenberg was also a member of the Jena Romantic Circle, which included influential figures like Friedrich Schlegel and Ludwig Tieck. His writings often reflect his deep interest in mysticism and the connection between art and spirituality. He passed away on March 25, 1801, leaving a lasting impact on German literature.