Novalis was the pen name of Georg Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg, a German poet and philosopher born in 1772. He is best known for his contributions to the Romanticism movement, which emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism. His most famous work, "Hymns to the Night," reflects his deep spiritual beliefs and longing for transcendence. In addition to poetry, Novalis wrote essays and philosophical texts that explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience. He was also involved in the early development of German idealism, influenced by thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Schlegel. Novalis died at a young age in 1801, but his ideas continue to resonate in literature and philosophy.