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Friedrich Max Müller (1823-1900), more commonly known as F. Max Müller, was a German-born philologist and Orientalist, one of the founding figures in the Western academic fields of Indian studies and comparative religion. Born on December 6, 1823, in Dessau, Germany, Müller became a British citizen and made significant contributions to the study of the history of religions, mythology, and language. He was a pioneer in the study of Vedic literature and ancient Indian texts which he approached with a blend of philological rigor and a drive to understand the evolution of religious thought.
Müller made his mark on the academic world through various seminal works, one of them being 'Memories,' which reflects on personal experiences and perspectives throughout his life. His works extend beyond Indian scriptures and include analyses of mythology and language across various cultures. He was instrumental in popularizing the study of comparative mythology and religion through his prolific writing and his role in editing 'The Sacred Books of the East,' a monumental 50-volume set of English translations of Asian religious texts. Müller's legacy endures in his scholarly style that combined the meticulous study of texts with a humanistic approach to religion and culture. His works influence Indology, religious studies, and the philological approach to linguistics, making him an enduring figure in the humanities.
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