A brief biography

Johan Guttenberg was born in Mainz, Germany in 1395. He was the third son of Freile zum Gensfleisch and his second wife Else zum Guttenberg. Johan later adopted her maiden name. At an early age he apprenticed for a goldsmith. His work has had a major impact on communication that we know today.

His accomplishments

He was known for inventing the mechanical movable printing press. It is so famous because it affected how information and knowledge were transmitted more efficiently.

The connection to the renaissance

The printing press aided in the ideas during the renaissance more easily and faster. It also helped learning become more accessible, making books cheaper and easier to print.

What we can learn

When Johan was a apprentice, he would always wonder why only the rich should be able to have books. He started working on a design that he kept secret but when he ran out of money he had to go and get money from a rich blacksmith. This demonstrates his determination to make something once impossible to the lower class a customary item. If you have an idea go for it and if you can't achieve it alone ask for help.