Felix Ortt | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Ortt in 1906 | |
| Born | Felix Louis Ortt (1866-06-09)9 June 1866 Groningen, Netherlands |
| Died | 15 October 1959(1959-10-15) (aged 93) Soest, Netherlands |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Activism foranimal welfare,vegetarianism,Christian anarchism, and social reform |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 6 |
Felix Louis Ortt (9 June 1866 – 15 October 1959) was a Dutchcivil engineer, writer, translator, and social reformer. He was known for his involvement in a wide range of progressive movements. Active in the Dutchanimal welfare andvegetarianism movements, he co-founded theDutch Vegetarian Association in 1894 and was a leading figure in the development ofChristian anarchism in the Netherlands. Born inGroningen, Ortt left government service to pursue a life dedicated tononviolence,simple living, andethical living. He co-founded a Christian anarchist commune, edited the journalVrede, and translated works byJ. Howard Moore into Dutch. Ortt's work engaged with issues such as wealth inequality, education, spirituality, andsexual ethics, making him an influential voice in early 20th-century Dutch humanitarian and anarchist thought.
Born inGroningen on 9 June 1866 into a strictProtestant family, Ortt followed the family's tradition by studyingcivil engineering atDelft University of Technology and working for the Dutch water management authority,Rijkswaterstaat. However, a bout ofmalaria in 1890 led him to explorenatural medicine, which inspired him to adopt avegetarian lifestyle. In 1894, he co-founded theDutch Vegetarian Association.[1]
Ortt's engagement with social activism deepened after encountering the works ofLeo Tolstoy at a temperance congress in 1896. Inspired by Tolstoy's ideals of nonviolence and Christian teachings, Ortt became increasingly disillusioned with government service and resigned from Rijkswaterstaat in 1899. He soon left theDutch Reformed Church and immersed himself in promotingChristian anarchism, editing the publicationVrede ("Peace"), which became an important platform for advocatingnonviolence,simplicity, andethical living. This period marked his transition from an engineer to a dedicated social reformer, focusing on issues of wealth inequality, compassion, and spiritual integrity.[1]
In 1900, Ortt co-founded a Christian anarchist commune nearBlaricum, attempting to create a community based on the teachings of Jesus, with an emphasis on nonviolence, vegetarianism, and simplicity. The commune included a horticultural group, a printing press, and a bakery, but internal disputes over religious interpretations eventually led to its dissolution in 1903. Despite this setback, Ortt documented the experience in his novel seriesFelicia and continued his activism by writing and editing publications that disseminated his ideas on humanitarianism, ethics, and social justice.[1]
Ortt also became an active member of theRein Leven-Beweging ("Pure Life Movement"), which focused on promoting spiritual purity,sexual ethics, and moral conduct. His writings on love, marriage, and sexuality often sparked debates and controversy, especially due to his support for more progressive ideas on free marriage. Despite criticism from more conservative members, he stayed dedicated to promoting a lifestyle rooted in spiritual and ethical principles, making a notable impact on the intellectual and moral discourse of his era.[1]
Ortt translated several works by American zoologistJ. Howard Moore into Dutch.[2]
Ortt married three times. In 1892, he married Anna Petronella Gelderman, with whom he had three children before their marriage ended in divorce in 1905. Later that year, he entered into a free union with Tine Hinlopen, and together they had three additional children. In 1932, he married Maria Theresia Zeijlemaker, the head of a children's home.[1]
DuringWorld War I, Ortt was aconscientious objector. InWorld War II, he aided refugees inSoest.[3] Ortt continued to publish writings on vegetarianism, spirituality, and parapsychology well into his later years. He died in Soest on 15 October 1959.[1]
A retirement home for vegetarians inOosterbeek was named Felix Ortt in his honor.[1]
Ortt was a prolific writer and published many works:[1]
