As was common among Jewish Germans, Walter Benjamin's banker dad was not proud of his own financial success, and wanted his son to legitimize the family intellectually. Walter, meanwhile, felt himself entitled to a monthly allowance so he could continue writing in obscurity.

Now, of course, he is so adored that Philly hipsters brew boutique whiskeys in his honor.

Just don't imagine Lena Dunham's character in Girls telling her mom she's the next Walter Benjamin.