Informational plaque about Jón Eiríksson
This plaque is next to a large monument to one of Iceland's most beloved thinkers. The plaque reads:
Jón Eiríksson - Standar-bearer of knowledge, understanding, and freedom.
Jon Eiríksson was born at Skálafell on 31 August, 1728 and died in Copenhagen on 29 March, 1787, aged 58.
As a young child, Jón showed unusual ability and interest as a learner. Though his parents were not wealthy, they managed to send him to the cathedral school at Skálholt when he was 16 and he spent two years there. The Rev. Ludvig Harboe, who later became Bishop of Zealand in Demark, was impressed by the boy and took him back with him to Scandinavia, paying for his education in Denmark and Norway.
Jon was Professor of Law at Soro Academe in Zealand from 1759 to 1771, after which he worked in the government offices in Copenhagen. He also worked at other matters: he was appointed to the board of the Royal Library, later becoming the chief librarian, and was awarded the honorary title of konferensráð (counsellor) by the king.
Jon was one of the leaders of the Enlightenment, the movement that gradually gained ground in Denmark and spread to Iceland. This had an influence in many areas.
Jon fell prey to depression in his old age. He was deeply affected by the indifference and disregard shown to proposals for reform and advancement in Iceland, and by the ravages of the eruptions and the consequent famine known as Móðu-harðindin. He said; "I love Iceland sincerely, though I am fully aware that this love of mine is shortening my life."