Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel was born in Paris, France, to Elise (née Strobel) and Theodor Diesel, Bavarian immigrants who ran a modest leather goods business. His early life was deeply influenced by the vibrant cultural environment of Paris and the strong work ethic instilled by his parents.

With the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War, the Diesel family, being German, was forced to flee France. Rudolf was sent to Augsburg, Germany, to live with his aunt and uncle, a professor of mathematics, who fostered his intellectual development and steered him toward a technical education.

Diesel excelled at the Royal Bavarian Polytechnic of Munich (now the Technical University of Munich), studying under Carl von Linde, a pioneer in refrigeration engineering. He graduated with honors, demonstrating a keen aptitude for thermodynamics and engineering principles, setting the stage for his later inventions.

After graduation, Diesel worked for Linde's refrigeration company in Paris, then later in Berlin. During this time, he dedicated his personal time to developing his ideas for a more efficient internal combustion engine. He theorized about an engine that could compress air to such a degree that fuel injected into the cylinder would ignite spontaneously due to the high temperature. This period was crucial for the development of his engine concept.

Diesel obtained a German patent for his 'Rational Heat Engine' (Patent DRP 67207), laying the groundwork for what would become the diesel engine. This patent outlined the core principles of his engine, including compression ignition and the use of a different fuel injection system compared to existing gasoline engines. The name 'Rational Heat Engine' reflected Diesel's desire to achieve the highest possible thermodynamic efficiency.

Diesel faced numerous challenges in translating his theoretical design into a working prototype. He partnered with Maschinenfabrik Augsburg (later MAN SE) and Krupp to build and refine his engine. These years were filled with setbacks, explosions, and intense engineering work, but ultimately, Diesel's persistence paid off. The initial engines were large, inefficient, and prone to failure, yet each iteration brought him closer to his goal.

Diesel successfully demonstrated a functional and relatively efficient diesel engine, marking a major breakthrough in engine technology. This event garnered significant attention from engineers and industrialists worldwide, recognizing the potential of his invention for various applications. The successful demonstration proved his concepts and paved the way for commercial production.

Diesel licensed his engine design to companies around the world, leading to the widespread adoption of diesel engines in stationary power plants, ships, and eventually locomotives. This period saw the rapid commercialization of his invention and the establishment of a global market for diesel technology. He became wealthy, but faced business challenges.

Rudolf Diesel mysteriously disappeared while crossing the English Channel on the steamer SS Dresden en route to London. His body was later recovered from the sea. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from suicide due to financial difficulties to assassination related to his engine technology. Despite the tragic end, his invention continued to shape the world.