Hesse was born in Königsberg, East Prussia. He entered the scientific field after his education in law. He obtained his doctorate degree in 1950, and was habilited in 1955 at the University of Göttingen.
Born in Königsberg, East Prussia, Hesse began his career in science after obtaining his law degree. He received his doctorate in 1950 and was appointed a full professor at the University of Göttingen in 1955.