March 12

John Aubrey was born in 1626 in Wiltshire, England, and educated at Oxford University. He devoted his life to the study of archaeology, folklore, and biography, pioneering techniques in surveying ancient monuments. Aubrey's most famous work, 'Brief Lives,' contains lively portraits of his contemporaries, including writers, scientists, and politicians. He collected folk tales and superstitions in 'Remains of Gentilism and Judaism,' preserving early English folklore. A keen observer, Aubrey also documented natural phenomena and local customs. He died in 1697, remembered as a founder of British antiquarian scholarship.

George Berkeley was born in 1685 in Kilkenny, Ireland, and educated at Trinity College, Dublin. An Anglican priest, he held academic positions at Yale College and the University of Oxford before becoming Bishop of Cloyne. Berkeley's most famous work, 'A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge,' argues that material objects exist only in the mind of perceivers. He also wrote on economics, education, and theology, emphasizing the role of God in sustaining reality. His philosophical ideas influenced later thinkers such as David Hume. Berkeley died in 1753, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of idealist philosophy.

Józef Tischner was born in 1931 and became a prominent thinker during Poland’s struggle against communism. As a Catholic priest, he provided spiritual support to the Solidarity movement and delivered influential lectures on ethics, freedom, and human dignity. Tischner’s writings, such as “The Philosophy of Drama” and “Ethics for the Third Millennium,” combined theological insight with philosophical depth. He served as a professor at the Pontifical University in Kraków and influenced both religious and secular audiences. His work fostered dialogue between faith and modern society. Tischner died in 2000, leaving a legacy as a moral voice in contemporary philosophy.

Michał Heller is a Polish philosopher, cosmologist and Catholic priest celebrated for his interdisciplinary work on the philosophy of science, especially the dialogue between cosmology and faith. A professor at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, he has published extensively on topics such as the origin of the universe and the metaphysics of time. Heller received the Templeton Prize in 2008 for his efforts to harmonize scientific inquiry with theological thought. He has advised Vatican congregations and lectured at universities worldwide. His contributions have shaped contemporary discussions on the compatibility of science and religion.

André Comte-Sponville (born March 12, 1952) is a French philosopher known for his clear, aphoristic style and engagement with topics such as virtue, happiness, and spirituality from an atheist perspective. His best-known works include A Small Treatise on the Great Virtues and The Book of Atheist Spirituality, both widely translated. Comte-Sponville bridges classical philosophical traditions with contemporary issues, advocating for a secular humanism grounded in moral responsibility. He has taught philosophy at the university level and regularly contributes to public debates through essays and media appearances. His writings have inspired a broad readership to engage with philosophical reflection in daily life.