March 18

Born in 1727 near Paris to a noble family, Turgot studied law before rising in royal administration. As a leading Physiocrat, he advocated free trade, agricultural reform, and the reduction of feudal privileges. Appointed Controller-General of Finances in 1774 by Louis XVI, he sought to modernize France's economy. He proposed the abolition of guilds, the simplification of taxes, and state support for infrastructure. Facing resistance from court factions and privileged estates, most reforms were rescinded and he resigned in 1776. His writings, such as 'Reflections on the Formation and Distribution of Wealth', profoundly influenced classical economics. He died in 1781, remembered as a pioneering economic thinker and reformer.

Augustus De Morgan was an Indian-English mathematician and logician best known for formulating De Morgan's laws which are fundamental to modern logic and set theory. Born in Madurai in 1806, he became the first Professor of Mathematics at University College London. De Morgan made significant contributions to algebra, calculus, and the philosophy of mathematics, publishing influential works such as 'Formal Logic' and 'Trigonometry and Double Algebra.' He founded the Mathematical Gazette and was a dedicated educator, inspiring future generations of mathematicians. His work laid important groundwork for computer science and Boolean algebra.

Hjalmar Kiærskou was a Danish botanist born in 1835 who specialized in the taxonomy and classification of Nordic plants. He held a position at the University of Copenhagen, conducting extensive field research across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Kiærskou published seminal papers describing new species and contributed to major botanical works like 'Flora Danica.' His meticulous studies of plant morphology and distribution advanced the field of phytogeography. He served as a curator at the Botanical Museum and mentored future European botanists. Kiærskou's collections remain valuable references in herbaria worldwide.

Marcellin Berthelot was a prominent 19th century French chemist and statesman born in Paris in 1827. He made groundbreaking contributions to synthetic organic chemistry by successfully synthesizing organic compounds from inorganic materials. Berthelot's research in thermochemistry and chemical kinetics laid the foundations for modern physical chemistry. He authored influential texts such as 'Les Réactions chimiques' and 'Introduction à la science chimique.' Beyond science, Berthelot served as Minister of Public Instruction and Fine Arts, and later as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He championed science education in France and promoted international scientific cooperation. His legacy endures in chemical thermodynamics and academic reform.

Louis Bromfield was an award-winning American author best known for his novel 'Early Autumn', which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1927. Beyond his literary success, he was a pioneer of conservation agriculture and regenerative farming methods. At his Ohio estate, Malabar Farm, Bromfield experimented with soil restoration, crop rotation, and organic techniques. He wrote influential books and articles advocating for environmental stewardship and rural renewal. Bromfield's vision fused storytelling with practical solutions to soil depletion, inspiring future ecological movements. His legacy lives on in the sustainable agriculture practices widely adopted today.

Johannes Aavik was a visionary linguist who led efforts to enrich and standardize Estonian. He introduced new words, reformed grammar, and promoted literary language in the early 20th century. As a poet, Aavik contributed to cultural movements that strengthened Estonian national identity. He worked as a philologist at the University of Tartu and published influential language manuals. His reforms left a lasting imprint on modern Estonian, facilitating its use in literature and education. Aavik's pioneering scholarship helped establish Estonian as a vibrant European language.

Erich Fromm combined psychoanalysis, sociology, and philosophy to explore the human condition. He authored influential books such as Escape from Freedom (1941) and The Art of Loving (1956). Fromm argued that modern social structures often produce alienation and a longing for authentic connection. As a member of the Frankfurt School, he bridged critical theory with humanistic psychology. His concepts of individuals’ yearning for freedom versus security resonated widely across disciplines. Fromm’s work continues to influence psychology, sociology, and existential philosophy around the world.

Kenneth E. Boulding was born in 1910 and became one of the most influential economists of the 20th century. He served as president of the American Economic Association and contributed to peace research. Boulding pioneered general systems theory and explored the interconnectedness of society and environment. His work on ecological economics anticipated modern sustainability discourse. He authored over 30 books and numerous papers bridging economics, sociology, and philosophy. Boulding was also a dedicated activist, advocating for nuclear disarmament and global cooperation.

Eberhard Bethge was born in 1909 in Germany and developed a distinguished career in theology. He was a close friend and biographer of anti-Nazi pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bethge's definitive biography of Bonhoeffer became a seminal work in contemporary religious studies. He served as a professor of theology and influenced generations of students in Europe and North America. His writings explored themes of ethics, faith, and resistance in the face of tyranny. Bethge also contributed to ecumenical dialogue and translated important theological texts. He passed away in 2000, leaving a lasting impact on historical theology and Christian ethics.