March 21

Deaths - Thinkers & Philosophers

1999day.year

Jean Guitton

(1905 - 1999)

French philosopher and author

Jean Guitton was a French philosopher and author renowned for his writings on faith, reason, and his close intellectual ties with the papacy.

Born in 1905, Guitton studied philosophy and theology before becoming a professor and prolific writer. He authored over a hundred books exploring the relationship between philosophy, religion, and ethics. Guitton served as a theological advisor at the Second Vatican Council, shaping modern Catholic thought. In 1973, he was elected to the Académie Française, recognizing his contributions to French literature and philosophy. His work bridged academic scholarship and personal spirituality until his death in 1999.

1999 Jean Guitton

2021day.year

Nawal El Sadawi

(1931 - 2021)

Egyptian secularist, feminist

Egyptian secularist feminist

Egyptian feminist writer and activist Nawal El Saadawi challenged patriarchal norms through her groundbreaking works.

Born in Kafr Tahla in 1931, El Saadawi trained as a physician before dedicating herself to women's rights activism. She authored over fifty books, combining personal experience with incisive critique of gender inequality. Her landmark book 'Women and Sex' confronted taboos, leading to her dismissal from Egypt's Ministry of Health. El Saadawi campaigned internationally against female genital mutilation and religious oppression of women. She founded the Arab Women's Solidarity Association, amplifying feminist movements across the Middle East. Her fearless writing and advocacy left a lasting legacy in the global struggle for gender justice.

2021 Nawal El Saadawi