March 30

Moses ben Maimon, known as Maimonides, was born in Córdoba in 1135. He fled Spain during the Almohad persecutions and settled in Egypt, where he served as court physician to the Sultan. He led the Jewish community in Fustat and authored the Mishneh Torah, a comprehensive codification of Jewish law. In his philosophical work, Guide for the Perplexed, he sought to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Jewish theology. His writings became central to Jewish scholarship and also impacted Christian and Muslim thinkers. Maimonides is celebrated for his intellectual rigor, ethical treatises, and enduring influence on religious and philosophical discourse.

Born in 1863, Mary Calkins overcame gender barriers to become a leading figure in psychology and philosophy. She developed the paired-associate technique to investigate memory, laying the groundwork for experimental studies. Denied a Ph.D. by Harvard due to her gender, she taught at Wellesley College for over 30 years. Calkins served as the first female president of the American Psychological Association in 1905 and again in 1918. Her writings on self-psychology emphasized the unity of conscious experience and the self as a fundamental concept. Her career and resilience opened doors for generations of women in academia and psychology.

Born in 1891, Chunseong became a prominent Seon Buddhist monk and spiritual teacher in Korea. He authored numerous works exploring the intersection of Buddhist philosophy and everyday life. Throughout his life, he advocated for compassion, ethical living, and self-cultivation. He taught at major monastic institutions and lecture halls, earning respect for his clear and accessible style. His writings influenced both religious and secular audiences during a turbulent period in Korean history. Chunseong continued his work through Japanese occupation and the Korean War, promoting peace and understanding. He passed away in 1977, leaving a legacy of scholarship and spiritual guidance.