April 07

Born in Seville in 1595, Nieremberg joined the Society of Jesus at age 15 and excelled in theology and philosophy. He authored numerous works on mysticism, spiritual life, and ethics, blending Christian doctrine with humanistic learning. His most famous text, 'Meditations on the Saint Life of Saint Joseph', remains influential in Catholic spiritual literature. Nieremberg's writings exhibit Baroque eloquence and reflect his deep contemplative practice. He also corresponded with scholars across Europe, bridging theological and philosophical debates. He died in Madrid in 1658, leaving a rich legacy of devotional and intellectual works.

Alexander Bogdanov was born in 1873 and trained as a medical doctor before embracing Marxist philosophy. A key figure in early Bolshevik circles, he helped develop revolutionary theory alongside Lenin. Bogdanov founded Tektology, an early framework for systems science that foreshadowed cybernetics. He authored the science fiction novel 'Red Star,' envisioning a utopian society on Mars. His experiments in blood transfusion and critiques of party orthodoxy led to his death in 1928, cementing his legacy as a multifaceted thinker.

Carl Schmitt was a German legal scholar and political theorist best known for his analysis of sovereignty and state power. He introduced the concept of the political as the distinction between friend and enemy. His works, such as 'Political Theology', influenced both conservative and radical thinkers. Schmitt's association with the Nazi regime remains controversial, yet his ideas continue to be studied in legal and political sciences. He contributed extensively to constitutional theory and international law. His legacy sparks debate over the balance between security and freedom.