April 16

Born in 1805 in Normandy, Alexis de Tocqueville traveled to the United States to study its prison system. His observations led to the publication of 'Democracy in America' in two volumes, a seminal work on American society and governance. He served as France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1849, navigating complex post-Revolution politics. A strong advocate for liberal values, he warned against the 'tyranny of the majority.' Tocqueville’s insights continue to influence political science, sociology, and philosophy. His legacy endures as a foundational voice on democracy and individual rights.

Born in 1894 in Moquegua, Peru, Mariátegui turned to journalism after suffering a debilitating illness. He founded the influential magazine Amauta in 1926, providing a platform for Latin American intellectuals. As a Marxist theorist, he offered a unique interpretation of socialism tailored to Peruvian and indigenous realities. Mariátegui played a key role in founding the Peruvian Socialist Party in 1928. His major work, Seven Interpretive Essays on Peruvian Reality, remains a cornerstone of Latin American social theory. He died in 1930 at the age of 35, but his ideas continued to shape political movements across the continent.