May 07

Born on May 7, 1711, in Edinburgh, David Hume became one of the most influential philosophers of the 18th century. His works, such as A Treatise of Human Nature and An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, challenged prevailing notions of causation, belief, and the self. Hume's empirical approach laid foundations for modern cognitive psychology and philosophy of science. As a historian, he authored the multi-volume 'History of England,' blending scholarship with literary flair. He also contributed to economic theory, anticipating ideas of monetary policy and trade. A skeptic by temperament, Hume maintained wide social and intellectual networks, including correspondence with Voltaire and Rousseau. His legacy endures in diverse fields, from metaphysics to political economy.

Born in Montauban, Olympe de Gouges became one of the first female political writers in France. She is best known for her 1791 Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen, which argued for gender equality and civil rights. De Gouges also wrote plays that highlighted social injustices and advocated for the abolition of slavery. Her outspoken views made her a controversial figure during the Revolution. She was arrested during the Reign of Terror and executed by guillotine in 1793. De Gouges is remembered today as a pioneering feminist and social reformer.