May 30

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet, 1694–1778) was a French philosopher, writer, and outspoken critic of authority whose works helped define the Enlightenment. He produced a vast body of writings including "Candide", philosophical letters, dramas, and historical studies. Voltaire championed freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and separation of church and state, using satire to expose hypocrisy and injustice. His sharp intellect and prolific output earned him both admiration and exile from France. He maintained a correspondence with leading intellectuals and rulers of Europe, influencing political thought across the continent. Voltaire's legacy endures in his commitment to reason, human rights, and the power of literature to challenge established norms. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern secular and liberal movements.

Georgi Plekhanov (1856–1918) is regarded as the father of Russian Marxism. He translated and disseminated the works of Marx and Engels in Russia. Plekhanov developed Marxist theory, emphasizing material conditions in social change. He influenced key revolutionary figures, including Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky. His writings explored philosophy, history, and political economy in depth. Later disagreements with Lenin led him to critique Bolshevik tactics while upholding socialist ideals. Plekhanov's intellectual legacy shaped socialist thought in the 20th century.

Born in 1942, Marek Siemek dedicated his career to the study of philosophy and history. He authored influential texts examining the evolution of philosophical ideas in modern Europe. As an academic, he held positions at Polish universities, contributing to intellectual debates. His interdisciplinary research bridged philosophical theory with historical analysis. Siemek's work continues to influence scholars in philosophy and the humanities.