June 26

Kostas Axelos was born in Athens in 1924 and later moved to Paris to study philosophy under Maurice Merleau-Ponty. He co-founded the influential literary journal Tel Quel and engaged deeply with Marxist and existential thought. Axelos explored the relationship between technology and society in works such as The Political Question and The Techne of the World. He introduced the concept of planetary thinking, arguing for a global perspective on philosophical and political issues. Axelos taught and lectured at the University of Paris VIII, influencing a generation of French theorists. His interdisciplinary approach bridged philosophy, sociology, and art until his death in 2010.

Born in 1931 in Leicester, Colin Wilson gained fame with his 1956 book 'The Outsider', exploring the psychology of alienation. He authored over 120 books on philosophy, true crime, the paranormal, and existentialism. Wilson’s works blended rigorous analysis with accessible prose, influencing thinkers on human potential. He was a key figure among post-war British intellectuals, challenging conventional academic philosophy. His prolific career spanned decades until his death in 2013, leaving a legacy of spirited inquiry into consciousness.