July 25

Ibn Arabi (1165–1240) was a towering Sufi mystic, poet, and philosopher from al-Andalus whose ideas profoundly influenced Islamic spirituality. Born in Murcia, he traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world, gathering insights and teachings from renowned scholars. His seminal works include The Meccan Revelations and The Bezels of Wisdom, which explore themes of unity of being (wahdat al-wujud) and divine love. Ibn Arabi's mystical writings bridged philosophy, poetry, and theology, offering a rich synthesis that resonated across cultures. His legacy endures in both Eastern and Western metaphysical traditions, and his works continue to be studied by scholars and spiritual seekers alike.

Masaharu Anesaki studied Western philosophy in Europe, bringing ideas of Bergson and Kant to Japan. He was among the first Japanese to earn a doctorate in literature from Tokyo University. Anesaki founded the academic discipline of philosophy at multiple Japanese universities and mentored generations of thinkers. He authored seminal works on Buddhism, Shintoism, and comparative religion, bridging Eastern and Western thought. His intellectual leadership shaped Japan's cultural modernization during the early 20th century.

Born in 1902 to a working-class family, Eric Hoffer educated himself through extensive reading and writing. His landmark work, "The True Believer" (1951), offered deep insights into the psychology of mass movements and remains widely cited. Hoffer's essays explored topics such as self-esteem, leadership, and the human condition. Although he never held an academic post, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983. Hoffer wrote more than a dozen books during his lifetime, combining clear prose with philosophical depth. He passed away in 1983, leaving a legacy as one of America's most original thinkers.