August 11

Robert G. Ingersoll was born in Dresden, New York, and studied law before serving as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a prominent lawyer and was elected Illinois Attorney General in 1867. Known as 'The Great Agnostic,' he captivated audiences with speeches promoting free thought, civil liberties, and religious skepticism. Ingersoll's lectures toured the nation, influencing the American free-thought movement. He continued writing and speaking until his death in 1899, leaving a lasting impact on American secularism.

Uku Masing was born in 1909 and became a leading figure in Estonian intellectual life. He combined theological inquiry with deep investigations into folklore and mythology. Masing’s research spanned linguistics, poetry, and religious studies. He translated classical texts and promoted cultural understanding through his scholarship. His interdisciplinary legacy continues to influence theology and humanities research in Estonia.