August 18

Walafrid Strabo (808–849) was a Benedictine monk at the imperial abbey of Reichenau, where he served as abbot and prominent scholar. He wrote influential commentaries on the Psalms and the biblical work "De exordiis et incrementis quarundam in observationibus ecclesiasticis rerum". Strabo's writings reflect Carolingian theological thought and contributed to the revival of learning during the period. He corresponded with leading intellectuals of his time and advised the imperial court on ecclesiastical matters. His leadership at Reichenau helped solidify the monastery's reputation as a center of scholarship.

Learned Hand (1872–1961) served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit for over three decades. He authored landmark opinions shaping American administrative and constitutional law. Renowned for his clear prose, Hand wrote essays on civil liberties and the role of law in society. Though never appointed to the Supreme Court, his influence on American jurisprudence is widely recognized. He is celebrated as one of the nation’s greatest legal minds.

Born in 1897, Lindbäck-Larsen rose through the ranks of the Norwegian Army, demonstrating leadership and strategic insight. Following his military service, he devoted himself to the study of warfare and authored influential works on 20th-century conflicts. His research combined firsthand experience with archival expertise, earning him respect among both officers and historians. Through his publications, he provided detailed analyses of tactics and operational art, helping to bridge the gap between military practice and historical scholarship. His books remain key references in Norwegian military academies and beyond. Lindbäck-Larsen died in 1975, leaving a lasting imprint on the field of military history.

Born in Germany in 1902, Nikolaus Pevsner fled the Nazi regime and settled in England in the early 1930s. He built a distinguished career at Birkbeck College in London, where he taught art history and research methods. Pevsner authored the influential multi-volume series "The Buildings of England," providing meticulous surveys of architectural heritage county by county. His work highlighted the importance of preserving historic structures and inspired conservation movements across Britain. Pevsner also wrote biographies of major artists and fostered a popular appreciation for modern architecture. His clear writing style and thorough research set new standards for art historical scholarship. Pevsner died in 1983, leaving a legacy that continues to guide scholars, architects, and heritage professionals worldwide.

Born in 1904 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Burrhus Frederic Skinner emerged as a leading figure in experimental psychology. He studied at Harvard University, where he developed his theories on operant conditioning. Skinner designed the Skinner box, a controlled environment used to study animal behavior systematically. His research demonstrated how rewards and punishments shape learning and behavior patterns in both animals and humans. He authored influential books such as "Walden Two" and "Beyond Freedom and Dignity," sparking debates on free will and social engineering. Skinner's ideas profoundly influenced education, therapy, and behavior modification techniques. He died in 1990, leaving a legacy that continues to impact psychology and related fields.

Born in 1931 in England, David Peakall became a leading expert on the toxic effects of organochlorine pesticides. He conducted groundbreaking laboratory studies on DDT and other contaminants, revealing their harmful impact on bird reproduction. Peakall’s research was instrumental in the ban of DDT in many countries and the recovery of affected bird populations. He served at the Canadian Wildlife Service, where he led projects on chemical pollutants and wildlife health. His meticulous fieldwork and advocacy helped establish modern standards for environmental risk assessment. Peakall authored numerous scientific papers and influenced regulatory agencies worldwide. He died in 2001, remembered as a driving force in environmental toxicology.

Rose Friedman made significant contributions to economic thought alongside her husband, Milton Friedman. Born in 1910 in what is now Ukraine, she emigrated to the United States with her family. She co-authored books such as ‘Free to Choose,’ advocating for limited government and free markets. As an economist, she wrote articles and essays on education, taxation, and public policy. Her work influenced policymakers and shaped debates on economic freedom in the 20th century. Rose Friedman passed away in 2009, leaving behind a lasting intellectual legacy.

Benjamin Kaplan (1911–2010) was an American legal scholar and jurist renowned for his expertise in copyright law and civil procedure. He served as a professor at Harvard Law School, where he influenced generations of students with his rigorous teaching and scholarship. Kaplan played a central role in drafting amendments to U.S. copyright legislation and served on the United States Copyright Royalty Tribunal. His seminal writings on fair procedures and adjudication remain influential in legal circles. Beyond academia, he advised on high-profile cases and contributed to public discussions on intellectual property rights. Kaplan's career embodied a deep commitment to justice and legal clarity.

Khaled al-Asaad was a renowned Syrian archaeologist and author who served as the head of antiquities in Palmyra for over four decades. Born in 1932, he led excavations that uncovered and documented thousands of artifacts, elevating Palmyra to UNESCO World Heritage status. Al-Asaad published extensively on Middle Eastern archaeology and trained generations of Syrian scholars. In 2015, he was tragically killed while defending Palmyra's priceless ruins from extremist forces. His unwavering commitment to cultural preservation made him a symbol of resistance against destruction. Al-Asaad's legacy continues to inspire archaeologists and historians worldwide.

Ernst Nolte was a German historian and philosopher whose scholarship focused on fascism and modern European history. Born in 1923, he held professorships at major German universities, shaping the academic study of totalitarian regimes. Nolte's comparative analyses of fascism, communism, and democracy sparked widespread scholarly debate. He argued that understanding historical context was essential to interpreting extremist movements, a stance that drew both praise and criticism. His extensive writings remain influential in historical and philosophical circles. Nolte passed away in 2016 at the age of 92, leaving a thought-provoking legacy in the study of 20th-century history.