August 25

David Hume (1711–1776) was a central figure of the Scottish Enlightenment known for his empirical philosophy and skeptical inquiry. In his Treatise of Human Nature, he challenged rationalist assumptions and argued that human understanding arises from sensory impressions and habit. As a historian, his six-volume History of England became a standard reference for its narrative flair and critical analysis. Hume also made contributions to economics and moral philosophy, exploring the foundations of ethics and political society. His works on causation, personal identity, and miracles continue to influence contemporary philosophy and cognitive science. Renowned for his wit and clarity, Hume’s legacy endures in modern empirical thought.

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) was a German scholar and philosopher renowned for his profound critiques of religion, morality, and contemporary culture. Educated as a classical philologist, he taught at the University of Basel before devoting himself to writing full-time. Nietzsche’s works, including Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Beyond Good and Evil, and The Genealogy of Morals, introduced concepts such as the Übermensch and the will to power. His declaration that 'God is dead' and exploration of nihilism resonated with and influenced generations of thinkers in philosophy, literature, and art. Suffering from health problems and mental collapse later in life, Nietzsche’s legacy continued through posthumous publications edited by his sister. He remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern intellectual history.