August 29

Sayyid Qutb (1906–1966) was an Egyptian writer, educator, and leading intellectual of the Muslim Brotherhood. He began his career as a schoolteacher and literary critic before traveling to the United States in 1948–49, an experience that shaped his critique of Western culture. Upon his return, Qutb joined the Muslim Brotherhood, advocating for a return to what he saw as pure Islamic principles. His seminal works, including 'Milestones' and his multi-volume commentary on the Qur'an, 'In the Shade of the Qur'an', argued that contemporary Muslim societies had deviated from true Islam. Qutb's ideas about jahiliyyah ('ignorance') and the necessity of Islamic governance inspired Islamist movements globally. Arrested by Gamal Abdel Nasser's regime, he was executed in 1966, becoming a martyr figure to many. His writings remain highly influential, shaping debates on Islam, politics, and society. Qutb's legacy is contested, viewed by supporters as a visionary reformer and by critics as a source of radical ideology.

Manly Palmer Hall (1901–1990) was a Canadian-born American mystic, author, and lecturer renowned for his studies of esoteric traditions. At the age of 27, he published his magnum opus The Secret Teachings of All Ages (1928), an encyclopedic exploration of mysticism and ancient philosophies. In 1934, Hall founded the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles to promote philosophical study and spiritual insight. Throughout his life, he delivered thousands of lectures and wrote more than 150 books and essays on occultism, mythology, and comparative religion. His work influenced generations of spiritual seekers and scholars interested in the hidden aspects of world religions. Hall's legacy endures through the continued activities of the society he established.

Félix Guattari (1930–1992) was a French philosopher, psychoanalyst, and political activist best known for his collaboration with Gilles Deleuze. Together they produced groundbreaking works such as Anti-Oedipus (1972) and A Thousand Plateaus (1980) under the series title Capitalism and Schizophrenia. Guattari's interdisciplinary approach bridged psychoanalysis, ecology, and social theory, challenging traditional structures of power and desire. He founded experimental therapy centers in France and was active in environmental and leftist movements. His ideas on schizoanalysis and ecosophy have influenced critical theory, art, and activism worldwide. Guattari's work continues to inspire scholars across multiple disciplines.