October 04

Otto Weininger (1880–1903) was an Austrian philosopher whose work examined gender, sexuality, and individuality. Born in Vienna, he published the influential and debated treatise 'Sex and Character' at age 23. His ideas challenged established norms and impacted early psychoanalytic and philosophical thought. Despite his brief life, his theories sparked discussions on morality and identity across Europe. Weininger's tragic suicide further heightened the mystique surrounding his legacy.

Born in Newton, Massachusetts in 1928, Sexton began writing poetry as a therapeutic outlet. Her confessional style candidly explored themes of mental illness, family, and female experience. She published her debut collection, "To Bedlam and Part Way Back," in 1960 to critical acclaim. In 1967, her book "Live or Die" won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, cementing her literary reputation. Sexton also taught creative writing and mentored emerging poets across the United States. Battling depression throughout her life, she tragically took her own life in 1974. Her work continues to influence contemporary poets for its emotional honesty and innovation.

Born in 1903, Mārtiņš Zīverts studied at the University of Latvia before embarking on a career as a playwright. He authored numerous plays that blended poetic language with historical and social commentary, earning him acclaim in the interwar period. After World War II and the Soviet occupation, Zīverts went into exile and settled in Sweden, where he continued his writing. His works were staged internationally and explored themes of exile, freedom, and national identity. He remained an active voice in the Latvian literary community until his death in 1990, and his plays continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and cultural significance.