Dutch philosopher, theologian, and politician
Dutch philosopher
theologian
and politician
Dirck Coornhert was a Dutch humanist scholar and political writer who championed religious tolerance in the 16th century.
Born in 1522 in Alkmaar, Coornhert trained as a jurist before devoting himself to literature, theology, and civic affairs. His writings called for religious tolerance and ethical conduct, influencing Dutch Reformation thought. An accomplished translator, he rendered classical texts into Dutch, enriching local literary culture. Serving as a councillor in Haarlem, he applied his humanist ideals to public governance. Coornhert's dialogues and essays anticipated Enlightenment themes of liberty and conscience, earning him a reputation as a pioneering thinker.
1590
Dirck Coornhert
American journalist, philosopher, and economist
American journalist
philosopher
and economist
An influential economist and social reformer who advocated a single tax on land value.
Henry George was born in Philadelphia in 1839 and became one of the most prominent American political economists of the 19th century. His best-selling work, "Progress and Poverty," argued that land value taxation could eliminate poverty and economic inequality. George’s ideas inspired the Georgist movement and influenced public policy debates around the world. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York City in 1886 on a reform platform. George lectured widely on economic justice, land reform, and the rights of labor. His theories on free trade and taxation continue to shape discussions in economics and public policy. Despite his early death in 1897, Henry George’s legacy endures in the field of social economics.
1897
Henry George
Spanish journalist and theorist
Spanish journalist and theorist
Spanish journalist, essayist, and political theorist associated with the Generation of '98.
Ramiro de Maeztu was born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, in 1874.
He emerged as a prominent journalist and essayist, contributing to influential periodicals like 'La Nación.'
Maeztu was part of the Generation of '98, reflecting on Spain's identity and decline after the 1898 crisis.
His early liberal views evolved into conservative and nationalist theories during the interwar period.
During the Spanish Civil War, he supported the Nationalist cause and published propaganda essays.
He was executed in Madrid on October 29, 1936, becoming a controversial figure in Spanish intellectual history.
1936
Ramiro de Maeztu
Armenian-French monk, psychologist, and philosopher
Armenian-French monk
psychologist
and philosopher
Armenian-French spiritual teacher and philosopher best known for his introduction of the Fourth Way.
George Gurdjieff was born around 1872 and traveled extensively through Central Asia, studying ancient spiritual traditions. He developed the Fourth Way, a unique synthesis of Eastern and Western methods of self-development, and founded the Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man in France. His magnum opus, "Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson," challenged conventional thought and influenced psychology, philosophy, and the arts. Gurdjieff’s teachings continue to inspire seekers around the world. He passed away in 1949, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy.
1949
George Gurdjieff