December 16

George Santayana was born Jorge Agustín Nicolás Ruiz de Santayana in Madrid and moved to the United States with his family. He studied and taught at Harvard University, becoming a prominent figure in American philosophy. His major works include 'The Sense of Beauty' and the multi-volume 'The Life of Reason'. Santayana advocated a naturalistic approach to philosophy, emphasizing the role of tradition and culture. He also wrote novels and poetry, showcasing his literary talents alongside his philosophical insights. His aphorisms, such as 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it', remain widely quoted.

Philip K. Dick (1928–1982) was an American writer and philosopher whose groundbreaking science fiction novels and short stories have had a profound impact on literature and film. His works, including 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' and 'The Man in the High Castle,' questioned the nature of consciousness, reality, and personal identity. Dick received the Hugo Award for Best Novel for 'The Man in the High Castle' in 1963. Many of his stories have been adapted into major motion pictures, such as 'Blade Runner' and 'Total Recall,' bringing his ideas to new audiences. His writing often blended speculative science with existential philosophy, challenging readers to examine their perceptions of the world. Dick's influence is evident in contemporary science fiction and broader cultural discourse on technology and humanity.