Alfred North Whitehead

Mathematician and philosopher of science

Alfred North Whitehead - Mathematician and philosopher of science
Born

February 15th, 1861
164 years ago

Died

December 30th, 1947
77 years ago — 86 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and philosophy. Co-authored the seminal work 'Principia Mathematica' with Bertrand Russell, which laid foundational aspects of mathematical logic. Developed process philosophy, emphasizing the processual nature of reality and the interconnectivity of all entities. Served in various academic roles, including at Harvard University, influencing future generations of scholars.

Co-authored 'Principia Mathematica'

Developed process philosophy

Other People Born on February 15th

Sarto Fournier

Canadian politician and lawyer, Mayor of Montreal
Born
February 15th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1980 44 years ago — 72 years old

A lawyer and politician served as the 38th Mayor of Montreal from 1960 to 1962. Fournier's tenure focused on urban development and municipal governance. He also held a significant role within the Quebec Liberal Party and engaged in community initiatives throughout his career. Prior to becoming mayor, he served as a city councillor, contributing to local policy and legislative efforts.

Continue Reading

Art Spiegelman

Cartoonist and author of Maus
Born
February 15th, 1948 77 years ago

A cartoonist and critic, this individual gained prominence through the graphic novel 'Maus', which depicts the Holocaust using anthropomorphic animals. The work showcases the experiences of his family during World War II, intertwining history with personal narrative. 'Maus' received widespread acclaim and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1992, marking a significant recognition of comics as a serious art form. Throughout the career, contributions to various publications include work with 'The New Yorker' and other avant-garde projects that explore complex themes. The artistic style combines black-and-white illustrations with poignant storytelling, influencing the graphic novel genre and visual storytelling as a whole.

Continue Reading

Titu Maiorescu

Romanian philosopher and Prime Minister
Born
February 15th, 1840 185 years ago
Died
June 18th, 1917 107 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent philosopher and academic, this figure served as the 23rd Prime Minister of Romania in the late 19th century. His contributions to literature and philosophy were significant, particularly in shaping the cultural landscape of Romania. He founded the cultural society "Junimea," which played a crucial role in Romanian literature. His critiques and theories in aesthetics and logic left a lasting impact on Romanian intellectual thought. A notable aspect of his political career included efforts to modernize Romanian education and promote national culture.

Continue Reading

Sébastien Bordeleau

Ice Hockey Player, International Competitor
Born
February 15th, 1975 50 years ago

Played as a forward in ice hockey, with a professional career spanning over a decade. Selected in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft and played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams including the New Jersey Devils, the Anaheim Ducks, and the Chicago Blackhawks. Competed in several international tournaments representing Canada and contributed to the national team's efforts in various championships. Transitioned to play in European leagues, showcasing skills in countries such as France and Sweden before retiring from professional play.

Continue Reading

Elihu Root

American lawyer and Secretary of State
Born
February 15th, 1845 180 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1937 88 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent lawyer and politician, served as the 38th United States Secretary of State from 1905 to 1909. Played a crucial role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War, which earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 1912. Contributed to the establishment of the International Court of Justice and advocated for international arbitration. Served as Senator from New York and held various government positions, including Secretary of War.

Continue Reading

Graham Kennedy

Television host and actor, King of TV
Born
February 15th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
May 25th, 2005 19 years ago — 71 years old

A significant figure in Australian television, this individual began a career in the 1950s and hosted several influential shows. Revolutionized the television landscape with innovative formats and engaging presentation styles. Achieved popularity through programs such as 'In Melbourne Tonight' and 'The Graham Kennedy Show'. Won multiple awards, including the Gold Logie, celebrating excellence in Australian television. Continued to influence the industry until retirement.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 30th

Artie Shaw

Clarinetist and bandleader, influential composer
Born
May 23rd, 1910 114 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2004 20 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent clarinet player, composer, and bandleader, this musician gained recognition during the Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s. Shaw's band achieved major popularity with the hit song "Begin the Beguine," which displayed his sophisticated musical style. Aside from leading successful big bands, he composed several pieces that showcased his innovative approach. Shaw's influence extended beyond the clarinet, as he embraced classical music elements within his jazz compositions. He collaborated with notable musicians and made significant contributions to the development of modern jazz.

Continue Reading

Luise Rainer

German-English actress with Academy Awards
Born
January 12th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2014 10 years ago — 104 years old

Born in Germany, a celebrated actress gained prominence in the 1930s. Rainer starred in films such as 'The Great Ziegfeld' and 'The Good Earth'. Her performances earned her critical acclaim and two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actress, making her the first to achieve this feat. After a successful early career in Hollywood, she relocated to Europe, where she continued to act in various productions. Rainer's contributions to cinema during her peak years solidified her legacy in film history.

Continue Reading

Raghuvir Sahay

Indian author and poet with notable works
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1990 34 years ago — 61 years old

An influential author and poet, celebrated for contributions to modern Hindi literature. Sahay's poetry reflects the complexities of life and societal issues, often utilizing rich imagery and innovative language. As a prominent critic, engaged in literary discourse, Sahay explored themes of existentialism and human experiences. Significant works include poetry collections and essays that have had lasting effects on contemporary Hindi literature. In addition, Sahay was active in various literary movements, enhancing the appreciation of Hindi as a literary medium.

Continue Reading

Trygve Lie

Norwegian politician and UN Secretary-General
Born
July 16th, 1896 128 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1968 56 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent Norwegian trade union leader and politician served as the first Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1946 to 1952. Lie played a key role in establishing the UN and shaping its early policies. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the Korean War, which tested the organization's effectiveness in conflict resolution. After stepping down from the role, he remained active in international diplomacy and served in various other positions throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Eiichi Ohtaki

Japanese singer-songwriter and producer
Born
July 28th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2013 11 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent figure in Japanese music, Ohtaki started his career in the 1960s as a member of the band Happy End, which played a critical role in the establishment of folk rock in Japan. After the band's disbandment, Ohtaki launched a successful solo career, releasing several influential albums. His 1975 album, 'A Long Vacation', gained critical acclaim and remains a landmark in Japanese pop music. Ohtaki's work blended various genres, including rock, pop, and traditional Japanese music. He collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career and contributed to the production of many records, significantly shaping the Japanese music landscape.

Continue Reading

Wang Shenzhi

Founder of the Min Kingdom
Died
December 30th, 925 1099 years ago — None years old

Founded the Min Kingdom in 909 during the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Established a regime that maintained a level of independence from the central authorities of the time. Set the groundwork for the regional governance of the area now known as Fujian Province in China. Governed until death in 925, shaping local politics and culture during his reign.

Continue Reading