François de La Rochefoucauld
French author of maxims and reflections

Born
December 8th, 1558
466 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1680
344 years ago — 121 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
France
Links & References
A prominent 17th-century French author, recognized for contributions to literature through a collection of maxims and reflective writings. Originally part of the aristocracy, experiences during the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France, influenced the philosophical outlook. The major work, 'Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales,' published in 1665, compiled observations on human nature and behavior, providing a window into the moral complexities of the time. The concise and epigrammatic style marked a significant development in French literature.
Authored 'Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales'
Influenced the genre of the maxim in literature
Other People Born on December 8th
Emma Green Tregaro
Competed in high jump and represented Sweden in multiple international competitions. Achieved a personal best of 2.01 meters in high jump, ranking among the top athletes in the sport. Secured a gold medal at the 2012 European Athletics Championships held in Helsinki. Participated in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, reaching the finals in women's high jump.
Continue ReadingKate Voegele
American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress. Gained recognition with debut album 'Don't Look Away' in 2009, which featured the hit single 'Cutting Minutes.' Appeared as Mia Catalano on the television series 'One Tree Hill.' Released multiple albums, blending pop and rock elements, and built a dedicated fanbase through extensive touring and engaging performances.
Continue ReadingSam Tagataese
Born in 1986, a rugby league player from New Zealand and Samoa, played as a prop. Began professional career with the Melbourne Storm in the NRL in 2008. Transitioned to Gold Coast Titans and later to the Cronulla Sharks. Also represented Samoa internationally, participating in the Rugby League World Cup.
Continue ReadingRobert Sternberg
An American psychologist and academic contributed significantly to the fields of intelligence and creativity. Earned a Bachelor's degree from Yale University and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. Served as a professor at several institutions, including Yale University, Tufts University, and the University of Wyoming. Developed the triarchic theory of intelligence, which categorizes intelligence into analytical, creative, and practical components. Authored over 1,000 publications, including 'Successful Intelligence' and 'Wisdom, Intelligence, and Creativity Synthesized'. Held leadership roles in various psychological organizations and was the president of the American Psychological Association.
Continue ReadingAndy Kapp
A prominent figure in curling, achieved success in international competitions. Competed in multiple World Curling Championships and European Championships, securing a number of medals. Participated in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where the team won a bronze medal. Recognized for contributions to the sport, both in competition and as a coach.
Continue ReadingTed Irvine
Played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1963 to 1974. Teams included the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and the St. Louis Blues. Participated in over 500 NHL games and contributed as a left winger during his career. Established a reputation for physical play and solid two-way performance. After retiring, transitioned into coaching and mentoring young players.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 17th
Daniel Bernoulli
A prominent mathematician and physicist, contributions to fluid dynamics established fundamental principles in this field. Developed the Bernoulli's principle, which describes the behavior of fluid flow and is essential in various applications, including aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. Authored the influential work 'Hydrodynamica,' which laid the groundwork for modern fluid mechanics. Alongside, made significant advancements in probability theory and statistics.
Continue ReadingSylvester "Pat" Weaver
Significant contributions to television broadcasting included pioneering a new format for the medium. Developed influential programs such as 'The Tonight Show' and 'Today', helping to shape the landscape of American television. Oversaw the establishment of the television operations for NBC, leading innovative programming strategies during the early years of television. Played a key role in launching several popular shows that defined early television.
Continue ReadingHelen Hayes
An accomplished actress started on stage before transitioning to film, achieving significant recognition for performances. Won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for roles in 'The Sin of Madelon Claudet' and 'Airport'. Gained acclaim on Broadway, earning several Tony Awards throughout her career. Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was one of the first recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors.
Continue ReadingSusanna M. Salter
Elected as the first female mayor in the United States in 1887, served in Argonia, Kansas. Advocated for women's rights and suffrage. Played a significant role in local politics, focusing on issues pertinent to the community. Her election marked a milestone in women's political participation in the U.S.
Continue ReadingAleksei Brusilov
A Georgian-Russian general played a critical role in World War I, leading the Brusilov Offensive in 1916. This campaign is recognized as one of the most successful operations by the Russian Army during the war. The offensive achieved significant territorial gains against the Austro-Hungarian forces and showcased innovative tactics. Brusilov's strategies emphasized surprise attacks and infiltration, which were advanced for their time. After the war, he continued to serve in various military capacities, influencing Soviet military strategy.
Continue ReadingClarence D. Lester
Born in 1923, served as a fighter pilot during World War II, achieving notable acclaim for flying various aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang. Contributed to aerial combat missions in the European theater. After the war, continued a career in aviation, later reflecting on experiences as a pilot in relation to military history and strategy.
Continue Reading