Samuel Clarke
English minister and philosopher

Born
October 11th, 1675
349 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1729
296 years ago — 53 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
A prominent English minister and philosopher, contributed significantly to the fields of theology and philosophy during the early 18th century. Engaged in debates on metaphysics and ethics, favoring rationalism and the use of logic in religious discourse. Published influential works such as 'A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God' which discussed the nature of divinity. Clarke also played a role in the development of early modern philosophy, particularly in the areas of free will and moral responsibility.
Published 'A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God'
Contributed to discussions on ethics and metaphysics
Engaged with contemporaries like Isaac Newton and John Locke
Other People Born on October 11th
Frederick IV of Denmark
Ruled as King of Denmark and Norway from 1699 until 1730. Oversaw significant military conflicts and domestic reforms. Under leadership, Denmark fought in the Great Northern War against Sweden, which led to territorial changes. Promoted trade and economic development in the kingdom. Supported the arts and established the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.
Continue ReadingDawn French
An actress, comedian, and screenwriter, achieved prominence for work in television and theatre. Gained recognition through the sitcom 'The Vicar of Dibley', which became a staple of British comedy. Co-created and starred in 'French and Saunders' alongside Jennifer Saunders, showcasing a blend of sketch and character comedy. Engaged in various television documentaries and special performances, exploring social issues with humor. Published works include autobiographical books.
Continue ReadingGeorge Bridgetower
Born in 1778, this musician and composer gained prominence as a violinist, performing across Europe. Bridgetower collaborated with several notable composers, including Ludwig van Beethoven, who composed the 'Kreutzer Sonata' for him. His performances were celebrated in various cities, and his unique style contributed to the evolution of violin music during that era. Despite an illustrious career, his reputation declined after his later years, yet his contributions to classical music continued to be noted.
Continue ReadingGrigory Potemkin
Born in 1739, a prominent Russian general and statesman held significant power during the reign of Catherine the Great. Potemkin became a key figure in the expansion of the Russian Empire, particularly in southern regions. He took part in the Russo-Turkish War, where he played a critical role in several military campaigns. In addition to military accomplishments, he was instrumental in the development of new cities, notably Sevastopol, which served as a crucial naval base. His administrative skills greatly aided in territorial governance and set foundations for future imperial growth.
Continue ReadingMelchior de Polignac
Born in 1661, a prominent French cardinal and poet contributed significantly to literature and church affairs. His work 'Anti-Lucretius', a philosophical poem, showcased influences from classical thought and addressed the nature of divine providence. De Polignac played a critical role within the Catholic Church, holding various ecclesiastical positions and advocating for religious and cultural matters during his lifetime. His writings continued to be studied for their poetic beauty and intellectual depth.
Continue ReadingDavid Starr
A race car driver active in various NASCAR series. Competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series over many seasons. Participated in over 400 races across different leagues, demonstrating consistent performance and skill. Also contributed to the sport through ownership of a race team, furthering engagement in motorsports.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 17th
Jorge Rafael Videla
Served as the 43rd President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981 following a military coup. Led the country during the Dirty War, a period characterized by widespread human rights abuses. Implemented policies aimed at suppressing dissent and promoting economic reforms. Oversaw actions that resulted in the disappearance and torture of thousands.
Continue ReadingZiya Pasha
An influential Greek author and translator, contributed significantly to modern Greek literature during the 19th century. Engaged in the translation of notable works from various languages into Greek, enhancing the accessibility of foreign literature. Served as an important figure in the Greek literary scene, shaping literary movements and ideas through original works and adaptations.
Continue ReadingFrank G. Slaughter
Born in 1908, this American authored numerous novels that blended medical themes with engaging storytelling. A medical doctor by training, focused on writing from the 1950s onward, producing works that highlighted the intricacies of the medical profession and personal stories of survival. Several of these novels became bestsellers, appealing to a wide audience and bringing attention to various medical conditions and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, served as a medical consultant for television programs, which helped bridge the gap between real medical practice and entertainment.
Continue ReadingGunnar Myrdal
Contributions in the fields of sociology and economics included significant works that examined social issues, economic development, and political structures. Authored 'An American Dilemma: The Negro Problem and Modern Democracy,' which analyzed race relations in the United States. Also wrote 'Towards a Theory of the Circular Causal Relationships' that explored interdependencies in social science. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1974 for the analytical work that linked economic and social issues.
Continue ReadingGiacomo Zanella
Giacomo Zanella served as an Italian priest and achieved prominence as a poet in the 19th century. His literary works showcased a blend of romanticism and realism, contributing to the Italian literary scene. Many of Zanella's poems were inspired by his deep religious faith, reflecting themes of spirituality and nature. He published several collections that highlighted his poetic style. Zanella’s influence extended beyond poetry, as he played a significant role in the cultural and literary movements of his time.
Continue ReadingDouangchay Phichit
Born in 1944, this politician held various significant positions within the Laotian government. Roles included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. In the 1990s, served as a member of the National Assembly and was involved in shaping governmental policies. His tenure contributed to the political landscape of Laos during a transformative period in its history.
Continue Reading