Vernon L. Smith
Economist, Nobel Prize laureate
An American economist, contributions included pioneering research in experimental economics. Played a significant role in establishing experimental methods to understand market mechanisms. Served as a professor at several universities, including George Mason University. Research focused on how human behavior interacts with economic theory, leading to insights in market design and public policy.
Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002
Contributed to the development of experimental economics
Served as a professor at George Mason University
Other People Born on January 1st
Tank
American R&B singer and songwriter
Born
January 1st, 1976 49 years ago
An American singer, songwriter, producer, and actor, whose career began in the late 1990s. Gained recognition for contributions to the R&B genre, particularly with hit singles and albums. Debuted with the album 'Force of Nature' in 2001, which included popular tracks that topped charts. Collaborated with various artists and produced multiple successful projects over the years. Also known for acting roles in film and television.
Continue ReadingWilhelm Canaris
German admiral and intelligence chief
Born
January 1st, 1887 138 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1945 80 years ago — 58 years old
Served as an admiral in the German Navy and headed the Abwehr, the German military intelligence organization, during World War II. Played a significant role in gathering intelligence and counterintelligence operations. Involved in various anti-Nazi conspiracies, working to undermine the regime of Adolf Hitler. Arrested and executed by the Nazi regime due to suspicions of disloyalty in 1945. Remembered for navigating complex political and military landscapes during his service.
Continue ReadingBetsy Ross
Seamstress and flag maker
Born
January 1st, 1752 273 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1836 189 years ago — 84 years old
An American seamstress created flags for the Pennsylvania Navy during the Revolutionary War. Associated with the design of the first American flag featuring stars and stripes, contributions to the war effort included sewing and repairing uniforms and flags. Ross operated a furniture and upholstery shop where the flag design was crafted. In 1776, she reportedly made the first American flag after being visited by General George Washington and other members of the Continental Congress, leading to widespread recognition of her work in American history.
Continue ReadingChristian Thomasius
German jurist and philosopher
Born
January 1st, 1655 370 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 1728 297 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1655, contributions to law and philosophy included advocacy for the separation of church and state and the promotion of natural law. Played a significant role in the development of modern legal theory through writings that emphasized reason and individual rights. Influenced the Bildung movement and education reform in Germany. Held a professorship at the University of Leipzig, where lectures sparked interest in liberal ideas and shaped the legal landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingAgner Krarup Erlang
Danish mathematician and engineer
Born
January 1st, 1878 147 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1929 96 years ago — 51 years old
Contributed to the field of probability theory and queuing theory, establishing foundations for telecommunications and traffic engineering. Developed mathematical tools to analyze traffic flow and system congestion. Formulated Erlang's formula, which became a crucial element in telecommunications for determining the number of lines needed for a given number of calls. Worked at the Telephone Company in Copenhagen, providing insights that greatly improved telephone service efficiency.
Continue ReadingKim Philby
British spy and intelligence officer
Born
January 1st, 1912 113 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1988 37 years ago — 76 years old
A notable figure in British intelligence, played a key role during the Cold War. Worked for MI6 while secretly cooperating with the Soviet Union. Philby's espionage activities led to critical intelligence breaches affecting Western security. His treachery was part of the infamous Cambridge Five spy ring. In 1963, defected to the Soviet Union, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
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