Vitomil Zupan
Slovene author, poet, and playwright
Born in Slovenia in 1914, contributed significantly to Slovenian literature. Wrote novels, essays, and plays, with a distinctive narrative voice. Explored themes of identity, society, and human experience through literary works. Gained recognition for blending realism and existentialism in writing. Worked as a playwright for various theatrical productions, leaving a lasting influence on Slovenian theater.
Wrote the novel 'The Silent Man'
Authored the play 'The Scorpion'
Contributed essays to major literary journals
Other People Born on January 18th
Montesquieu
French lawyer and political philosopher
Born
January 18th, 1689 336 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1755 270 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent lawyer and political philosopher, this individual developed theories of government and sociology that influenced modern political thought. The work 'The Spirit of the Laws' proposed the separation of powers within government, a concept that became foundational in establishing modern democratic systems. Additionally, the ideas presented in 'Persian Letters' critiqued society and governance through the lens of a fictional exchange between Persians visiting France.
Continue ReadingYoichiro Nambu
Physicist and Nobel Prize winner
Born
January 18th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2015 10 years ago — 94 years old
Born in Japan, later became a prominent American physicist. Contributed significantly to the field of theoretical physics, particularly in the development of the concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking. Held a professorship at the University of Chicago for several decades. His work laid foundational principles for particle physics and influenced various theories and models in the field.
Continue ReadingEsther Coopersmith
Diplomat and UNESCO goodwill ambassador
Born
January 18th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
March 26th, 2024 1 years ago — 94 years old
Served as a notable American diplomat and held the position of UNESCO goodwill ambassador. Engaged in various international efforts related to education and cultural preservation. Contributed to fostering cooperative relations between nations through cultural exchange initiatives.
Continue ReadingKenneth E. Boulding
Economist and academic with a focus on peace
Born
January 18th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1993 32 years ago — 83 years old
An English economist and academic, contributed extensively to the fields of economics, systems theory, and peace studies. Developed the concept of 'image' in economics, emphasizing the importance of perception and expectations in economic behavior. Served as a professor at various institutions, notably the University of Colorado. Founded the Institute of Behavioral Science and was involved in numerous academic organizations, promoting interdisciplinary research.
Continue ReadingGerrit Voorting
Dutch cyclist, road racing champion
Born
January 18th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2015 10 years ago — 92 years old
Competed in road cycling events during the mid-20th century. Achieved notable success in national and international competitions. Secured the title of national road champion in the Netherlands multiple times. Participated in prestigious races including the Tour de France, contributing to the sport's popularity in the region.
Continue ReadingDean Bailey
Australian footballer and coach
Born
January 18th, 1967 58 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2014 11 years ago — 47 years old
A former Australian rules footballer and coach. Played for the Adelaide Crows in the Australian Football League (AFL) and took part in the 1997 AFL Grand Final. Transitioned to coaching roles after retirement, including serving as an assistant coach at various clubs. Also held the position of senior coach at Melbourne Football Club from 2009 to 2011.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 14th
Friedrich Spanheim
Dutch theologian and academic
Born
January 1st, 1600 425 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1649 376 years ago — 49 years old
An influential theologian and academic, contributions spanned various areas of theology and philosophy. Spanheim served as a professor at the University of Leiden, where he significantly influenced theological discourse. His works often addressed issues of religious tolerance and the relationship between church and state. Writings emphasized the importance of reason in theology, contributing to the development of Protestant thought during the 17th century.
Continue ReadingAntoine Furetière
French author and lexicographer
Born
December 28th, 1619 405 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1688 337 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1619, this author and scholar made significant contributions to French literature and linguistics. Most recognized for compiling the first comprehensive French dictionary, which served as a foundation for future lexicography in the language. Furetière's work laid the groundwork for scholarly research and documentation in French, demonstrating the evolving nature of the language and its usage.
Continue ReadingJean Rhys
Dominican-British novelist, Wide Sargasso Sea
Born
August 24th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1979 46 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1890, the author spent early years in Dominica before moving to England. The literary career began with short stories and novels in the 1920s. A significant work, Wide Sargasso Sea, published in 1966, is a prequel to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, exploring themes of colonialism and identity. The narrative is centered around Antoinette Cosway, a Creole woman confronting cultural and racial tensions in Jamaica. Rhys faced struggles with personal life and mental health, influencing her writing style and themes. Later works include Good Morning, Midnight and Voyage in the Dark.
Continue ReadingAugust Strindberg
Swedish playwright and novelist
Born
January 22nd, 1849 176 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1912 113 years ago — 63 years old
A prolific writer in various genres, focused on themes of psychology and existentialism. Authored the influential plays 'Miss Julie' and 'The Father', which explored complex human relationships and societal issues. Wrote novels such as 'The Red Room' and 'A Ghost Sonata', reflecting the social conditions of the time. His work contributed significantly to the development of modernist literature and drama, influencing many writers and playwrights in subsequent generations.
Continue ReadingMary Seacole
Nurse and author during the Crimean War
Born
1805 220 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1881 144 years ago — 76 years old
A Jamaican-English nurse and author who provided medical care during the Crimean War. Established a lodging house for wounded soldiers and treated them on the battlefield. She published an autobiography detailing her experiences and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the medical field at the time. Seacole's contributions as a caregiver and her entrepreneurial spirit stood out, gaining respect from both soldiers and fellow medical professionals.
Continue ReadingEmma Goldman
Political activist and anarchist writer
Born
June 27th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1940 85 years ago — 70 years old
Active in the early 20th century, contributed significantly to anarchist and feminist thought. Focused on issues such as workers' rights, free speech, and women's liberation. Published numerous essays and essays compiled into books. Played a crucial role in the labor movement, particularly during events like the Haymarket Affair. Established and edited several publications that advocated for radical change.
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