What Happened This Year 1902

Born in 1902

W. Clement Stone

Businessman and author of Success System
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 2002 23 years ago — 100 years old

A businessman, philanthropist, and author, contributed significantly to the field of personal development and success principles. Founded the Combined Insurance Company of America in 1919. Authored several books, including "Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude," which emphasized optimism and goal-setting. Played a role in the establishment of the Stone Foundation, which supported various charitable endeavors. Helped promote ideas of self-motivation and personal achievement.

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Bidu Sayão

Brazilian-American soprano singer
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
March 12th, 1999 26 years ago — 97 years old

Soprano singer performed in opera houses across Europe and North America. Gained acclaim for performances at the Metropolitan Opera in roles such as Violetta in 'La Traviata' and Liu in 'Turandot'. Featured in recordings of Brazilian songs and worked with prominent conductors, showcasing a versatile vocal range. Contributed to the appreciation of Brazilian classical music, with a focus on popularizing it internationally.

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Hans Biebow

German SS officer during WWII
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
April 24th, 1947 78 years ago — 45 years old

Served as an SS officer during World War II. Involved in various administrative and operational roles within the Nazi regime. Managed the Jewish ghetto in Łódź, Poland, overseeing deportations and the implementation of Nazi policies concerning the Jewish population. Played a significant role in the administration of forced labor and exploitation of ghetto inhabitants until the dissolution of the ghetto.

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Anton Holban

Romanian author and educator, wrote 'Don Juan'
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
January 15th, 1937 88 years ago — 35 years old

An influential Romanian author, theoretician, and educator contributed significantly to literature and pedagogy. Authored several notable works, including the novel 'Don Juan'. Engaged in literary criticism and theoretical discourse, promoting modernist ideas in Romanian literature. Served as an educator, shaping the curriculum and engaging in various academic pursuits. Worked in several educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of literature in education.

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Sylvanus Olympio

President of Togo
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1963 62 years ago — 61 years old

A Togolese businessman and politician, served as the first President of Togo from 1960 until his assassination in 1963. Olympio was instrumental in leading Togo to independence from French colonial rule. His administration focused on economic development and infrastructural modernization.

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Simon Chikovani

Georgian poet and author
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
April 24th, 1966 59 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent poet and author from Georgia, contributions showcased the richness of Georgian literature. Often employed traditional forms and themes rooted in Georgian culture, capturing the essence of national identity through poetry and narratives. His works explored personal and collective experiences, reflecting the historical and social context of Georgia during his lifetime. Continued to influence Georgian literature long after passing in 1966.

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Karl Popper

Philosopher known for scientific falsifiability
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1994 31 years ago — 92 years old

Austrian-English philosopher focused primarily on the philosophy of science. Contributed significantly to debates about the demarcation between science and non-science. Advocated for falsifiability as a criterion for scientific theories, promoting a critical rationalism approach to knowledge. Wrote influential works including 'The Logic of Scientific Discovery' and 'Conjectures and Refutations'. Engaged in discussions on political philosophy as well, emphasizing the importance of open societies and criticized totalitarianism.

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Peter Pitseolak

Canadian photographer and author of memoirs
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
September 30th, 1973 52 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent photographer and author, this individual documented Inuit life and culture in the 20th century. Contributions include a range of photographs that captured the daily lives and traditions of the Inuit people, along with written memoirs that provided insight into their experiences. The works emphasized the importance of preserving Inuit heritage during a time of significant change and modernization. Their photography was prominently featured in exhibitions and publications, enhancing understanding of Indigenous cultures.

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Fritz Strassmann

German chemist known for nuclear fission
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1980 45 years ago — 78 years old

Contributed to the discovery of nuclear fission through experiments with uranium. Collaborated with Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner on pioneering work in nuclear chemistry. Published significant research on isotopes and nuclear reactions. The findings laid groundwork for both nuclear energy and atomic weaponry.

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