February 15

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing was a seminal German philosopher, playwright, and literary critic born in 1729. As a leading figure of the Enlightenment, he championed religious tolerance and rational thought. He wrote dramas such as "Minna von Barnhelm" and "Nathan the Wise," which challenged social conventions and advocated humanism. His critical works laid the foundation for modern literary theory and aesthetics. Lessing served as dramaturg in Hamburg, promoting innovative theater practices. His correspondence and essays addressed theology, philosophy, and the arts, reflecting his interdisciplinary intellect. He died in 1781, having left an enduring impact on German literature and philosophy.

Ghalib was born Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan in 1797 in Agra and served in the Mughal court. He wrote ghazals exploring love, philosophy, and human nature with profound nuance. Though he witnessed the decline of the Mughal Empire, his poetry transcended political turmoil. Ghalib's letters and prose also reveal his wit and insight into 19th-century Indo-Persian culture. He remains a central figure in South Asian literature, influencing poets across languages.

Born in 1839 in Struga, Zhinzifov studied Greek and linguistics in Thessaloniki. He published poetry that celebrated Bulgarian identity and folklore. As a translator, he introduced European works into Bulgarian, enriching its literary heritage. Zhinzifov’s efforts in education and literature supported the cultural awakening of his people. His early death in 1877 cut short a promising career, but his works inspired later national leaders.

Lew Wallace (1827-1905) studied at the United States Military Academy and served in the Mexican-American War. He practiced law and entered politics before rejoining the military for the American Civil War, where he earned the rank of brevet major general. Wallace commanded troops at Shiloh and played a key role in defending Washington, D.C. After the war, he was appointed governor of the New Mexico Territory and later served as U.S. minister to the Ottoman Empire. In 1880, he published 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ', which became one of the most popular American novels of the 19th century. His career spanned military service, governance, and literature, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Martha Gellhorn was born in 1908 in St. Louis, Missouri. She became one of the first female war correspondents, covering conflicts in Spain, China, and across Europe during World War II. Gellhorn wrote for publications such as Collier's Weekly and the Atlantic, exposing the human toll of war with vivid reporting and compassionate insight. She authored novels, memoirs, and short stories, showcasing her literary talent. Gellhorn was married to Ernest Hemingway for a decade but established her own reputation with fearless journalism. She continued reporting into the late 20th century, covering Vietnam, Northern Ireland, and other hotspots. Gellhorn died on February 15, 1998, leaving a legacy of journalistic courage.

Arnaud de Borchgrave was a Belgian-American journalist whose career spanned more than six decades of international reporting. Born in Brussels in 1926, he began his journalism journey as a correspondent covering the early days of the Cold War. As President and Editor-in-Chief of United Press International and later as senior editor of Newsweek, he reported from major global hotspots and interviewed world leaders. His books and articles provided deep insights into geopolitical events, including insider accounts of espionage and diplomacy. De Borchgrave's work earned him acclaim for his fearless reporting style and sharp analysis. He received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Merit from the Philippines. Through teaching and writing, he influenced generations of journalists worldwide.

Patrick Jake O'Rourke (1947–2022) was an American author, humorist, and journalist known for his sharp political satire and irreverent style. He served as a foreign correspondent for Rolling Stone magazine and wrote regular columns for publications such as The Atlantic and The Weekly Standard. His bestselling books, including Parliament of Whores and Give War a Chance, blended humor with incisive analysis of government and society. O'Rourke traveled the world reporting on major events, from war zones to diplomatic summits, always laced with his trademark wit. He was a sought-after speaker at academic and political events, captivating audiences with both humor and insight. His influence on modern political commentary endures through his books and articles. O'Rourke died in 2022 at the age of 74, leaving a legacy as one of America’s foremost satirical voices.