June 28

Born in 1712 in Geneva, Switzerland, into a family of watchmakers. His early wanderings through Europe exposed him to diverse intellectual currents. In 1755, he published "Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality," challenging social hierarchies. His masterpiece "The Social Contract" argued for popular sovereignty and the general will. In "Émile," he outlined his revolutionary ideas on education and natural development. Rousseau’s novel "Julie, or the New Heloise" became one of the bestselling books of the 18th century. His work influenced the French Revolution, Romanticism, and modern political theory before his death in 1778.

Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker (1912–2007) made significant contributions to nuclear physics, notably in stellar nucleosynthesis and the theory of nuclear fusion. He was a member of Germany’s Uranverein project during World War II and later became a leading voice in discussions on scientific responsibility and peace. As a philosopher, Weizsäcker explored the ethical dimensions of scientific discovery and the human quest for knowledge. He held professorships at the University of Hamburg and Göttingen and authored influential works on physics, philosophy, and the relationship between science and society.