September 29

Miguel de Unamuno was born in 1864 in Bilbao, Spain, and became a leading intellectual of the Generation of '98. He served as rector of the University of Salamanca and wrote influential works such as The Tragic Sense of Life and the novel Niebla. Unamuno's writings delve into the conflicts between faith and reason, the nature of identity, and the crisis of modernity. He opposed the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera and later clashed with Franco's regime, which led to his exile. Unamuno's blend of philosophical reflection and literary style has left an enduring impact on Spanish literature and thought. He died in 1936 amid the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War, but his ideas continue to resonate in discussions of existential philosophy and cultural identity.

Lanza del Vasto (1901–1981) was an Italian poet, philosopher, and pacifist deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. After meeting Gandhi in 1936, he embraced nonviolent resistance and social reform. In 1948, he established the Community of the Ark in southern France, modeling it on Gandhian principles. His writings blended poetic expression with spiritual activism and advocated for simplicity and communal living. He led peaceful protests against nuclear weapons and became a key figure in European pacifist movements.

Ülo Kaevats was an Estonian philosopher, academic, and politician known for his role in shaping Estonia's modern state. He studied and taught philosophy at the University of Tartu, producing influential work on ethics and political thought. Kaevats served as State Secretary from 1992 to 1995, playing a key role in governmental reorganization after independence. He later returned to academia, mentoring a generation of Estonian scholars. His writings bridged philosophical theory and practical governance. Kaevats's legacy endures in both philosophical circles and public administration.