October 18

Born in Fujian province, Zhu Xi rose to prominence as a scholar during the Southern Song dynasty. He developed a comprehensive interpretation of the Four Books and schools of Confucian thought, synthesizing earlier teachings into a coherent doctrine. His commentaries became the orthodox curriculum for the imperial civil service examinations in China, Korea, and Japan. Zhu Xi also wrote on metaphysics, ethics, and cosmology, emphasizing moral self-cultivation and rational inquiry. His school of thought profoundly influenced the intellectual and political life of East Asia for centuries. He passed away in 1200, leaving behind a lasting intellectual legacy known as Neo-Confucianism.

Henri Bergson was born in Paris in 1859 and became a leading figure in continental philosophy. He developed theories of duration and intuition in works such as 'Time and Free Will' and 'Creative Evolution.' Bergson’s emphasis on subjective experience challenged mechanistic views of reality and influenced literature, psychology, and theology. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927 for his rich and vitalizing ideas. Bergson’s thought sparked debates with Einstein over the nature of time and continues to inspire scholars across disciplines.

George Ohsawa, born Yukikazu Sakurazawa and later known by his pseudonym, was a Japanese philosopher and academic. He founded the modern macrobiotic diet, emphasizing whole grains, vegetables, and balance. Ohsawa authored numerous books introducing Eastern philosophy, Zen, and natural hygiene to Western audiences. He traveled extensively, giving lectures and establishing macrobiotic schools across Japan and Europe. In 1959, he founded the East-West Philosophy Institute in Paris to promote intercultural understanding. His teachings influenced alternative health movements and holistic nutrition in the 20th century. Even decades after his death, his work continues to inspire wellness and philosophical communities worldwide.

Norberto Bobbio was a leading scholar in political philosophy whose research focused on the theory of rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He earned his doctorate at the University of Turin and later became a professor there, shaping Italy’s post-war intellectual landscape. His seminal book 'The Age of Rights' argued that the concept of human rights should be central to modern political thought. Bobbio’s analysis of the tensions between liberalism and socialism provided a framework for understanding contemporary democratic challenges. He authored more than 80 books and numerous essays, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. His legacy endures in legal and political theory curricula around the world.

Hans Köchler (born October 18, 1948) is an Austrian philosopher and professor at the University of Innsbruck. He has authored over eighty books and numerous articles on phenomenology, political philosophy, and the concept of sovereignty. Köchler founded the International Progress Organization and served as the United Nations observer during the Lockerbie bombing trial in 2000. His research and writings have influenced global discussions on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. A respected voice in international discourse, he continues to lecture worldwide and mentor new generations of scholars.