October 21

Born into the French aristocracy, he became a prominent historian and political thinker during the early Enlightenment. His major work 'Histoire de l'Ancien Gouvernement' argued for the ancient constitution and the primacy of noble rights. He engaged in intellectual salons and corresponded with leading figures like Fontenelle and Leibniz. His writings influenced debates on governance, inspiring later discussions on monarchy and aristocracy. His defense of traditional nobility shaped counter-revolutionary thought in France. He died in 1722, remembered for his contributions to political theory and historiography.

Born in 1772 in Devon, Samuel Taylor Coleridge emerged as a leading figure in English Romanticism alongside William Wordsworth. His landmark poems, including 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan', remain staples of English literature. Coleridge also wrote the influential 'Biographia Literaria', combining literary criticism and philosophical reflection. Struggling with health issues and opium addiction, he continued to lecture and produce essays on theology and metaphysics. His innovative use of imagination and symbolism profoundly influenced poetry and literary criticism. Coleridge's legacy endures in his exploration of the supernatural and his contributions to the theory of poetic creation.

Jane Heal is an English philosopher known for her contributions to philosophy of mind and language. She served as a professor at the University of Sheffield and later at Oxford University. Heal's research has focused on inference, logical reasoning, and the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Her publications include influential papers and a groundbreaking book on rationality. She has been recognized for her rigorous approach to analytic philosophy and teaching excellence. Heal's work continues to shape contemporary debates in philosophy.