November 11

Born in 1549 into a noble French family, Philippe de Mornay became a leading figure of the Huguenot movement during the French Wars of Religion. He served as a diplomat and advisor to King Henry IV, advocating for religious tolerance and unity in France. Mornay authored numerous treatises on monarchy, theology, and church-state relations, influencing political thought across Europe. His works, such as 'Vindiciae contra tyrannos', justified resistance to tyrannical rulers on religious grounds. He also contributed to the translation of the Bible into French, making sacred texts accessible to Protestant communities. Mornay’s intellectual legacy shaped early modern debates on sovereignty, law, and personal conscience. He died in 1623, remembered as a pioneering thinker who bridged faith and political theory.

Søren Kierkegaard was born in Copenhagen in 1813 and is often regarded as the father of existentialism. He studied theology and philosophy at the University of Copenhagen, developing a deep critique of institutional religion and Hegelianism. Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of individual choice, faith, and subjective experience in works such as 'Either/Or' and 'Fear and Trembling'. His writings explored anxiety, despair, and the leap of faith, influencing modern literature, theology, and psychology. Although largely ignored during his lifetime, Kierkegaard’s ideas gained prominence after his death. He challenged readers to confront the complexities of human existence and personal responsibility. Kierkegaard died in 1855, leaving a profound legacy that continues to shape philosophical and existential discourse.