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.

Bob Marshall was born in 1901 and earned a degree in forestry from the University of Michigan. He embarked on a career with the U.S. Forest Service, where he became passionate about wilderness preservation. In 1935, he co-founded The Wilderness Society to advocate for the protection of federal lands from development. Marshall authored influential essays and reports highlighting the ecological and cultural importance of wild places. His efforts contributed to the establishment of several national parks and wilderness areas. He died in 1939 at the age of 38, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana was named in his honor.

Yiannis Ritsos (1909–1990) was a Greek poet and playwright whose writing combined lyrical imagery with a strong sense of social consciousness. He authored numerous collections of poetry that delved into themes of love, struggle, and human dignity. His dramatic works translated his poetic vision into theatrical form, engaging audiences with their emotional resonance. Ritsos’s poignant style and evocative language earned him widespread acclaim and secured his place in modern Greek literature. His influence extended beyond national borders, inspiring readers and writers around the world. Today, his work remains celebrated for its depth and innovative craftsmanship.

John Stanley (1914–1993) was an American author and illustrator known for his engaging storytelling and distinctive artistic style. He worked across various formats, including books and serialized publications, crafting narratives that reached a broad readership. Stanley’s illustrations complemented his writing, bringing characters and settings to life with clarity and creativity. Throughout his career, he collaborated with publishers to produce works that resonated with readers of all ages. His visionary approach influenced contemporaries and helped shape the evolution of illustrated literature. Today, Stanley’s legacy endures through the ongoing appreciation of his stories and artistry.

William Alland began his career working with Orson Welles in radio before moving into film production. He produced landmark monster movies such as "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" and collaborated with effects artist Ray Harryhausen to bring imaginative creatures to the screen. His films like "It Came from Outer Space" and "Creature from the Black Lagoon" helped define the era of 1950s science fiction. Alland also wrote screenplays and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. His work has had a lasting influence on genre filmmaking and continues to inspire filmmakers today.

Jacobo Timerman was born in Bar, Ukraine, and raised in Buenos Aires where he founded the influential newspaper La Opinión. In 1977, he was arrested, tortured, and detained by Argentina's military junta for his fearless reporting. His 1981 memoir "Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number" brought global attention to state-sponsored repression. After his release, he was exiled to Israel and later taught international journalism at Harvard University. Timerman's work became a cornerstone in human rights advocacy and press freedom movements worldwide.

Miquel Martí i Pol was born in Roda de Ter, Catalonia, and contracted polio at age 14, which influenced the introspective tone of his poetry. He published his first collection in the 1950s and became one of the most celebrated Catalan poets of the 20th century. His notable works include "Estimada Marta" and "La fàbrica," which explore themes of love, work, and memory. Martí i Pol received numerous awards, including the Premi d'Honor de les Lletres Catalanes. His poems have been translated into multiple languages, cementing his influence on Catalan culture and beyond.

Richard Dembo was a French film director and screenwriter recognized for his creative storytelling. He gained international acclaim for his debut feature, 'Voyage to Nowhere', which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1980. Dembo's work was praised for its lyrical style and humanistic themes. Throughout his career, he directed several influential films that explored social and historical subjects. He also contributed to cinema as a screenwriter, bringing complex characters to life. Dembo passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful and compelling films.