David Hume (Philosophers)

(7 May 1711 [26 April O.S.] – 25 August 1776) was a Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist, known especially for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Western philosophy and the Scottish Enlightenment. Hume is often grouped with John Locke, George Berkeley, and a handful of others as a British Empiricist.

Swami Vivekananda (Philosophers)

was a direct disciple of the great avatar Sri Ramakrishna. After the death of his beloved Master Vivekananda lived the life of a wandering sannyasin (monk). However in 1893 he was invited to come to America to take part in the inaugural World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. At the congress of world religions Vivekananda became the star speaker with his clarion call for harmony amongst the world religions.

Albert Schweitzer (Philosophers)

(14 January 1875 – 4 September 1965) was an Alsatian theologian, musician, philosopher, and physician. He was born in Kaysersberg in the province of Alsace-Lorraine, a region of Germany which France assumed after World War I. Schweitzer challenged both the secular view of Jesus as depicted by historical-critical methodology current at his time in certain academic circles, as well the traditional Christian view, depicting a Jesus Christ who expected and predicted the imminent end of the world.

Aristotle 384BC - 322BC (Philosophers)

was one of the great polymaths of his time. He studied under Plato and therefore learnt much about the great philosophic traditions of Socrates. But, Aristotle was more than just a good student; he had an independent mind and was able to question many different things and sought to resolve difficult questions and previously unsolvable problems. He made studies in botany, physics, philosophy, logic, and was well known for being a powerful lecturer and debater. He was also regarded as a kindly man, compassionate to others.

Confucius (Philosopher)

was a wise sage who sought to educate his fellow citizens on the ancient wisdom of moral precepts. He was born around 551BC to a modest family. His father was a soldier and his mother educated him in the ancient ceremonies, poetry, music and etiquette of the ancient courts. Confucius was fascinated with these moral and cultural precepts known as 'Li' However, he was born in a time of religious and cultural decline.

Karl Marx (Philosophers)

"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it."

Karl Marx "Theses on Feuerbach" (1845), (and engraved on tomb)

Karl Marx (1818-1883) founder of Marxism and influential political science, whose ideas shaped the nineteenth and twentieth Century. Karl Marx was born 5 May 1818 in Trier in western German. His father was a successful lawyer who had converted from Judaism to Christianity in order to help his law career.

Socrates (Philosophers)

Life and philosophy 

Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy. By far the most important source of information about Socrates is Plato, who depicts him as a contradictory character. Plato's dialogs feature Socrates as a teacher who denies having disciples, as a man of reason who obeys a divine voice in his head, a pious man who is executed for religious improprieties. Socrates disparages the pleasures of the senses, yet is excited by youthful beauty; he is devoted to the education of the boys of Athens, yet indifferent to his own sons; few other characters have so fascinated the western world.

Antisthenes

(Greek: Ἀντισθένης; c. 445 BCE – c. 365 BCE) was a Greek philosopher and a pupil of Socrates. Antisthenes first learned rhetoric under Gorgias before becoming an ardent disciple of Socrates. He adopted and developed the ethical side of Socrates' teachings, advocating an ascetic life lived in accordance with virtue. Later writers regarded him as the founder of Cynic philosophy.