Great Thinkers

Meet the great minds whose ideas have shaped the world — philosophers, scientists, artists, leaders, and revolutionaries whose thinking still matters today.

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Education
Confucius
551-479 BCE · China, East Asia
Confucius (551-479 BCE) was a Chinese thinker, teacher, and social philosopher. His Chinese name was Kong Qiu, and he is also known as Kongzi, meaning…
Ethical thinking Relationships and communication Leadership Citizenship +1
"Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application? Is it not delightful to have friends coming…"
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Philosophy
Epictetus
c. 50-135 CE · Hierapolis, Asia Minor (now Turkey)
Epictetus (c.50-135 CE) was a Greek Stoic philosopher who was born into slavery in Hierapolis, a city in what is now Turkey. His name means…
Self regulation Resilience Ethical thinking Metacognition +1
"Of things, some are up to us and some are not up to us."
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Politics
Marcus Aurelius
121-180 CE · Rome, Roman Empire
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was Roman Emperor from 161 until his death in 180 CE, and one of the most important philosophers in the Stoic…
Self regulation Resilience Ethical thinking Metacognition +1
"You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength."
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Philosophy
Simone Weil
1909-1943 · France
Simone Weil (1909-1943) was a French philosopher, political activist, and mystic. She was born in Paris into a secular Jewish family of considerable intellectual distinction…
Ethical thinking Metacognition Self regulation Learning how to learn +1
"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity."
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Politics
Steve Biko
1946-1977 · South Africa
Steve Biko (1946-1977) was a South African activist and philosopher. He was born in King William's Town in the Eastern Cape, and grew up under…
Citizenship Ethical thinking Cultural heritage and identity Self regulation +1
"The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed."
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Philosophy
Søren Kierkegaard
1813-1855 · Denmark, Northern Europe
Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a Danish philosopher, writer, and theologian. He was born in Copenhagen, the youngest of seven children, and spent almost his entire…
Ethical thinking Metacognition Self regulation Learning how to learn +1
"The most common form of despair is not being who you are."
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