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The second caliph of Islam who laid the foundations of the Islamic empire. He was revered for his just rule and austere lifestyle.

American statesman and four-star general who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State. He was the first African American to serve as Secretary of State.

Spanish philosopher and poet. His view of the world as the will and emanation of God greatly influenced later theologians; his major work is Fons Vitae.

German author and poet. Known for children's literature such as Emil and the Detectives, he was a pacifist.

French army officer and novelist. In the epistolary novel Les Liaisons dangereuses he coldly dissected the hypocrisy and psychology of seduction in aristocratic society.

English clergyman and philosopher who was a fellow of the Royal Society. In Scepsis Scientifica he warned against dogmatism and defended experimental enquiry.

Oliver Goldsmith

1730 – 1774 · Ireland

Irish-born British novelist, playwright, and poet. He is one of the leading writers of 18th-century English literature, known for works such as The Vicar of Wakefield and She Stoops to Conquer.

Maya Angelou was an American poet, writer, actress, and civil rights activist. Her famous work 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' addresses her painful childhood and her journey of growth.

Danish fairy tale author and poet. He wrote globally beloved fairy tales including The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling.

Canadian psychologist and writer. He is known for his work on self-esteem, and his books include The Disowned Self.