The statesman and philosopher who blended political theory with practical wisdom, advocating for a balanced constitution.

The father of the scientific method who urged us to think empirically and systematically; knowledge truly is power. He wrote of an imaginary republic that inspired the Founders.

The Welsh moral philosopher and mathematician who championed liberty, reason, and social progress in equal measure. He argued that education is the key to freedom and that ignorance paves the way for tyranny and slavery.

The Bard whose plays and sonnets captured the human condition in all its glory and folly; his influence transcends time.

The Roman historian whose tales of early Rome blended myth and fact into an epic narrative that is more captivating than any adventure series written today.

The satirical poet whose sharp wit and heroic couplets skewered the pretentious and illuminated the human experience. His insights on good government were constantly quoted.

The poet and polemicist whose republican writings taught our Founding Fathers the value of freedom of speech and nearly cost Milton his life.

The Roman historian whose Annals and Histories are unmatched in their incisive critique of power and corruption.

The philosopher who envisioned an ideal republic and explored the depths of human knowledge through dialogue and allegory.

The French writer whose critique of European colonialism called for justice and humanity in a global context.