Ten Ancient Philosophers Who Inspired Me to Think

The word "philosophy" originates from the Greek term "philosophia," which can be broken down into two parts: "philos," meaning "love" and "sophia," meaning "wisdom." Thus, philosophy means Love for Wisdom. It encompasses the systematic exploration of fundamental questions about existence, reality, ethics, logic, and more, aiming to deepen our understanding of the world and our place in it. It encourages critical thinking, reflection, and exploration.

Why do I consider Philosophy and Science closely related disciplines, despite their perceived differences?

Many people think philosophy and science are very different, but to me, they're like close relatives. Philosophy is like the wise and curious older sibling that paved the way for science. Philosophers were deep thinkers who used reason and logic to seek answers to profound questions. They laid the foundation for scientific thinking. Driven by their curiosity, philosophers explored the mysteries of the world through deep contemplation and observation. They wanted to know how things worked. Their quest for knowledge led them to gradually shift towards using experiments and observations, which became the core of scientific inquiry. Philosophers passed down their sense of wonder, love for critical thinking, and the desire to uncover the secrets of existence to scientists. Scientists inherited these qualities and ventured forward with tools like experiments and observations. It shapes our understanding of the universe, getting us closer to the truth. That's why I consider philosophy as the foundation of science.

Why is philosophy still significant in addressing profound questions, even with the progress of science?

Previously, philosophers used to ponder the scientific aspects of the universe. But with the development of scientific branches like physics, biology, and astronomy, scientists have explored and answered many of the intriguing questions that philosophers used to reflect upon endlessly. However, this doesn't mean philosophy is dead or no longer needed. Not at all! Science deals with objective reality, but if we want to explore the few of the most profound questions humans have ever asked, like "What is the meaning of my life?" or "What is the purpose of my existence?" philosophy is the realm to turn to. It continues to hold importance because it delves into the deeper aspects of our existence that science can't fully explain. That's why philosophy is and will always be my favorite area of interest. It allows us to seek wisdom and understanding beyond what science can provide.

Who is my favorite philosopher?

If you ask me who my favorite philosopher is, the answer is that I don't have one. While many philosophers have significantly influenced the way I think, I have never found myself in complete agreement with any single one of them. I have taken bits and pieces from various philosophies to shape my own worldview through a process of discernment and personal judgment. Hence, while I refrain from naming any specific philosopher, I hold great admiration and respect for many of them.

Credit should be given where credit is due

Before I forget, I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the works that have enriched my understanding of philosophy. Books like "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder, podcasts like "Philosophize This!" by Stephen West, and thought-provoking lectures by John Vervaeke in "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" have been invaluable in igniting my appreciation for philosophical ideas. Henceforth, I dived deep into other paid and free resources. These sources have provided me with a wealth of insights and perspectives that continue to shape my understanding of the world.

10 Ancient Philosophers Who Inspired Me to Think

Now, I would like to highlight a few remarkable ancient thinkers that the world has ever produced and express how their work has profoundly influenced me. While acknowledging the immense contributions they have made to the realm of thought, I will focus on specific insights that have personally captivated and inspired me, shaping my understanding and guiding me towards a more meaningful existence.
I often revisit those resources to refresh my understanding so that I can live by these wise teachings.

1. Thales of Miletus (624 BCE – 546BCE)

Thales of Miletus, an unsung hero among thinkers, emerges as the first philosopher and arguably the first scientist in recorded human history. He was born during a time when ancient Greeks believed that magnets possessed souls. Thales, initially a prosperous olive businessman, took on a journey of logical thinking and questioning societal beliefs, becoming a pioneer of critical thought.

One of Thales' notable theories proposed that all things in our surroundings consist of various forms of water. But why did he concluded that? He observed multiple reasons supporting this idea, including the abundance of water in the world, the vital role it played in sustaining life, and its diverse forms like ice, liquid water, and steam. While his theory was eventually proven incorrect, it's important to appreciate his thought process. Thales sought a logical conclusion using reason, paving the way for scientific thinking.

We need to appreciate the fact that, during his time, such scientific inquiry was uncommon, as people were content with their existing explanations. Yet, Thales had the audacity to challenge societal beliefs and encourage critical thinking. His courage and pursuit of truth laid the foundation for the scientific mindset we often take for granted today. Thales serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of questioning, reasoning, and seeking logical explanations in our ongoing quest for knowledge.

Most pioneers in the history have been driven to innovate due to unmet needs, driven by the necessity. However, in the case of Thales, there was no immediate need to seek out alternative explanations. The accepted explanations of society sufficed. Yet, he ventured to explore and find an explanation, driven by his own curiosity and quest for knowledge. Furthermore, all the scientists and philosophers who came after him have something to look back on and take inspiration from. Think about this guy. He had nothing. There was on one before in the recorded history him who was a thinker or a scientist. He started from zero. That's why I have immense respect for this man.

2. Pythagoras (570 BCE - 495 BCE)

Pythagoras is a figure many of us encountered in the Geometry class in school, particularly through his famous Pythagoras theorem. It's possible that some of us didn't appreciate it at the time and developed a dislike for him. But take a moment to think how this guy came up with such enduring formulas and theories, which continue to stand tall and shape the advancement of Mathematics and Science, showcasing the immense power of human thought and ingenuity. However, Pythagoras was not only the originator of the Pythagorean theorem but also the one who coined the term "Philosophy" and "Cosmos." While we often use "universe" and "cosmos" interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. When we think of the word "cosmos," another word that comes to mind might be "cosmetics." Interestingly, cosmetics aim to enhance beauty. Similarly, Pythagoras believed that through attaining a certain level of consciousness/ awakening/ wisdom, one could experience the cosmos—a profoundly beautiful and harmonious nature of the universe. Since then this idea of Cosmos stuck in my head and started believing that maybe someday I will be able to attain that level of wisdom and will able to truly experience this profoundly beautiful universe. Pythagoras had a deep affinity for Mathematics and Music, and his wisdom attracted many devoted followers.

3. Democritus (460 BCE-370 BCE)

For me, this guy is an example of how far human imagination can go and how deeply a person can think. Around 2500 years ago, He and his teacher (philosopher Leucippus) proposed that the world and everything in it is made of atoms. The word "atom" comes from "a" (not) and "tom" (to cut), signifying something that cannot be further divided. Democritus preached this idea long before modern science developed the Atomic theory. Although these theories are not perfectly aligned, I am greatly inspired by this man and his profound thinking. He was a rationalist who emphasized the use of reasoning rather than solely relying on our senses to reach conclusions. According to Democritus, just because we cannot see or hear something does not mean it does not exist. Hence, our senses are deceptive. He recognized that relying solely on our senses to understand the world would lead to failure. His profound insight into the limitations of sensory perception demonstrates the depth of his thinking and the importance he placed on the power of reason in comprehending reality. How deep was that?

4. Socrates (470 BCE–399 BCE)

Before Socrates, philosophy was only practiced by wealthy men who didn't have to work all the time and had the privilege to spend their days thinking deeply. I was deeply inspired by Socrates' belief that everyone not only could be a philosopher but should be one. His famous quote, "The unexamined life is not worth living," resonated with me on a profound level. According to him, if we aimlessly go through life without questioning our beliefs and the world around us, it lacks meaning and purpose.

To Socrates, the pursuit of knowledge was the ultimate life goal. However, he went beyond the acquisition of practical knowledge necessary for survival and success in the world. He believed that knowledge should also nourish the soul. Socrates saw the unexamined life as a source of confusion and restlessness for the soul, while a wise soul remained steady and balanced. Through wisdom, the soul could find clarity and resolve the internal turmoil. By neglecting the search for truth, we harm our souls, but by actively seeking wisdom, we nurture and cultivate our inner being. This realization has had a profound impact on my perspective and has brought about a transformative change in my life.

Another valuable aspect that I have embraced and implemented in my own life is the "Socratic method." This method is also know as inductive reasoning. It is a technique of asking questions that assists individuals in clarifying their thoughts and ideas. Socrates employed this method to question people, revealing their limited knowledge and guiding them towards the pursuit of truth. He described himself as a midwife, aiding in the delivery of new ideas into the world through his insightful questioning. This approach, known as the Socratic method, has become his most significant contribution to philosophy.

Now, whenever I find myself in an argument or debate, I refrain from simply attacking the other person's flaws. Instead, I engage in questioning, aiming to uncover the best version of their argument. This approach allows for a deeper understanding and mutual learning from different perspectives. By employing the Socratic method, we can engage in fruitful discussions and collectively expand our knowledge and insights.

I have gained a valuable lesson in intellectual humility from Socrates. Often, we harbor the illusion of knowledge and take pride in what we think we know. However, when the Oracle of Delphi proclaimed Socrates as the wisest person on Earth, Socrates was astonished. He was acutely aware of the limitations of his own knowledge. This realization compelled him to embark on a quest, questioning numerous individuals to understand why he was deemed the wisest. As I delved into Plato's book "Apology," one quote from Socrates struck me deeply:

This quote reflects Socrates' profound insight. He recognized that true wisdom lies in acknowledging the limits of our knowledge. Unlike those who falsely believe they possess knowledge, Socrates understood that genuine wisdom is found in recognizing our own ignorance. This lesson in intellectual humility has had a profound impact on me.

Last but not the least, Socrates taught me to confront death with a different perspective. I used to view life as beautiful and death as something to be feared. However, Socrates made me realize that life is not merely a preparation for what comes after death. While we are alive, we have a set of tasks and challenges to face, such as deep thinking, self-reflection, and striving to live a virtuous life. Merely existing is not enough; we must strive for virtuous living, finding peace of mind by doing what is right, rather than blindly following societal norms. Once we achieve this, we can be prepared for death. Socrates famously said,

At the time of his own death, sentenced to drink hemlock with his friends in tears around him, Socrates uttered a profound line that continues to give me goosebumps. He said,

His words serve as a powerful reminder me to contemplate the nature of life, death, and the pursuit of wisdom.

5. Plato (427 BCE - 347 BCE)

Socrates, known for not writing anything, is primarily known through the writings of Plato. This makes it challenging to distinguish between the ideas of Plato and the actual teachings of Socrates. Plato's renowned works cover various philosophical topics such as the theory of forms, the concept of innate knowledge, the ideal form of government, and different stages of love.

Plato's The Allegory of the Cave deeply resonated with me. The Allegory of the Cave is the idea that humans live in a state of ignorance and need to seek true knowledge. Imagine being born and trapped inside a dark cave, tied up and facing the back wall. There's a light source, like a fire or the sun, behind you. Shadows of people and objects passing by are projected onto the cave wall.

According to Plato, the prisoners in the cave have no knowledge of the outside world. All they see are the shadows, which they believe to be reality. The shadows represent the limited experiences and beliefs that people often have in their everyday lives. For example, seeing the shadow of a tree on the cave wall is like seeing a simplified version of a real tree.

Plato suggests that if a prisoner manages to free themselves and turn around to see the actual objects and the source of light, they would be initially confused and their eyes would struggle to adjust. They might even feel tempted to go back to what they know, the familiar shadows on the cave wall. This is because they have been accustomed to that existence for so long, and the outside world can be overwhelming.

The allegory encourages us to question our perceptions and seek deeper understanding beyond the surface level. It reminds us only those who come out of the cave can experience the real world. It invites us to break free from the limitations of our beliefs and explore the true nature of reality.

6. Aristotle (384 BCE - 322 BCE)

Socrates famously said,

while Aristotle expressed the idea that

These philosophical perspectives highlight the significance of reflection and purpose in our lives. Without a clear understanding of our goals and the path to achieving them, life can lack direction and meaning. It is not enough to have a list of priorities; we must develop a comprehensive plan that utilizes these priorities to identify specific goals and determine the steps necessary to attain them. By engaging in thoughtful planning, we can bring intentionality and fulfillment to our lives, ensuring that our actions align with our aspirations.

Aristotle emphasized the importance of leading a virtuous life, and two primary moral virtues I particularly picked up are temperance and courage. Temperance, in simple terms, refers to finding the right balance between extremes. It means that every virtue lies between two vices: one of excess and one of deficiency. The golden mean represents the intermediate point where virtue is found, avoiding extremes on either side.

Let's take courage as an example to understand this concept. Courage is considered a virtue, but it is not about being fearless or taking unnecessary risks. On one extreme, we have recklessness, which is an excess of courage. This is when someone takes thoughtless and unnecessary risks without considering the potential consequences. On the other extreme, we have cowardice, which is a deficiency of courage. In this case, a person is excessively fearful and avoids necessary risks even when they are called for.

The golden mean of courage lies between these two extremes. It is the point where an individual displays bravery and takes appropriate risks when the situation demands it. It means finding the balance between being overly daring and overly cautious.

Now, it's important to note that courage, as Aristotle saw it, extends beyond traditional examples. It's not always going in the battlefield and fighting the enemy. He believed that courage also includes taking personal challenges that may cause temporary discomfort or pain but lead to a higher good. For instance, pushing oneself at the exercise to improve physical fitness requires courage according to Aristotle. Similarly, reading intellectually challenging books that make us feel uneasy or choosing to invest time and effort in mastering a skill all involve a form of courage.

In summary, Aristotle's concept of the golden mean (Temperance) and the virtues of temperance and courage urge us to find balance in our actions and choices. It encourages us to avoid extremes and embrace the courage to face challenges and pursue excellence in various aspects of life, be it physical, intellectual, or personal growth.

Aristotle emphasized the importance of building good habits and maintaining consistency in our actions to lead a virtuous life. According to him,

This quote encapsulates the idea that our repeated actions shape our character and define who we are as individuals.

7. Confucius (551 BCE - 479 BCE)

While reading the book "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History," I came across the name Confucius, who was ranked number 5 on the list. I was immediately intrigued and decided to delve deeper into his teachings to uncover the valuable lessons I could learn from him. From the wealth of knowledge that Confucius left behind, I have found great value in practicing three of his teachings. The first one that has greatly influenced me is;

How could something from 2500 years back be so relatable and relevant today? It reminds us of the saying, "Wise men learn from the mistakes of others; fools learn only from their own." By embracing this mindset, I have learned to observe and learn from people around me, striving to adopt their positive qualities and improve upon my own shortcomings.

Confucius' second teachings that deeply influenced me was:

This simple yet profound statement resonated with me on a profound level. It reminded me that it is effortless to harbor negative feelings and allow hatred to consume us, but it takes true strength and courage to embrace love and compassion. Confucius' wisdom serves as a powerful reminder to choose love over hate, even when faced with challenging situations.

Lastly, I would like to share one more profound teaching from Confucius: "Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire." This timeless wisdom resonates with us even today, as we often express similar sentiments in sayings such as "Treat others the way you would like to be treated" or a variation of the Golden Rule from Jesus (peach be upon him), "Do not do unto others what you would not want done unto yourself."

His teaching emphasizes the importance of empathy and consideration for others' feelings and desires. It serves as a powerful reminder to be mindful of our actions and to treat others with the same respect and kindness that we wish to receive.

8. Buddha (563 BCE - 483 BCE)

Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha, was a revered spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. While I do not follow Buddhism as a religion, I have found great value in many of his philosophical teachings throughout my life.

The most recognizable symbols of Buddhism is the lotus flower. It serves as a profound metaphor for the path to enlightenment. The lotus plant begins its life submerged in muddy waters, with its roots firmly planted in the swamp floor. Despite its murky surroundings, the lotus plant strives towards the light. As it reaches the water's surface, it blooms into a magnificent flower. If you have ever witnessed a lotus flower in full bloom, you can attest to its breathtaking beauty. Similar to the lotus, humans are born into a world that is filled with challenges, complexities, and uncertainties. Sadly, many individuals never realize their full potential. They remain content in the muddy water and never get to see the light.

Before he became known as the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama was an ordinary individual, much like you and me. He likened his personal journey to that of a lotus flower. He eloquently expressed this analogy by stating, "Imagine a red lotus that had begun life underwater but grew and rose above the surface until it stood free. So I too have transcended the world and attained supreme enlightenment." The term "Buddha" translates to "The awakened one," And he said,

I try to follow the Four Noble Truths, which have significantly enriched my life. Allow me to summarize them:

1. Dukkha (Suffering): The first noble truth acknowledges the existence of suffering in human life. It teaches that suffering is an inherent part of the human condition, and all beings experience various forms of suffering throughout their lives. This suffering encompasses physical and emotional pain, dissatisfaction, and the impermanence of all things.
2. Samudaya (Origin of Suffering): The second noble truth elucidates the origins and causes of suffering. It highlights that craving, desire, and attachment are the root causes of suffering. The ceaseless pursuit and attachment to desires perpetuate a cycle of dissatisfaction and suffering.
3. Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): The third noble truth elucidates the possibility of bringing an end to suffering. It emphasizes liberation from suffering by overcoming craving and attachment. This liberation is attainable through the cessation of desires and attachments.
4. Magga (Path to the Cessation of Suffering): The fourth noble truth outlines the path that leads to the cessation of suffering. Known as the Noble Eightfold Path, it consists of eight interconnected principles or practices. These include Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. By diligently following this path, individuals can attain liberation from suffering and reach enlightenment.

The Four Noble Truths provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of suffering, its causes, and the path to liberation from suffering.

Like the previously mentioned The Golden Mean of Aristotle, it is noteworthy that Buddha also advocated for The Middle Way. The middle way signifies a path of moderation and equilibrium. It encourages individuals to avoid extremes and instead seek a balanced middle ground in all aspects of life, encompassing emotions, actions, and thoughts.

9. Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger (4 BCE – 65 CE)

Ever since I was a child, I was disturbed by the idea of the shortness of life. It bothered me a lot. On top of that, the widespread availability of quotes like "Life is short," "One life is not enough," and "Art is long, life is short (Ars longa, vita brevis)" made me believe that life is actually very short, and we can't do much within this life.

Then one day I found this 2000-year-old book (actually a letter), "On the Shortness of Life," written by Seneca. This masterpiece completely changed the way I used to look at life and left me with a profound understanding that life is actually not short. The part of life we really live is small, the rest our of existence is not life but merely time.

For most of our life, we don't live; we simply exist. We waste most of it by pleasing other people, chasing a career we don't like, forcing people to be like us, and impressing society by running after things that we don't need. We are so consumed by meaningless societal competition and mindless desires that we never look back and think, "What am I doing exactly? Why am I doing these? Where is the time for myself?" And then, all of a sudden, death comes along, and we say, "That was short." What we fail to understand is that even if we had 1000 more years, we would say the same if we don't change the way we live our life.

Imagine you would die at the age of 80. So your life is actually an 80-year equivalent of time, right? I agree this is limited. Think about what you do with your money which is also limited. Do you throw it away wherever you want? Then why do you mindlessly waste your time? Don't you see time is life? Don't you understand wasting time means wasting life? We all need to live meaningfully and intentionally. Only in that way can we experience life and truly feel alive. Seneca says,

After reading the book, I try not to be a bad owner of my life. I try to live a meaningful life with my own purpose and intentions. I try to live in the present moment. The present moment is a gift. That's why it's called "Present." Of course, it's tough to do that in this world of distraction. But whenever I go off track, Seneca's wisdom pulls me back on track. I keep on reminding myself,

10. Marcus Aurelius (121 CE- 180 CE)

Next, I would like to delve into the captivating realm of Stoic philosophy, a school of thought that has profoundly impacted my life. This philosophical approach, embraced by towering figures such as Zeno of Citium, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, has greatly contributed to my overall well-being and personal growth. My first encounter with Stoic philosophy was through the book "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, who was the most powerful (Roman Emperor) person in the world during his time. As a once-powerful Roman emperor, he taught me that true power lies in controlling our minds and thoughts. He said,

I vividly remember another one of his famous quotes, where he emphasized that obstacles and challenges in life should not be seen as hindrances, but rather as opportunities for growth and transformation. The following quote encourages individuals to face challenges head-on and find creative solutions to overcome them, ultimately transforming obstacles into pathways towards success and personal development.

This realization has deepened my appreciation for Stoic philosophy and its timeless wisdom. I have further studied Stoic philosophy and embraced the invaluable lesson of the Dichotomy of Control.

The Dichotomy of Control refers to the idea that there are two categories of things in life: things that are under our control and things that are not. According to Stoicism, our ultimate goal should be to focus our attention and efforts on the things that are within our control, while accepting and letting go of the things that are beyond our control. Though the concept of the Dichotomy of Control is attributed to the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius also incorporated it as a theme of his writing.

The things that are under our control are our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. These are considered to be within the realm of our own agency and can be shaped and influenced by our choices. Stoics believe that true happiness and tranquility can be attained by directing our efforts towards these internal aspects that we can control.

On the other hand, the things that are not under our control include external events, other people's actions and opinions, natural occurrences, and the past or future. Stoics argue that since we have no direct control over these external factors, it is futile and counterproductive to worry, be anxious, or try to change them. Instead, they encourage individuals to cultivate acceptance, resilience, and inner strength in the face of life's uncertainties.

The Dichotomy of Control teaches us to differentiate between what is within our power and what is not, allowing us to focus our energy on what truly matters and to maintain a sense of inner peace regardless of external circumstances. It is a practical philosophy that aims to free individuals from unnecessary distress and to promote a more balanced and virtuous way of living.

Another concept closely related to the Dichotomy of Control is indifferents. Indifferents, in the context of Stoic philosophy, refer to external things or circumstances that are considered neither inherently good nor inherently bad. These indifferents include aspects such as wealth, social status, health, reputation, and external events like success or failure. Stoicism teaches that these external factors are not under our complete control and therefore should not be the primary source of our happiness or well-being. Instead, the focus is placed on cultivating virtues, such as wisdom, courage, and justice, which are considered to be within our control and essential for leading a virtuous life. Stoics advocate for practicing indifference towards these external indifferents, not allowing them to dictate our happiness or sense of worth. Indifferents are further classified into three categories:

Preferred Indifferents: Preferred indifferents are things that are considered beneficial or advantageous, although they are not considered essential for a good life. They are viewed as preferred and preferable to their opposites. Examples of preferred indifferents include:

• Good health: While good health is preferred for a comfortable and active life, it is not the ultimate determinant of happiness. However, it is important to recognize despite our best efforts to maintain physical fitness and embrace an active lifestyle, there is always a possibility of unforeseen illnesses or health challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate mental strength and resilience, preparing ourselves to face adversity so that we can find happiness and lead a virtuous life, regardless of our health circumstances.
• Wealth: Having wealth can provide material comfort and opportunities, but it is not inherently good or essential to living a virtuous life.
• Reputation: A good reputation can bring social recognition and respect, but it is not the sole measure of one's worth or character.

Dispreferred Indifferents: Dispreferred indifferents are things that are considered undesirable or disadvantageous. Although they are not essential for a good life, they are viewed as dispreferred and should be avoided if possible. Examples of dispreferred indifferents include:

• Poor health: While poor health can bring physical discomfort and limitations, it does not prevent one from living a meaningful and virtuous life.
• Poverty: Living in poverty may present challenges and limitations, but it does not determine one's ability to cultivate inner virtues and find fulfillment.
• A bad reputation: Having a negative reputation may lead to social difficulties, but it does not define one's character or prevent personal growth.

Absolute Indifferents: Absolute indifferents are things that are considered neither good nor bad in themselves. They are external circumstances and events that are beyond our control. Examples of absolute indifferents include:

• The weather: Stoics believe that we should not be overly concerned with or disturbed by fluctuations in weather conditions since they are beyond our control.
• Other people's opinions: While it is natural to desire positive opinions from others, Stoics emphasize the importance of focusing on our own actions and character rather than seeking constant approval from others.
• Life and death: Stoics view life and death as natural processes and accept them as part of the human experience. They emphasize the importance of focusing on living virtuously rather than being consumed by fear or attachment to life or fear of death.

Stoics encourage individuals to cultivate inner virtues, such as wisdom, courage, and justice, and to practice indifference towards external circumstances and events. By doing so, we can achieve inner tranquility and live a fulfilled and virtuous life.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the impact of my ten chosen ancient philosophers, I'm amazed at how their timeless insights still shape my worldview today. Their ability to distill profound truths into practical guidance speaks to their intellectual prowess. These thinkers serve as pillars for critical thinking and ethical reasoning in my life. Despite the passage of time, their enduring relevance underscores the universality of human experience. Their legacy isn't confined to history but continues to inspire and guide our understanding of the world.