Born on June 28

Genevan philosopher, writer, and musician (1712–1778), a central figure of the Enlightenment. Author of The Social Contract and Confessions, he profoundly influenced political and educational thought by championing popular sovereignty and natural education.

An American theoretical physicist of German origin, she developed the nuclear shell model of the atomic nucleus. In 1963, she became the second woman in history to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics, after Marie Curie.

A South African anti-apartheid activist of Indian descent, Amina Cachalia devoted her life to fighting racial segregation in South Africa. A close ally of Nelson Mandela and the ANC, she was a leading figure in the Federation of South African Women.

Bangladeshi economist and social entrepreneur, founder of the Grameen Bank and a pioneer of microcredit. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work against poverty.

American-South African entrepreneur and businessman, Elon Musk is co-founder of Tesla and founder of SpaceX. He embodies the archetype of the 21st-century tech entrepreneur, with a sweeping influence on the automotive industry, private space exploration, and social media.