J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien, an English writer, poet, philologist, and academic, is best known for his high-fantasy works 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings.' Here are some J.R.R. Tolkien fun facts:
J.R.R. Tolkien
1

J.R.R. Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

2

His full name was John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.

3

Tolkien served in World War I, where he fought in the Battle of the Somme and lost many close friends.

4

He was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford from 1925 to 1945.

5

Tolkien was a member of an informal literary discussion group called The Inklings, which included C.S. Lewis.

6

He began writing 'The Hobbit' for his children, and it was published in 1937.

7

His epic work 'The Lord of the Rings' was published in three volumes from 1954 to 1955.

8

Tolkien invented several languages for his fictional world, including Elvish languages such as Quenya and Sindarin.

9

He was deeply influenced by mythology, particularly Norse and Anglo-Saxon myths, which shaped his fictional world of Middle-earth.

10

Tolkien was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1972 for his services to literature.

11

He published 'The Silmarillion' posthumously, a collection of mythopoeic stories that provide the backstory for 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings.'

12

Tolkien's works have been adapted into successful films, radio dramas, and stage plays.

13

He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, creating extensive histories, genealogies, and maps for his fictional world.

14

Tolkien's influence extends beyond literature, inspiring countless authors, filmmakers, and artists.

15

J.R.R. Tolkien passed away on September 2, 1973.

Denis Diderot

Denis Diderot, a French philosopher, art critic, and writer, was a prominent figure during the Enlightenment and is best known for co-founding and editing the Encyclopédie. Here are some Denis Diderot fun facts:
Denis Diderot
1

Denis Diderot was born on October 5, 1713, in Langres, France.

2

He co-founded the Encyclopédie, one of the most comprehensive encyclopedias of the time.

3

Diderot's work on the Encyclopédie spanned over 25 years.

4

He wrote numerous essays, plays, and novels, including 'Jacques the Fatalist' and 'Rameau's Nephew.'

5

Diderot was a strong advocate for freedom of thought and expression.

6

He was friends with fellow Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and Rousseau.

7

Diderot faced censorship and opposition from the French authorities due to his radical ideas.

8

He contributed significantly to art criticism, with his 'Salon' reviews of art exhibitions.

9

Diderot's writings explored themes of atheism, materialism, and determinism.

10

He had a complex and often strained relationship with the Catholic Church.

11

Diderot was supported by Catherine the Great of Russia, who purchased his library and employed him as her librarian.

12

His work laid the groundwork for modern encyclopedias and reference works.

13

Diderot's ideas influenced the French Revolution and the development of modern democratic thought.

14

He was known for his sharp wit and eloquent writing style.

15

Denis Diderot passed away on July 31, 1784, in Paris, France, leaving a lasting legacy in literature and philosophy.

Pablo Escobar

Pablo Escobar, a Colombian drug lord and narcoterrorist, was the leader of the Medellín Cartel and one of the wealthiest criminals in history. Here are some Pablo Escobar fun facts:
Pablo Escobar
1

Pablo Escobar was born on December 1, 1949, in Rionegro, Colombia.

2

He founded the Medellín Cartel, which at its height controlled 80% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States.

3

Escobar's cartel earned an estimated $420 million per week, making him one of the richest men in the world.

4

He was known as 'El Patrón' and 'The King of Cocaine.'

5

Escobar used his wealth to build schools, hospitals, and housing for the poor in Medellín, gaining him popularity among some locals.

6

He was elected as an alternate member of the Colombian Congress in 1982.

7

Escobar was responsible for numerous assassinations and bombings in Colombia as part of his campaign to influence the government and public opinion.

8

He escaped from a luxurious prison he built for himself, called La Catedral, in 1992.

9

Escobar's family was often on the run, and he allegedly burned $2 million in cash to keep his daughter warm while hiding in the mountains.

10

He offered to pay off Colombia's national debt, estimated at $10 billion, to avoid extradition to the United States.

11

Escobar had a private zoo at his estate, Hacienda Nápoles, which included elephants, giraffes, and hippos.

12

His son, Sebastián Marroquín, later became an architect and author, writing about his father's life.

13

Escobar was killed in a shootout with Colombian National Police on December 2, 1993.

14

He is buried at the Monte Sacro Cemetery in Medellín, Colombia.

15

Pablo Escobar's life has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and the popular Netflix series 'Narcos.'