French philosopher Michel de Montaigne was a significant figure of the French Renaissance in the 16th century. He is credited for popularizing the essay as a literary genre. His massive collection of essays was published in the volume Essais. His work had a direct influence on Western writers, including René Descartes, Francis Bacon, Blaise Pascal, and Voltaire.
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Michel de Montaigne
(One of the Most Significant Philosophers of the French Renaissance)
Birthdate: February 8, 1533
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Château de Montaigne, France
Died: September 3, 1592
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Jean Bodin
(Philosopher)

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Birthdate: 1530 AD
Birthplace: Angers, France
Died: 1596 AD
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Marin Mersenne
(French Polymath Active in the 1600s)

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Birthdate: September 8, 1588
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Oizé, France
Died: September 1, 1648
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Pierre Gassendi
(Philosopher, Mathematician, Astronomer, Professor, Astrologer)

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Birthdate: January 22, 1592
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Champtercier
Died: October 24, 1655
French Catholic priest and astronomer Pierre Gassendi is remembered for his efforts to reconcile atomism with Christian ideals and for his anti-Aristotelianism. His studies included research on Epicurean philosophy. Apart from observing the transit of Mercury, he also studied the speed of sound and horizontal momentum.
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Petrus Ramus
(Philosopher)

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Birthdate: 1515 AD
Birthplace: Picardy, France
Died: August 26, 1572
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Pierre Charron
(Theologian)

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Birthdate: 1541 AD
Birthplace: Paris, France
Died: November 16, 1603
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François de La Mothe Le Vayer
(Writer)

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Birthdate: August 1, 1588
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Paris, France
Died: May 9, 1672
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Muretus
(Author)

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Birthdate: April 12, 1526
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Limoges, France
Died: June 4, 1585
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Jacques Besson
(Inventor)

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Birthdate: 1540 AD
Birthplace: Italy
Died: 1573 AD