September 28, 551 BC – Chinese philosopher Confucius is born in Zou, Lu state, China. He grew up in poverty but eventually got a minor government job and began teaching, amassing a huge following of believers in his advice for morality, social relationships, and good governance. Upon his death, his students compiled his sayings into a book handing down thoughts such as “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”
September 29, 1901 – Nuclear physicist Enrico Fermi is born in Rome. He created the world’s first nuclear reactor and is called “the father of the nuclear age.”
September 30, 1924 – Writer Truman Capote (known for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “In Cold Blood”) is born in New Orleans.
October 2, 1869 – Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi is born in Porbandar, India.