Bertrand Russell

Born at Ravenscroft in Trellech, Wales. His grandfather was twice Prime Minister. Both parents die by the time he's four. Raised by his grandmother, who gives him a Bible inscribed with "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil." He keeps it his entire life.

Publishes the first volume of Principia Mathematica with Alfred North Whitehead. 362 pages to prove that 1+1=2. The project takes a decade and nearly drives both men mad. It becomes the foundation of modern mathematical logic.

Sent to Brixton Prison for six months for writing a pamphlet opposing Britain's entry into World War I. He's a pacifist. Cambridge has already fired him. In prison he writes Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy and reads 4,000 pages of history.

Wins the Nobel Prize in Literature. Not science, not philosophy. Literature. The citation praises writings "in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought." He's 78. He has another twenty years of trouble-making left.

Arrested at 89 for protesting nuclear weapons in London. He sits on the pavement outside the Ministry of Defence. The judge sentences him to seven days. He serves the time. Four marriages by this point. Still not done.

Dies of influenza in Penrhyndeudraeth, Wales. He is 97. Philosopher, mathematician, prisoner, Nobel laureate, protester. His final public statement, three days before death, condemns Israeli aggression in the Middle East.