Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) was a philosopher who associated with the leading French thinkers of his day. He published little during his lifetime, preferring to record his thoughts in his voluminous notebooks. After Joubert’s death, his friend, Chateaubriand, distributed these writings, which won Joubert posthumous fame and influence.

Paul Auster (1947-2024)  was the author of many works of fiction and nonfiction. His notable works include The New York Trilogy, The Book of Illusions, Sunset Park, and Burning Boy: The Life and Work of Stephen Crane.