Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
1646–1716 · German · Early Modern Period
Known for: Co-invented calculus, developed binary arithmetic, and argued this is 'the best of all possible worlds'—then Voltaire roasted him forever
Extraordinarily versatile—philosopher, mathematician, diplomat, lawyer, linguist. He co-invented calculus independently of Newton, their priority dispute becoming science's bitterest feud.
Optimistic to a fault—Voltaire satirized his 'best of all possible worlds' as Dr. Pangloss. He produced 200,000+ pages of writing and died largely forgotten, only his secretary at his funeral.
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