Henri Bergson was a French philosopher born in 1859, known for his influential ideas on time and consciousness. He emphasized the importance of intuition over intellect, arguing that human experience is best understood through direct, lived experience rather than abstract reasoning. His works, such as Time and Free Will, explore the nature of time as a fluid and dynamic process. Bergson's philosophy contrasts with the mechanistic view of the universe, advocating for a more organic understanding of life. He introduced concepts like élan vital, which refers to a vital force driving evolution and creativity. His ideas significantly impacted various fields, including literature and psychology.