Mortimer J. Adler was an American philosopher, educator, and author, born on December 28, 1902. He is best known for his work in the field of education and his advocacy for the Great Books of the Western World, a collection of classic literature that he believed should be read by all educated individuals. Adler co-founded the Great Books Foundation to promote this idea and encourage critical thinking through reading. In addition to his contributions to education, Adler wrote several influential books, including How to Read a Book, which provides guidance on effective reading strategies. He also served as the editor of the Encyclopaedia Britannica and was a prominent figure in the University of Chicago, where he taught philosophy and engaged in public discourse on various intellectual topics.