Paul Ricoeur was a French philosopher known for his work in hermeneutics, the study of interpretation, particularly of texts. Born in 1913, he explored the relationship between language, meaning, and human experience. His ideas have influenced various fields, including literary theory, theology, and psychology. Ricoeur's notable contributions include the concepts of narrative identity and the interpretation of symbols. He believed that stories shape our understanding of ourselves and the world. His works, such as Time and Narrative and The Rule of Metaphor, continue to be studied for their insights into how we construct meaning in our lives.