Strauss refers to several notable figures, primarily in the fields of music and philosophy. One of the most famous is Johann Strauss II, an Austrian composer known for his waltzes and operettas, such as "The Blue Danube." His music remains popular in concert halls and is often associated with the Viennese ball culture. Another significant figure is Levi Strauss, a French anthropologist who founded structuralism. He studied the underlying structures of human thought and culture, influencing various disciplines, including literature and sociology. His work emphasized the importance of understanding cultural phenomena through their relationships and structures.