People Archives

Orientalist Scholars: Focusing on East Asian Societies

Who were the leading Orientalist scholars? How did their works influence the common perceptions of East Asian cultures? As a scholarly discipline, Orientalism emerged in the late 18th-century when the study of East Asian societies became the major focus of academic attention in Europe. Orientalist scholars specialized in the study of languages, cultures, and modes of thought of the Eastern World. Read about the most influential Orientalist scholars and their role in shaping the common perceptions of East Asian societies.

The Van Daans Family: What Anne Frank’s Diary Said

Who were the van Daans in The Diary of a Young Girl? What was their relationship with the other residents of the Annex? The van Daans are a Jewish family that hid alongside the Franks in the attic attachment of Otto Frank’s business premises (the Secret Annex). Mr. and Mrs. van Daan constantly fought with each other and with the other residents of the Annex. As for Peter, he and Anne ended up developing romantic feelings for each other. Read about the van Daans family and their life in the Secret Annex.

Anne Frank: Hiding for More Than Two Years

How long was Anne Frank in hiding? What was life like in the Secret Annex? Anne Frank spent over two years in the Secret Annex. While in hiding, Anne Frank kept a personal diary where she documented her life including her experiences and her fears. Keep reading to learn about Anne Frank’s life in hiding.

Antoine Isaac Silvestre de Sacy: Leading Orientalist

Who is Antoine Isaac Silvestre de Sacy? What role did he play in the Oriental Studies of the nineteenth century? Antoine Isaac Silvestre de Sacy (1758-1838) was a French nobleman, linguist, and Orientalist scholar. He is widely regarded within European academic circles for his work in translating Arabic as well as his success as a leading Orientalist. Read about Antoine Isaac Silvestre de Sacy’s career and contributions.

Anne Frank: The Story of the Girl Behind the Diary

What is the story of Anne Frank? How did her life change when the Nazis occupied Holland in 1940? In The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank tells the story of her life in the Annex, an attic apartment where she was hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The diary was preserved by Anne’s friend, Miep Gies, and shared for publication by her father after the war. Here is a brief overview of Anne Frank’s story.

Pausch’s “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”

Why was Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture titled, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”? How did Pausch manage to achieve his six childhood dreams? Randy Pausch had six childhood dreams: Winning the biggest stuffed animals at the carnival, playing in the NFL, writing an entry in the World Book Encyclopedia, being Captain Kirk of Star Trek, experiencing zero gravity, and becoming a designer or “Imagineer” at Disney. In “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” he explained how, in various ways, he achieved them all. Keep reading to learn about Pausch’s lecture, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.”

The Diary of a Young Girl: Characters to Know

Who were the main characters in The Diary of a Young Girl? How did their stories develop throughout the book? The Diary of a Young Girl is a book of the entries from Anne Frank’s diaries which she kept during her time in hiding in the Secret Annex. There are 15 main characters in The Diary of a Young Girl, whose storylines and relationships are discussed in Anne’s diary. Read about The Diary of a Young Girl characters.

You Are a Badass Author: Jen Sincero’s Journey

Do you want to know how You Are a Badass author Jen Sincero was able to go from feeling unfulfilled and broke to living her dream life in a matter of months? Do you want to know how you can too? You Are a Badass author Jen Sincero “took one for the team,” in essence wading through all the good and bad of the self-help world for the rest of us. In her book, she compiled all of the best lessons she learned and shares them with us. Keep reading to learn how You Are a Badass author Jen Sincero

The Last Lecture Speech: Background and Context

Why did Randy Pausch give The Last Lecture speech? How did Pausch’s childhood influence who he became later in life? To Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture speech was something he could leave his children, a way to say goodbye to his university colleagues, and a chance to cement his legacy and do a last bit of good. Pausch wanted to give back to the world before he passed away, it was something his father taught him to do since childhood. Keep reading to learn more about the background of The Last Lecture speech.

Why the Other Wes Moore Went to Prison

Why was the other Wes Moore in prison? What was Wes Moore’s sentence? In the book The Other Wes Moore, one Wes Moore went to prison thanks to his part in a jewelry store robbery that ended in murder. Author Wes Moore visits Wes in prison to learn how their lives took such different directions. Read on to learn more about Wes Moore, prison, and denial.