“Science regards man as an aggregation of atoms temporarily united by a mysterious force called the life-principle. To the materialist, the only difference between a living and a dead body is that in the one case that force is active, in the other latent.”

English socialist and activist

Annie Besant was an English socialist, theosophist, freemason, educationist, and activist. She lived from 1847 to 1933 and became known for her work in social reform, women’s rights, Home Rule, and Indian nationalism. She supported self-government for Ireland and India and took a prominent role in public life in both countries. In 1917, she became the first woman to serve as president of the Indian National Congress. Her writing and public speeches reflect her commitment to political change, education, and reform.