A Decade of Difference (8) Trivia Quiz

T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) was an American-born poet, playwright, and literary critic, considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and later became a British citizen in 1927. Eliot is best known for his poems "The Waste Land" (1922) and "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" (1915), both of which reflect his mastery of modernist techniques, like fragmented structure and complex allusions. Eliot also received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 for his contributions to modern poetry.

Enzo Ferrari (1898-1988) was an Italian automotive pioneer and the founder of Ferrari, one of the most iconic luxury sports car manufacturers in the world. He was born in Modena, Italy, and initially worked as a race car driver before starting Scuderia Ferrari in 1929, which served as the racing team for Alfa Romeo.

In 1947, Ferrari launched his own car company, producing high-performance sports cars under the Ferrari brand. His cars became famous for their speed, engineering, and success in racing, especially in Formula One.

Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) was a French writer, philosopher, and feminist, born in Paris. She is best known for her groundbreaking work "The Second Sex" (1949), which is considered a foundational text in feminist philosophy. In this book, she analyzed the oppression of women and introduced the famous idea that "one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman." De Beauvoir was also an existentialist philosopher, closely associated with Jean-Paul Sartre.

Her works include novels, essays, and memoirs, and her ideas have had a lasting impact on gender studies.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and the first Black president of South Africa. He was born in Mvezo, South Africa. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his opposition to South Africa's racist apartheid regime, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination.

After his release in 1990, he worked to dismantle apartheid and promote reconciliation between South Africa's racial groups. In 1994, Mandela became the country's first democratically elected president, serving until 1999.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to end apartheid peacefully .

Fred Rogers (1928-2003) was an American television host, educator, and creator of the beloved children's program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." He was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Rogers was known for his gentle, thoughtful approach to teaching children about complex topics such as feelings, friendship, and kindness.

His show, which aired from 1968 to 2001, used simple yet profound lessons to help children understand the world around them. Rogers earned numerous awards for his work in children's television and became an advocate for public broadcasting.

Kofi Annan (1938-2018) was a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006. He was born in Kumasi, Ghana, which was still a British possession at that time. Annan played a key role in reforming the UN, promoting human rights, and addressing global issues such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, and conflict resolution.

He also launched initiatives to improve peacekeeping operations. In 2001, Annan and the UN were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to create a more peaceful and organized world.

Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) was a British author, best known for his "Discworld" series, a collection of satirical fantasy novels that explore complex themes with humor and wit. He was born in Beaconsfield, England. Pratchett published over 40 Discworld novels, starting with The Colour of Magic in 1983.

The series became widely popular for its clever commentary on society, politics, and human nature. Pratchett received numerous awards for his contributions to literature, including a knighthood in 2009.

Madonna (born 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, widely regarded as the "Queen of Pop." She was born in Bay City, Michigan. Rising to fame in the 1980s with hits like "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl," Madonna became a global icon known for constantly reinventing her image and pushing boundaries in music, fashion, and culture.

She has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time. Beyond music, Madonna has acted in films like "Evita", and has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and humanitarian causes.

Lucy Lawless (born 1968) is a New Zealand actress and singer born in Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand. Lawless became an international star through her portrayal of Xena in the popular TV series "Xena: Warrior Princess" (1995-2001), which earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

In addition to acting, she has pursued a music career and appeared in other television shows, including "Battlestar Galactica" and "Parks and Recreation."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy (born 1978) became the president of Ukraine in 2019. He was born in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. Before entering politics, Zelenskyy was a comedian and actor, known for starring in the TV show "Servant of the People," where he played a teacher who becomes president.

His political career took a dramatic turn in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Zelenskyy became a symbol of resistance, leading his country through the conflict and rallying international support.