giordano bruno

(1548-February 17, 1600)

Italian philosopher, priest, astronomer/astrologer, and occultist.

Bruno is perhaps best known for his system of mnemonics and as an early proponent of the idea of extra-solar planets and extraterrestrial life.

Burned at the stake as a heretic for his theological ideas, Bruno is seen as a martyr to the cause of free thought.

References

wikipedia: Giordano Bruno