Ancient Greek Philosophers:
* Plato and Aristotle: Their dialogues and treatises, while not strictly essays in the modern sense, laid the foundation for logical arguments and exploration of ideas that would influence later essayists.
Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592):
* He is widely considered the "father of the essay." His collection of *Essays* published in 1580, is one of the first works to use the term "essay" and to explore personal thoughts and experiences in a reflective and engaging way.
Francis Bacon (1561-1626):
* Bacon's essays, like those of Montaigne, focused on a wide range of subjects and used a more formal and structured style. They were highly influential in shaping the form of the essay in English literature.
Other important figures:
* John Locke: His *Two Treatises of Government* (1690) presented important philosophical arguments in a clear and concise manner that influenced the development of political essays.
* Jonathan Swift: His satirical essays, such as *A Modest Proposal*, used humor and irony to criticize social and political issues.
* Samuel Johnson: His essays in *The Rambler* (1750-1752) were noted for their wit, style, and insightful commentary on contemporary life.
The essay continues to evolve today:
* The form has been adapted for various purposes, from personal reflections to academic arguments.
* Writers like Virginia Woolf, George Orwell, and James Baldwin have further shaped the essay as a powerful tool for exploring ideas, expressing opinions, and engaging with the world.
So, while we can't say definitively who "created" the essay, it's a form that has been shaped by a long line of influential thinkers and writers.