Let's make this birthday one to remember.

83 years old (Born on October 30, 1941)

Happy Birthday, Benjamin Ladner! Celebrating another year wiser—though as a philosopher and scholar of religion, you've always been ahead in the wisdom department. Your tenure at American University from 1994 to 2005 remains legendary; rumor has it students still debate your philosophical insights over late-night pizza.

Here's hoping this birthday brings you plenty of existential cake dilemmas ("to eat or not to eat?") and metaphysical party hats. May your day be filled with laughter, reflection—and perhaps fewer Socratic questions than usual. Cheers to you for continuing to inspire thoughtful conversations long after leaving office—truly timeless success!