Born in 1400 in Mainz, Germany, died there in 1468. Gutenberg is generally regarded as the father of the printing press, though it is probable that he stood on the shoulders of others who had preceded him with movable type and rudimentary presses. Gutenberg is historically important because he printed the first Bible, thereby bringing to the people-at-large what had hitherto been the property of scholars attached to institutions like monasteries and universities. That democratization of knowledge -- on such an important document as the Bible -- was an important milestone in the making of the modern mind. And it prefigured the recent electronic breakthrough, the invention of the Internet, which goes several steps further in the democratization of knowledge. No longer do shapers of our culture have to rely on million-dollar presses to get their ideas out there. All they need is a computer, a telephone and a modem.

MODEL: Gutenberg's ability to zero in on "the most important thing." What would have happened, for example, if Gutenberg has used his press to print pornography?

Problem solver. If you were born on February 22, you enjoy offering your ideas and even yourself as an alternative to sticky situations. Ruled by the number 5 and the planet Mercury, you are quick thinking but sometimes overreact.

Pick me! Once you see that you are the right candidate for the job, you must get it or at least get a fair shot at it. Since you do your homework, your arguments are usually sound and people listen to you.

The curmudgeon. You are very practical and insightful, able to size up a situation quickly. In your older years, however, your realism may turn to pessimism, making you grumpy and overcritical. You must avoid falling into depression and self-destructive behavior.

Success. You are willing to expand into unfamiliar territory but do so cautiously. Your success is driven by your uncanny ability to know when to take a chance and when to pass. You handle life's ups and downs well, taking full responsibility for your life's direction while tipping your hat to the inevitable.

Plan B. When you run into problems in one direction, you rarely backtrack. You choose another path you've already researched. This makes your services invaluable when others run into a brick wall. You always have an alternative to recommend.

A little Advice : Beware of becoming a know-it-all who never listens to other people's opinions. You must remain open and be attentive to the needs of those around you.

Also born on this day:
Meyer Rothschild (German banker) W.E.B. Du Bois (founder NAACP) Karl Jaspers (German philosopher) Samuel Pepys (British 17th c. diarist) Hiroshi Nomura (Japanese novelist) Thomas Gallagher (novelist) William L. Shirer (journalist, historian) Peter Fonda (actor) James L. Halloway III (US Navy admiral) Johnny Winter (blues, rock guitarist, singer) Regine Crespin (French opera singer) Victor Fleming (director, producer) Elston Howard (1st African-American NY Yankee) Fred Biletnikoff (Raiders wide receiver)