Actually, I have to correct myself. Hayek was Wittengenstein's second cousin. Ludwig Wittengenstein was an analytic philosopher whose name is almost synonymous with genius in certain circles. His specialty was relating propositions to things in the outside world, and his work has been very influential.
You should read the Wikipedia article on him. He's a real odd bird: his dad was one of the wealthiest men in Austria, but Ludwig gave away his entire inheritance to his siblings after a nervous breakdown. Three of his brothers committed suicide. Unusually for an academic, he signed up to serve (for Austria-Hungary) and was decorated for bravery numerous times. He was actually in the same high school as Adolf Hitler - and wound up serving as a humble hospital attendant in World War 2 for the Allies in the U.K. A really unusual character, he was.
wasn’t he a beery swine?
at least thats what they taught me in the Philosphy Department at Wallamalaya University!