Who Is The World's Most Admired Man?

Many great men have roamed the planet, but who is the best? Michael H. Hart's book, 'The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History', attempts to answer this question. The book ranks the 100 people who, according to Hart, have most influenced human history. Founders and shapers of successful religions are among the most influential in Hart's view, as these shaped many people's lives quite strongly over a long period. The first person on Hart's list is the Islamic prophet Muhammad, followed by Jesus Christ, Buddha, Confucius, Aristotle, William Shakespeare, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Ashoka, and Galileo Galilei.

Religious leaders

Muhammad

Muhammad ibn Abdullah was a religious, political, and social leader in the Arab world. He was the founder of the Muslim faith and is regarded as God's ultimate prophet in all of Islam's major sects. He is often regarded as the greatest individual who has ever lived. He is said to have guided people to knowledge, justice, and peace during a time when ignorance, corruption, and violence were rampant in society.

Jesus Christ

Jesus was a religious leader and, to Christians, the Son of God. He is the central figure of Christianity, which is the world's most popular religion. He preached a morality that transcended the law, attracting the poor and downtrodden of the Roman Empire. His teachings have been spread by his followers and have had a profound influence on human history.

Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, was an Indian prince who lived a life of luxury and self-indulgence until he witnessed poverty and suffering among his subjects. He then espoused a life of asceticism and meditation, eventually achieving enlightenment. He became a mendicant and travelled around northeastern India, spreading the principles of Buddhism. Today, Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion, with over half a billion followers.

Confucius

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and government bureaucrat. He emphasised the importance of personal morality, family loyalty, and ancestor worship. He advocated for peace and diplomacy over warfare and believed in the value of education. Confucianism grew to become the primary philosophy in China and is central to East Asian culture, shaping the lives of untold billions.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the first pope born in the Americas. He leads the Catholic Church and rules the Vatican City. He is known for his non-formal style and relatively liberal stance on certain issues. He has spoken out against consumerism, neo-nationalism, and overdevelopment and has expressed concern about climate change.

Other notable religious leaders

• Martin Luther: A former monk and key figure in the Protestant Reformation who challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Saint Peter: One of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and considered the first Pope by the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
• Zoroaster: The founder of Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of Ancient Persia.
• Moses: An Egyptian-raised Jewish prince who, according to the Bible, helped free his people from oppression.
• Guru Nanak: The founder of Sikhism, one of the world's largest organised religions.
• Saint Francis of Assisi: A Catholic friar and preacher who became one of the most important religious figures of the Middle Ages.

Political leaders

Prophet Muhammad:

Prophet Muhammad, regarded as the "Greatest Man of All Time" by Michael Hart, was an influential religious, social, and political leader in the Arab world. He founded Islam and is considered a prophet in all major Islamic sects. Prophet Muhammad united Arabia under an all-encompassing Muslim political system through his teachings, which are compiled in the Quran, the Islamic holy book. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, as he inspired Early Muslim conquests that united the Arabian Peninsula and later expanded into a wider caliphate. Prophet Muhammad's impact on human history is undeniable, and his teachings continue to shape the lives of billions of Muslims worldwide.

Ashoka:

Ashoka, the Indian Emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent. Initially known for his bloody conquest of Kalinga, Ashoka later experienced a profound transformation. Remorseful for the destruction and bloodshed he caused, he converted to Buddhism and became a propagator of peace. Ashoka built Buddhist temples, established hospitals and schools for the poor, and embraced the Buddhist principle of non-violence. His enlightened leadership and concern for his people earned him the title "Priyadarshi," meaning "He who is kind to everyone." Ashoka's legacy continues to inspire, and Independent India adopted his 'Ashokachakra' as its symbol in 1947.

Confucius:

Confucius, a Chinese philosopher and politician from the Spring and Autumn periods, is often regarded as a paragon of wisdom and virtue in Chinese society. His philosophy, Confucianism, has had a lasting impact on East Asian culture and society. Confucianism is a holistic way of thinking and living that emphasizes ancestor reverence, human-centred religiousness, morality, and personal ethics. While Confucianism gained popularity many years after Confucius's death, it is still followed by millions of people today. Confucius's teachings continue to shape family values, social norms, and ethical principles in East Asian countries, demonstrating his enduring influence as a political and social thinker.

Mahatma Gandhi:

Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of the Nation in India, was a prominent political and social leader who played a pivotal role in India's independence movement against British rule. Gandhi advocated for non-violent resistance and civil disobedience, inspiring masses of people to participate in non-cooperation movements and boycotts of British goods. His philosophy of satyagraha, or truth force, emphasized non-violent resistance and the power of peaceful protest. Gandhi's influence extended beyond India, as he inspired civil rights movements worldwide, including the American civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. Gandhi's political leadership and commitment to non-violence left an indelible mark on history, and his teachings continue to inspire movements for social justice and freedom globally.

Abraham Lincoln:

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, led the country through one of its most tumultuous periods, the American Civil War. Lincoln is widely admired for his strong leadership, commitment to democratic values, and his pivotal role in abolishing slavery. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which freed slaves in the Confederate states, and supported the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery nationwide. Lincoln's political leadership and dedication to equality had a profound impact on American history, solidifying his place as one of the country's most revered figures.

The influence of these political leaders has shaped nations, transformed societies, and, in some cases, changed the course of human history. Their legacies continue to inspire and guide people worldwide, serving as a testament to their enduring impact.

Philanthropists

Many of the world's most affluent and successful individuals recognise that their prosperity can be far-reaching when it comes to changing lives for the better. Philanthropists can have a huge impact on society and the world, and their actions can help to safeguard a bright future for generations to come. Here is a list of some of the world's top philanthropists and the causes that matter the most to them:

Bill and Melinda Gates

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, is one of the biggest philanthropists in the US. He runs the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has been in operation since 2000, alongside his ex-wife Melinda. The foundation has donated millions to organisations such as the GAVI Alliance, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF. The foundation focuses on agricultural development, emergency relief, global libraries, urban poverty, global health, and education. Bill Gates has also invested in an Australian climate technology startup and has contributed to various non-profit organisations.

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is one of the world's wealthiest and most charitable individuals. He has pledged to give away more than 99% of his wealth and has donated billions each year to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He co-founded The Giving Pledge with the Gates, which encourages wealthy individuals to donate a large portion of their wealth to public service.

MacKenzie Scott

One of the least high-profile philanthropists in the world, MacKenzie Scott has used her fortune, inherited from her divorce from Jeff Bezos, to fund nonprofit organisations that fight racial and gender injustice and support public health initiatives.

Michael Bloomberg

Michael Bloomberg is the founder and CEO of Bloomberg media company and the founder of the Bloomberg Foundation, which primarily gives to educational, healthcare, and environmental causes. He has donated to organisations such as John Hopkins University, the World Lung Foundation, and the Sierra Club Foundation. Bloomberg Philanthropies recently launched a $42 million initiative to help 100 mid-sized cities make better use of data and evidence.

Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie, a famous Scottish-American industrialist, died in 1919 but not before becoming one of the world's most generous philanthropists. In the last 18 years of his life, he gave away almost 90% of his fortune to charities, foundations, and universities. He wrote an article in 1889 called 'The Gospel of Wealth', calling on those with resources to use their wealth to improve society.

Jamsetji Tata

Jamsetji Tata, a pioneering Indian industrialist and founder of the Tata Group, is the world's most generous philanthropist, despite having died in 1904. He was committed to making a positive societal impact with his wealth and company throughout his life.

Other Notable Philanthropists

• Mark Zuckerberg: One of the youngest self-made billionaires in the world and the founder and CEO of Facebook. He has signed the Giving Pledge and has donated to organisations such as the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and San Francisco General Hospital.
• George Soros: Chairman of the Open Society Foundations, which primarily donates to international causes, community development, social services, health, and education.
• Azim Premji: Founding chairman of Wipro Limited and founder and chairman of the Azim Premji Foundation, which works to reform India's school and examination systems.
• Sergey Brin: Co-founder of Alphabet Inc. and one of the biggest philanthropists in the US in 2023. He has donated to Parkinson's research and has given away Alphabet Inc. shares worth around $600 million.
• Ken Griffin: Founder and CEO of Citadel LLC and one of the biggest philanthropists in the US in 2023. He has donated around $1.9 billion to philanthropic causes, including a $300 million donation to Harvard University, his alma mater.

Military commanders

Napoleon Bonaparte

Considered by many as the greatest military commander in history, Napoleon Bonaparte's influence extended far beyond the battlefield. He led France to numerous victories, conquering large parts of Europe, and eventually gaining enough power to crown himself Emperor of France. Napoleon exhibited a mastery of strategy, tactics, and administration, and his campaigns led to the use of the term "Napoleonic" to describe an entire era of warfare.

Alexander the Great

Son of King Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great inherited and further developed his father's formidable army. He conquered much of the known world, from the Ionian Sea to India, and his conquests were marked by innovative military organization and tactics. Alexander's campaigns are studied even to this day at institutions like West Point.

Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan, the Mongol Emperor, consolidated nomadic tribes and established the largest contiguous land empire in history, stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Sea of Japan. Khan's military campaigns and conquests were characterized by their speed and brutality, and he is considered one of the most influential figures in history.

Julius Caesar

Through tactical brilliance and personal magnetism, Julius Caesar defeated Rome's enemies and political rivals, setting ancient Rome on the path to imperial glory. Caesar's military campaigns extended Rome's influence and laid the foundation for the Roman Empire, which would come to dominate the ancient world.

Khalid ibn al-Walid

Known as one of the Islamic Empire's most capable military leaders, Khalid ibn al-Walid was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. In 14 battles, he remained undefeated against the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanid Persians, playing a crucial role in the spread of Islam across the Middle East.

Duke of Wellington

Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, is renowned for his victories against Napoleon Bonaparte. He led the British forces that defeated Napoleon's armies in Spain and later at the Battle of Waterloo, becoming England's most renowned commander of the Napoleonic Era.

Honorable Mentions:

Other notable military commanders include Subutai (Genghis Khan's most talented subordinate commander), Attila the Hun (ruler of the vast Hun Empire of Central Europe), George Washington (Commander-in-Chief of America's Continental Army), and Qin Shi Huang (first emperor of China, known for unifying the country through military conquest and building the Great Wall).

Scientists

When it comes to the world's best scientists, there are many exceptional individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions to various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and others. Here are four to six paragraphs highlighting some of the most notable scientists:

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein is undoubtedly one of the most famous scientists in history. Born in Ulm, Germany, in 1879, Einstein was a scientific genius who also became a figure of enduring popularity and intrigue. His most famous equation, E = mc2, described the relationship between matter and energy and challenged conventional notions. Einstein's work in special relativity introduced the idea that space and time are interwoven, while his general theory of relativity proposed that mass distorts the fabric of space and time. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his discovery of the photoelectric effect. Einstein's influence extends beyond science; he was also a public intellectual, civil rights advocate, and pacifist.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie, born Maria Salomea Sklodowska in 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, faced challenges due to her gender and her family's financial struggles. She pursued higher education in Paris, where she was inspired by the work of French physicist Henri Becquerel. Curie's research led her to the groundbreaking discovery of radioactivity, revealing that matter could undergo atomic-level transformations. Together with her husband, Pierre Curie, she discovered two new elements: polonium and radium. Marie Curie became the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize in 1903, jointly awarded with her husband and Henri Becquerel, for their work in radioactivity. She also received a second Nobel Prize in 1911 in chemistry for her contributions to the fields of polonium and radium.

Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton, an English mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, is recognized as one of the most influential scientists in history. Born on Christmas Day in 1642, Newton made groundbreaking contributions to various fields. He invented calculus and formulated the laws of motion and gravitation, revolutionizing the field of physics. Additionally, his work in optics, color theory, and reflecting telescopes bearing his name laid the groundwork for future scientific advancements. Newton's influence extended beyond science; he also played a significant role in modernizing England's economy and establishing the country's gold standard.

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin is another renowned scientist whose work revolutionized the field of biology. Darwin's interest in beetles and geology set him on a transformative path. His theory of evolution through natural selection challenged prevailing beliefs rooted in creationism. Darwin's observations during his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle led him to notice subtle variations within the same species based on their environments, such as the unique beak shapes of Galapagos finches. This concept of natural selection suggested that species could change over time due to environmental factors. Darwin meticulously gathered evidence for over two decades, and his arguments were eventually published in his book, "On the Origin of Species," in 1859. Despite initial criticism from proponents of creationism, Darwin's theory gained acceptance in the 1930s and remains largely intact today.

Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin was a brilliant and tenacious scientist who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology, particularly in X-ray crystallography. Her early research on the microstructures of carbon and graphite was influential. However, it was her work with DNA at King's College London in the 1950s that became her most notable contribution. Franklin came close to proving the double-helix theory of DNA, and her "photograph #51" was considered the finest image of a DNA molecule at the time. Unfortunately, her work was not fully recognized, as James Watson and Francis Crick published their paper on the structure of DNA shortly after, loosely citing her work. Franklin's legacy is one of scientific excellence and resilience, as she deserved greater appreciation during her lifetime.

Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American engineer, is known for his pioneering work in the field of electrical engineering. Born in 1856 in what is now Croatia, Tesla's designs and concepts laid the foundation for our modern electrified world. One of his most significant contributions was the development of the Tesla coil, a high-voltage transformer that revolutionized electrical engineering. Additionally, his work on wireless power transmission, including wireless charging, is still being explored and applied today. Tesla's eccentric personality and self-promotion sometimes overshadowed his genuine inventions, but his influence on the electrification of the world is undeniable.

These scientists, among others, have left an indelible mark on the world of science, expanding our understanding of the universe and shaping various disciplines that continue to impact our lives today.

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