Top Ten Influential Thinkers in History (#5-#1)

Freud

5) Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)– Anyone who has taken a psychology class knows that Sigmund Freud is one of the more polarizing scientific figures in history. His brilliance was, at times, overshadowed by his pessimistic outlook on human behavior. Freud suggested that man’s nature was rooted in evil, and if humans released their natural desires, then destruction would ensue. Pessimistic human outlook aside, Freud is perhaps best-known for his discovery of the emotional nature of the human subconscious. This discovery has enabled scientists to make great strides in understanding human behavior and motivations.

Confucius

4) Confucius (~551 BC-~479 BC)- While many Westerners may not be familiar with Confucius beyond the name, Eastern cultures (mainly Chinese) still feel the thinker’s impact today. Confucius’ teachings and philosophies were largely based on the idea of ren, which is comprised of having compassion and love for others. Confucius was also quite fond of the Golden Rule, nearly five centuries before Jesus taught similar lessons. Confucius, perhaps the first to coin the phrase, believed: “What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others”. These wise words are sure to remain just as relevant now as they were in 500 BC.

 

Einstein

3) Albert Einstein (1879-1955)- As a young child, Einstein’s fascination with science began with a simple compass. His father’s gift to him sparked and helped to direct Einstein’s incredibly influential life. Among the many contributions that Einstein made to science and society, the two the hold the most influence today are: developing the theory of relativity, which is one of the two base pillars of modern-day physics, and providing empirical evidence that atoms and molecules do actually exist. 

Gandhi

2) Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)– #2 on the list, coincidentally, was one of Einstein’s main influences. The same can be said for many people who value peace and harmony. Gandhi led India’s independence movement against Britain in the 1930’s and ’40’s, where he practiced what he preached, with non-violent protests and moving speeches. His efforts led to India becoming an independent nation, but most importantly, Gandhi’s strategies were used by some of the world’s greatest leaders since his assassination in 1948, most notably by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

Darwin

1) Charles Darwin (1809-1882)- It wasn’t easy, but there had to be a number one on this list of incredible minds. But, in terms of influence on the humanity, Darwin took the cake in my not-so-influential mind. Charles Darwin is best known for his naturalist views and his evolutionary theory. The Englishman embarked on an educational adventure in 1831, where he set sail around the world, collecting natural specimens, fossils, and plants. His most important experiences for developing his theory came on Pacific Islands and Galapagos Archipelago. When he returned to England, Darwin’s view of nature was radically changed, and his theory of evolution took root. Darwin’s idea of the survival of the fittest, or “natural selection”, was revolutionary for his time. His theory of evolution has continued to garner supporting evidence ever since its conception.

Thanks for checking out my list of the most influential thinkers in history! Whose absence has you shaking your head? Comment below and educate!

http://www.holisticeducator.com/freud.htmhttp://plato.stanford.edu/entries/confucius/ https://sites.google.com/a/umn.edu/historpedia/home/specific-individuals/albert-einstein-a-revolutionary-influence-of-the-20th-century-who-s-work-impacted-the-final-outcome-of-wwii-and-forever-changed-modern-warfare-fall-2012 http://www.biography.com/people/charles-darwin-9266433#voyage-on-the-hms-beagle http://www.livescience.com/2851-gandhi-changed-world.html

 

Top 10 Most Influential Thinkers of All-Time (#10-#6)

Thoughts. Everyone has them, but most of us will never influence the history of humanity with them. This list presents the top ten thinkers based on their influence on our species today.

 

PBS

10) Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)– The German musical prodigy completely changed the way music was played. He reinvented the symphony, reshaped string quartets, and redefined piano sonatas with his own unique twists. Beethoven began going deaf when he was in his mid-20’s, and still went on to create some of the most well-known and influential musical pieces to this date. Musically, there may not be a more influential thinker.

 

 

Wikimedia

9) Epicurus (341 BC-270 BC)– Epicurus is best known for his contributions to philosophy and science. His view was that we should only believe what could be proven with empirical evidence and logic. This helped to lay the foundation for Western-thinking and analysis. Epicurus was also a pioneer for hedonism, which is the belief that pleasure is the only intrinsic value. This pleasure, in his view, derived from the appreciation of the simple things in life and philosophical conversations with friends rather than physical pleasures such as sex or intoxication.

 

 

 

History.com

 

8) Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)– Perhaps the most famous name in art history, Michelangelo was and is, to this day, one of the most influential artists to have ever lived. Raised in Florence, Italy during the Italian Renaissance, the stage was set to bring out the most in the young artist. Michelangelo is known most prominently for his Sistine Chapel ceiling painting that features The Creation of Adam, but the artist was also a talented architect, poet, and philosopher. There is no doubt that Michelangelo’s genius is still felt to this day.

7) Plato (428 BC-348 BC)– As a young man, Plato’s main interests were comprised of the arts. His aspirations were to be a playwright and/or a poet, but these quickly ceased in his late-teens after he attended a speech by Socrates at the market. Plato devoted his life to philosophy, and as a result, produced some of the most influential philosophical works in history. His works were in the form of dialogues, where several characters argue a topic by asking questions of each other. By using this form of writing, it allowed Plato to present several different sides of an argument and let the reader decide what is right and wrong for themselves.

PBS

6) Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)– Nikola Tesla’s inspirational story started in Croatia in the mid-19th century. As a young man in his 20’s, he moved to America for the opportunity to gain interest for his induction motor. Tesla introduced himself to Thomas Edison when he arrived, and found himself working alongside Edison for about a year before going their separate ways. Tesla would bounce back, however, as he sold patents for his Alternating Current motor for $60,000 and stock in the buyer’s company. These electric motors are still used everyday in washers, dryers, refrigerators, fans, elevators, and more.