Top 5 MOST Influential Figures in History.
The History is full of people that changed it, mostly for the better. From teaching future Kings to changing the future of humankind and changing the whole perception of science, they have done it all.
Here are our pick of the top 5 Most Influential Figures in History.
#5 Aristotle
A greek Philosopher and scientist best know for his inventions and findings, Greek Aristoteles more famously known as Aristotle was born in Stagira, Macedonia around 384 BC. Even though it was a really long time ago, his studies are still changing the ways of science and helping in making new discoveries. Aristotle was a student of Plato who was known as the Father of Philosophy. Aristotle differentiated between philosophy and science from theology. He is also considered to be the first philosopher of Greek history.
It is estimated that Aristotle wrote around 170 books, although only 47 of these have survived to the modern day. A few of his most influential books include Nicomachean Ethics, On the Soul (De Anima), Metaphysics, etc. He made studies in botany, physics, philosophy, medicine, optics, and logic.
After quenching his thirst for knowledge, he went on to become the teacher of then prince and future king of Macedonia, Alexander the Great. Even though the prince didn't have much interest in the study due to his desire for leadership, his teaching must have left a good impression on him. After the death of King Alexander the Great, Aristotle was forced to leave his home in Athens due to his association with the former king which would have gotten him killed. After fleeing his hometown he died a few months later at the age of 62.
#4 Alexander Graham Bell
You might have heard of him for his world-changing discovery and invention of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, (born March 3, 1847, Edinburgh, Scotland). Even though he is known for his invention of the telephone and refinement of the phonograph (record player, he considered him to be a teacher of the deaf. He was also a scientist, inventor, and teacher.
His birth name was Alexander Bell but Graham was added to his name later when he was 11 years old His mother was mostly deaf so his father taught him elocution. This influenced his desire to become the teacher of the deaf. He considered his most important contribution to be his work with the deaf.
On March 10, 1876, history was changed forever. he produced the first intelligible words over the telephone. He said,
“Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you.” These words were the first ever that was spoken through a telephone.
#3 Michael Faraday
He is one of the top contributors in Physics, he made the basis of electromagnetic induction, electrolysis, and many other scientific methods. Born on September 22, 1791, in London, United Kingdom Michael Faraday at a young age, didn't have the blessing of education. He worked at a library to meet his needs and would study the books there. This sparked him with many ideas which have now changed the way of life.
He formed the basis of the principle of transformer and also found the method of electrolysis. He found that the moving of a magnet in a solenoid induced electric current which formed electromagnetic induction. He also found that when the current was passed through an aqueous solution with metals in it, it discharges them into ions into the solution.
Even though he is less known in history, his studies have a great influence on modern science. Around 1855, Michael Faraday’s life was about to crumble. His mind stopped functioning after all of the years of hard study and work. He tried even more methods to induce current but he failed. Queen Victoria awarded him a house in Hampton Court for his life devoted to science and also offered him knighthood but he refused the latter. He died in 1867 and is now buried in Highgate Cemetery, London
#2 Issac Newton
One of the most influential figures in history, born in England on January 4, 1643, Sir Isaac Newton, or Issac newton, in the house of a Laborer, whose name was also Issac Newton. He lost his father just a few months after his birth. He was born really weak and was thought to die at birth but he survived 84 years. He also lost his mother when she married a second time to another man. After 6 years she became a widow again and put her son to work to meet their needs. This mistake was recognized and he was sent to school where he learned to make clocks and windmills.
He made remarkable discoveries in optics and universal gravitation. Everyone is familiar with his story of finding gravity. He also formed Newton’s laws of motion. He also discovered inertia and made his first law on inertia.
In his final times, he published and edited his books including Optiks, Principa, and, Queries. He would also preside at the royal society during his final days. He would stay with his niece, Catherine Barton Conduitt, and her husband before his death.
#1 Albert Einstein
He is known for his discovery of the theory of relativity, born in Germany on 14 March 1879, Albert Einstein was a Jewish physicist that changed our perception of science. His father was a featherbed salesman and then became owner of an electrochemical factory. He had a sister who was 2 years older than Einstein known as Maria or Maja.
He made quite a contribution to quantum physics and formulated the theory of relativity His inspiration to starting his works was a compass and a “sacred little geometry book” as he liked to call it. His key works are wormholes, higher dimensions, the possibility of time travel, the existence of black holes, and the creation of the universe. These made the theory of general relativity. These studies then lead to even bigger findings that changed the whole perception of science.
After his death due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm, (a bulge or swelling in the aorta) in New Jersey, United States on April 18, 1955, he requested his body to be cremated. But the Princeton Hospital pathologist disrespectfully stole his brain and stored it in jars to further study his genius. His last words were,
“I want to go when I want to go. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share; it is time to go
He said this when he was told if he wanted surgery to fix the burst artery
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