The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History

By Michael H. Hart

Introduction

In his groundbreaking book, "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History," Michael H. Hart sets out to identify and rank the most influential people who have ever lived. Hart's list is based on a variety of factors, including the person's impact on history, their creativity, their leadership skills, and their ability to inspire others.

The Top 10

Hart's list of the top 10 most influential people in history is as follows:

1. Muhammad
2. Isaac Newton
3. Jesus Christ
4. Buddha
5. Confucius
6. Johannes Gutenberg
7. Christopher Columbus
8. William Shakespeare
9. Martin Luther
10. John Locke

Muhammad

Muhammad is ranked as the most influential person in history due to his profound impact on the world. He was the founder of Islam, one of the world's major religions, and his teachings have shaped the lives of millions of people. Muhammad was also a successful military leader and statesman, and he established a powerful empire that stretched from Arabia to Spain.

Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton is ranked as the second most influential person in history due to his revolutionary contributions to science. Newton developed the laws of motion and universal gravitation, which laid the foundation for modern physics. He also made important contributions to mathematics, optics, and astronomy. Newton's work changed the way we understand the world, and his influence can still be felt today.

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is ranked as the third most influential person in history due to his profound impact on Christianity, the world's largest religion. Jesus' teachings have inspired millions of people, and his life and death have been the subject of countless works of art, literature, and music. Jesus' influence has also been felt in the areas of politics, social justice, and education.

Buddha

Buddha is ranked as the fourth most influential person in history due to his profound impact on Buddhism, one of the world's major religions. Buddha's teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path have helped millions of people find peace and enlightenment. Buddha's influence has also been felt in the areas of art, literature, and philosophy.

Confucius

Confucius is ranked as the fifth most influential person in history due to his profound impact on Chinese culture and thought. Confucius' teachings on ethics, morality, and social harmony have shaped the lives of millions of people. Confucius' influence has also been felt in the areas of education, politics, and art.

Johannes Gutenberg

Johannes Gutenberg is ranked as the sixth most influential person in history due to his invention of the printing press. The printing press revolutionized the way information was disseminated, and it played a major role in the spread of knowledge and the development of modern society. Gutenberg's invention also made possible the mass production of books, which led to a dramatic increase in literacy rates.

Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus is ranked as the seventh most influential person in history due to his discovery of the Americas. Columbus' voyage opened up the New World to European exploration and colonization, and it had a profound impact on the course of world history. Columbus' discovery also led to the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the Americas and Europe.

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is ranked as the eighth most influential person in history due to his profound impact on literature. Shakespeare's plays have been translated into more than 100 languages, and they are performed all over the world. Shakespeare's work has also been adapted into countless films, operas, and ballets. Shakespeare's influence on literature is immeasurable, and he is considered one of the greatest writers of all time.

Martin Luther

Martin Luther is ranked as the ninth most influential person in history due to his profound impact on the Protestant Reformation. Luther's 95 Theses sparked a religious revolution that led to the division of the Christian church and the creation of Protestantism. Luther's teachings also had a major impact on politics, education, and social thought. Luther's influence is still felt today, and he is considered one of the most important figures in Western history.

John Locke

John Locke is ranked as the tenth most influential person in history due to his profound impact on political philosophy. Locke's writings on natural rights, limited government, and the separation of church and state laid the foundation for modern democracy. Locke's ideas were also influential in the American Revolution and the French Revolution. Locke's influence on political thought is immeasurable, and he is considered one of the most important philosophers of all time.

Conclusion

Michael H. Hart's book, "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History," is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the people who have shaped our world. Hart's list is sure to spark debate and discussion, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in history, biography, or the human condition.