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

Introduction

In his groundbreaking book, "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History," Michael H. Hart presents a thought-provoking and controversial list of the individuals who have had the most significant impact on human history. Hart's criteria for inclusion are based on the individual's ability to change the course of history, their influence on subsequent generations, and their overall impact on society.

The Top 10

Hart's list is topped by Muhammad, the prophet and founder of Islam. Hart argues that Muhammad's religious teachings and political leadership had a profound impact on the world, shaping the course of history in the Middle East and beyond.

The second most influential person on Hart's list is Isaac Newton, the English mathematician and physicist. Newton's groundbreaking work in physics, including his laws of motion and universal gravitation, revolutionized scientific thought and laid the foundation for modern science.

The third most influential person is Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. Hart acknowledges the profound spiritual and moral impact of Jesus' teachings, which have shaped Western civilization and continue to influence billions of people around the world.

The remaining top 10 most influential persons, according to Hart, are:

1. Buddha
2. Confucius
3. St. Paul
4. Johann Gutenberg
5. Christopher Columbus
6. Martin Luther
7. William Shakespeare

Notable Inclusions and Exclusions

Hart's list includes a diverse range of individuals from different cultures, time periods, and fields of endeavor. Some notable inclusions include:

• Genghis Khan, the Mongol conqueror who established the largest contiguous empire in history
• Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian polymath who made significant contributions to art, science, and engineering
• Benjamin Franklin, the American polymath and Founding Father who played a key role in the American Revolution
• Albert Einstein, the German-born physicist who developed the theory of relativity and revolutionized our understanding of the universe

Some notable exclusions from Hart's list include:

• Alexander the Great, the Macedonian conqueror who established one of the largest empires in history
• Julius Caesar, the Roman general and statesman who played a pivotal role in the fall of the Roman Republic
• Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor who conquered much of Europe
• Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian lawyer and civil rights activist who led India to independence from British rule

Criticisms and Controversies

Hart's book has been widely praised for its originality and thought-provoking nature. However, it has also been criticized for its subjective criteria and the omission of certain influential figures. Some critics argue that Hart's list is too heavily weighted towards religious and political leaders, while others contend that he overlooks the contributions of women and individuals from non-Western cultures.

Despite these criticisms, "The 100" remains a fascinating and influential work that has sparked countless debates and discussions about the nature of influence and the individuals who have shaped our world.

Conclusion

"The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History" is a must-read for anyone interested in history, biography, or the study of human influence. Hart's thought-provoking list challenges us to consider the individuals who have had the greatest impact on our world and invites us to reflect on the nature of influence and the forces that shape history.