There have been many greats in human history: Emperors, military generals, philosophers, inventors, industrialists, scientists, and statesmen. But let’s focus on the top of the top–the best of the best. Much more than that, let’s focus on the heart of it all: The one person that has had a greater effect on the world than any other person in history; the one person who has made the greatest contribution to human society.
When it comes to possessing personal characteristics that have inspired entire generations, when it comes to the accumulation and use of power, when it comes to innovation, ideas, and influence, who was the one person who stood above the rest?
One third of the world is Christian, so Jesus of Nazareth would seem a pretty easy pick. Mohammed would also be a good choice; while Islam is not as big, Mohammed
A) Unquestionably existed, and
B) Was much more instrumental in the spread of Islam than Jesus was in the spread of Christianity, a religion he didn’t try to create and which he would likely have found appalling.
Such a person is likely to be completely unknown. It is most likely to be an individual who was the recipient of a genetic mutation which was critical in our humanness–perhaps related to language or IQ.
For individuals known to history: For gifts of genius covering the breadth of understanding, I’d put Leonardo da Vinci at the top, but I don’t think there’s a way to quantitate “the best.”
No. Constantine made far less difference, IMO, by making Christianity legal than Paul did in spreading it far and wide. There’s a reason Paul is always high up there.
How about Leonardo of Pisa (aka Fibonacci)? He convinced the Western World to stop using Roman numerals and switch over to the decimal system. A major advance in mathematics which built a foundation for science, technology, and finance.
If how they affected our modern western culture is considered, it has to be Napoleon. He was the leader of the movement that saw the downfall of leadership/power by birth-right.
I’d put Alexander the Great over inventors. If Columbus wouldn’t have discovered America someone else would have shortly after. Same for most inventions, IMHO.
I vote Genghis Khan.
eta: Yes, I realize discovery and inventing are different things.
Re kashrut, technically Peter’s- Acts 10. But he did vascillate when challenged by the “Judaizers”, for which Paul called him out. Paul did go on the record about circumcision, although he wasn’t totally against it- he either did circumcise Timothy or had Timothy get it done.
Not to take away from the genius of most inventors or discoverers, but I believe in many of these cases if they personally hadn’t existed someone else would have shortly invented or discovered the item in question.
I think the person in question will be a political or religious leader of some sort - someone who if they didn’t exist history might have moved in a very different direction. If a strong leader or influence didn’t exist at a critical time entire powers may never have materialized.