The Most Influential People In History, Ranked
When considering the most influential people in history, it’s clear that certain individuals have profoundly shaped the world, altering the course of human events and inspiring generations. These figures come from diverse fields, including science, politics, arts, and social reform, yet they all share the common trait of having made significant contributions that continue to resonate today. Their actions, discoveries, and philosophies have woven the fabric of our current society, influencing everything from our values to our technological advancements.
Take Martin Luther King Jr., for example. His leadership in the American Civil Rights Movement and his profound speeches advocating for equality and justice have left a legacy that still fuels progressive movements around the globe. Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking theories in physics have fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe, making him a pivotal figure in the world of science. Meanwhile, Nikola Tesla’s innovations in electrical engineering laid the groundwork for the modern power systems and technologies we rely on daily. Each of these individuals embodies the essence of influence, having not only achieved greatness in their lifetimes but also left a lasting impact that extends far beyond their era.
We want to hear from you. Who do you think are the pivotal figures that have shaped our world? Cast your vote on the most influential people in history and add your voice to the discussion. Your contributions help celebrate the impact of these remarkable individuals and reflect on the diverse ways in which they’ve molded our society. Let's recognize the legacies that continue to inspire and drive progress in various fields today.
- 4Dec. at 39 (1929-1968)
- 5Dec. at 56 (1809-1865)
- 6Dec. at 76 (1879-1955)
- 7Dec. at 86 (1856-1943)
- 8Dec. at 78 (1869-1948)
- 9Dec. at 84 (1643-1727)
- 11
- 12Dec. at 84 (1706-1790)
- 13Dec. at 67 (1732-1799)
- 14Dec. at 77 (1564-1642)
- 15Dec. at 67 (1452-1519)
- 16Dec. at 88 (1475-1564)
- 17Dec. at 57 (1770-1827)
- 18Dec. at 51 (1564-1616)
- 19Dec. at 90 (1874-1965)
- 21Dec. at 56 (99 BC-43 BC)
- 22Dec. at 95 (1918-2013)
- 23Dec. at 83 (1743-1826)
- 24Dec. at 83 (1863-1947)
- 25
- 26Dec. at 70 (1398-1468)
- 27Dec. at 33 (355 BC-322 BC)
- 28Dec. at 35 (1756-1791)
- 29Dec. at 75 (1847-1922)
- 31Dec. at 62 (1483-1546)
- 32
- 33Dec. at 72 (1822-1895)
- 34Dec. at 73 (1809-1882)
- 35Dec. at 84 (1847-1931)
- 36Dec. at 62 (383 BC-321 BC)
- 37Dec. at 66 (1867-1934)
- 38Dec. at 76 (1942-2018)
- 39Dec. at 51 (1769-1821)
- 40Age: 68
- 41Dec. at 83 (459 BC-376 BC)
- 43Dec. at 69 (1254-1324)
- 44Dec. at 65 (1901-1966)
- 45Dec. at 60 (1858-1919)
- 46Dec. at 73 (1881-1955)
- 47Dec. at 56 (1955-2011)
- 49Dec. at 41 (1912-1954)
- 50Dec. at 70 (1473-1543)
- 52Dec. at 63 (1882-1945)
- 53Dec. at 48 (543 BC-495 BC)
- 54Dec. at 72 (550 BC-478 BC)
- 55Dec. at 74 (1835-1910)
- 56
David
Dec. at 70 (1039 BC-969 BC) - 57Dec. at 62 (1904-1967)
- 58
- 60Dec. at 58 (1812-1870)
- 62Dec. at 22 (980-1002)
- 63Dec. at 82 (1930-2012)
- 64Dec. at 69 (1533-1603)
- 65Dec. at 91 (1881-1973)
- 66Dec. at 37 (1853-1890)
- 67Dec. at 90 (1820-1910)
- 68Dec. at 87 (1910-1997)
69Age: 59- 70
- 71Dec. at 47 (1757-1804)
- 72Dec. at 58 (121-180)
- 75Dec. at 64 (1818-1883)
- 77Dec. at 65 (1685-1750)
- 78Dec. at 80 (1791-1872)
- 79Dec. at 58 (1571-1630)
- 80Dec. at 39 (68 BC-29 BC)
- 81
Louis Braille
Dec. at 43 (1809-1852) - 83Dec. at 82 (1828-1910)
- 84Dec. at 81 (1892-1973)
- 85Dec. at 64 (1730-1794)
- 86Dec. at 63 (1833-1896)
- 87Dec. at 46 (1903-1950)
- 88Dec. at 74 (1942-2016)
- 89Dec. at 83 (1856-1939)
- 90Dec. at 90 (1302 BC-1212 BC)
- 91Dec. at 83 (1736-1819)
- 92Dec. at 95 (1922-2018)
- 93
Orville Wright
Dec. at 76 (1871-1948) - 94Dec. at 55 (1451-1506)
- 95Dec. at 42 (1935-1977)
- 96Dec. at 58 (1778-1837)
- 97Dec. at 78 (1890-1969)
- 98Dec. at 72 (1834-1907)
- 99Dec. at 92 (1913-2005)
- 100Dec. at 81 (1819-1901)
- 101Dec. at 40 (1809-1849)
- 102Dec. at 86 (1820-1906)
- 103Dec. at 83 (1694-1778)
- 104Dec. at 76 (1611-1687)
- 105Dec. at 60 (1885-1945)
- 106Dec. at 75 (1791-1867)
- 107Dec. at 80 (1899-1980)
- 108Dec. at 19 (1412-1431)
- 109Dec. at 69 (1901-1971)
- 110
Ferdinand Magellan
Dec. at 41 (1480-1521) - 111Dec. at 91 (1764-1855)
- 112Dec. at 72 (1737-1809)
- 113Dec. at 64 (246 BC-182 BC)
- 114Dec. at 55 (1844-1900)
- 115Dec. at 87 (1880-1968)
- 116Dec. at 53 (1840-1893)
- 117Dec. at 63 (1889-1953)
- 118Dec. at 32 (1940-1973)
- 119Dec. at 67 (1729-1796)
- 120Dec. at 58 (396-454)
