Who is the most influential person in history?

[United Christian America]

Actually, since babies are atheists when they are born, and everyone around the world was a baby and thus an atheist at one point in time, that means that Richard Dawkins is the most influential person in history.

Not really since Richard Dawkins isn't Bill Nye.

Not to mention that Babies aren't consciously atheists.

The guy who first figured out how to make fire, obviously. Followed by the guy who invented the bow, and the guy who thought that people could grow wild grain themselves.

Also the lad who first tried to make his axe or knife out of metal rather than stone. And the lad who figured out that it would be more convenient to write concepts down in symbols that everyone in the know could read rather than memorize them all.

Everyone else just based their work on the accomplishments of these few unknown pioneers, whose names are sadly lost in the depths of pre-history.

Hey! The guy who first figured out how to domesticate animals was quite important too! Based on what you're saying, you shouldn't dismiss him so easily! Figuring out how to grow crops and have them change is one thing, domesticating a wild boar is another.

[Union Of Canadorian Socialists Republic]

This is an awful poll.

[Kingdom of Israel]

Whether it's good or not.
Obviously Jesus influenced the most.

[Bushterria]

I would say George HW Bush Jr was in ways the most influential person in the 2000s because he responded to 9/11, was responsible for the 2008 financial double or triple dip depression, he was responsible for the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War which led to millions dying to serve their country for their honorable president, he is from Texas so he is fine as y'all, and he increased the national debt to a high but sustainable level in which Obama can't solve because of the awesome Congress people.

[Pyke and the Iron Isles]

Whether it's good or not.
Obviously Jesus influenced the most.

Out of these terrible poll options I would agree.

For better or worse.

[New Caledonia]

I'm surprised no-one has said Ayn Rand yet, even for teh lulz.

[MERIZoC]

I'm surprised no-one has said Ayn Rand yet, even for teh lulz.

Because Ayn Rand's writings were so poorly written, and with such a bad premise, that they have influenced very few people. Do not mistake Ayn Rand for the opposite of Karl Marx. Marx was much smarter, something you can't deny whether or not you support communism.

[Satanic Socialist States]

I'm surprised no-one has said Ayn Rand yet, even for teh lulz.

Because Ayn Rand's writings were so poorly written, and with such a bad premise, that they have influenced very few people. Do not mistake Ayn Rand for the opposite of Karl Marx. Marx was much smarter, something you can't deny whether or not you support communism.

I'm a communist & I still have great respect for Rand as a philosopher. While I reject her economics I agree with her on some things, like egoism.

[Ozzy]

Karl Marx
His political philosophy will plunge the world into chaos and kill millions.

You mean already has?

A ridiculously large amount of people were killed in Stalin's Russia, his political beliefs deriving from Marxism.

[Latinorium]

Whether it's good or not.
Obviously Jesus influenced the most.

Out of these terrible poll options I would agree.

For better or worse.

There is an other option, who would you say is the most influential?

[Beiluxia]

The candidates are:

Jesus
Founder of christianity, the biggest religion today.

Johannes Gutenberg
He invented the printing press, making books and newspapers widely available.

Isaac Newton
Scientist, well known for his laws of motion.

Karl Marx
His political philosophy will plunge the world into chaos and kill millions.

Mohammad
Founder of Islam and warlord. Islamism is considered the biggest threat to freedom today.

Aristotle
Did philosophy. Supposed to be important.

Other
Please name in the comments.


I have 3 more to add, which I will once the suggestions get rolling. You can change your vote anytime.

Since you're not taking this seriously, I won't take this thread seriously either and refrain from voting.

[Pyke and the Iron Isles]

Out of these terrible poll options I would agree.

For better or worse.

There is an other option, who would you say is the most influential?

Honestly? I do not know. Jesus and Mohammad are certainly up there that is for sure, but I dont know if the MOST istrue

[Skeckoa]

Whether it's good or not. Obviously Jesus influenced the most.

I will actually shoot for Mohammed on this one.

[Osci]

Da holy Jesus.

[Rostogovia]

None of the above.

[Solaray]

Either Jesus or Mohammed. Out of those options anyway.

[Mkuki]

Maybe Jesus of Nazareth. Maybe not too influential in his time, but his message has heavily shaped the course of world history.

[Anollasia]

Mohammad
Founder of Islam and warlord. Islamism is considered the biggest threat to freedom today.

Ahem. Islam and Islamism are not the same thing. Islam is the religion. Islamism is radicalism. One is a religion, one is an ideology. I adhere to Islam but I'm totally against Islamism. Like Turkey, they're a Secular Muslim country but most of them are against Islamism (unless it continues at this rate with the current government).

Like Christianity, there is the religion and then there is a radical ideology.

I choose Jesus or Muhammed.

[Themiclesia]

The person who invented the name. Without names, we would all go down in history as indistinct masses, without the objective concept of individuality. He who invented a name for himself, to be used by all, is the most influential.

[United Marxist Nations]

I sense bias in the OP.

Seconded.

[United Marxist Nations]

I'd say it probably isn't someone on this list. While many on the list were important, they probably wouldn't have become as influential as they were without previously existing conditions caused by someone else.

I'd also point out that this thread (and even my response to it) may overestimate the importance of individuals in history.

[ApertureScienceInc]

Johannes Gutenberg, his contribution made the distribution of knowledge easier and more widespread in the western world.

[Faith Hope Charity]

Brent Spiner.

[Pyke and the Iron Isles]

Brent Spiner.

Lul

[4years]

1. I'd say it probably isn't someone on this list. While many on the list were important, they probably wouldn't have become as influential as they were without previously existing conditions caused by someone else.

2. I'd also point out that this thread (and even my response to it) may overestimate the importance of individuals in history.

1. Very true, as I commented whomever first started using fire is pretty important. The most important figure would have to be someone very far back in history whose ideas have been passé down over thousands of years.

2. How so? While the general focus of many reposes does overstate the role of the individual, it is undeniable that certain individuals have more influence on the course of events than others. While the role of the most influential person in history would still be extremely limited, such an individual has existed.