Who is/was the most influential...

I was having a debate with my dad the other night about who the most influential person to walk the planet in recorded human history is/was. I think it's a good question but we didn't agree on who it is/was. It could be a good or bad man, woman, or other... but that person would have to be universally known throughout the world.

Who would you pick for the most influential "Person of World History"? Remember, it can be someone who was good, bad, or anywhere in between.

I read a book with this topic researching the top 100 most influential people in history. Their #1 choice was Paul. He spread the gospel that Jesus preached. Seem like a good choice. I would also put Mohammed right up there. Religion seems to do a better job than political or military leaders at extending their influence centuries beyond their lifetimes.

But I would be curious if one guy had invented the internet, would that make him the most influential? Or another inventor?

And which political and military leaders would you pick?

Genghis Khan.

Within Mongolia, Genghis Khan revolutionized the social structure and reformed traditional law.

His was an egalitarian society, in which the humblest slave could rise to be an army commander if he showed skill or bravery. War booty was divided evenly among all warriors, regardless of social status. Unlike most rulers of the time, Genghis Khan trusted loyal followers above his own family members (which contributed to the difficult succession as he aged).

The Great Khan forbade the kidnapping of women, probably due in part to his wife's experience, but also because it led to warfare among different Mongol groups. He outlawed livestock rustling for the same reason, and established a winter-only hunting season to preserve game for the hardest times.

Contrary to his ruthless and barbaric reputation in the west, Genghis Khan promulgated several enlightened policies that would not become common practice in Europe for centuries more.

He guaranteed freedom of religion, protecting the rights of Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and Hindus alike. Genghis Khan himself worshiped the sky, but he forbade the killing of priests, monks, nuns, mullahs, and other holy people.

The Great Khan also protected enemy envoys and ambassadors, no matter what message they brought. Unlike most of the conquered peoples, the Mongols eschewed torture and mutilation of prisoners.

Oprah

If you mean influential by the number of lives affected, I'd have to say Ashoka the Great, St. Paul a close second.

Raees wrote: If you mean influential by the number of lives affected, I'd have to say Ashoka the Great, St. Paul a close second.

I'll agree in regards to Paul. He was a grandstanding phony who made it up as he went along. What began as a simple philosophy that put human dignity above imperfect governments, was turned into by Paul, a sickening religion that sucked the life out of human kind in it's quest for power, money and heaven on earth.

My favorite unsung hero is Maimonides

bailey bud wrote: My favorite unsung hero is Maimonides

Good one, and one of my favorite quotes (and most accurate):

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
Maimonides

I still think it has to be Jesus whether you believe the history or not. Even raging liberals on this board use the name Jesus Christ (although not in an affectionate way).

Sultan Mehmed II for this last period in history just ending. G.H.W. Bush for the period that has only just begun.

Eve.