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The Most Influential Persons in History

People have always been influencing the world for the better or worse. While some have influenced us through religion, the others have influenced the world through science, arts, and politics. Here is a list of people whose pathbreaking works and thoughts have changed the course of mankind.

1. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.
    
Birthday: 15 January 1929
Born In: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Died On: 04 April 1968
Famous As: African-American Civil Rights Movement Leader Who Used Civil Disobedience to Combat Racism

Martin Luther King's view on equality and its effect on America makes him one of the most influential activists of all time. The third Monday of every January is observed as 'Martin Luther King Jr. Day' and is an American federal holiday.

2. Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein
    
Birthday: 14 March 1879
Born In: Ulm, Germany
Died On: 18 April 1955
Famous As: One of the Greatest Physicists of All Time, Best Known for Developing the Theory of Relativity

Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein is considered one of the greatest minds humanity has seen in recent history. While some of his theories and principles are pillars of modern physics, others revolutionized physics and led to the development of quantum mechanics.

3. Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci
    
Birthday: 15 April 1452
Born In: Anchiano, Italy
Died On: 02 May 1519
Famous As: Italian Polymath & Artist Known for His Paintings: ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘Virgin of the Rocks’

One of the greatest painters of all time, Leonardo da Vinci continues to influence modern artists. His paintings, the most famous being 'Mona Lisa,' attract art lovers from all over the world.

4. Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla
    
Birthday: 10 July 1856
Born In: Smiljan, Croatia
Died On: 07 January 1943
Famous As: Inventor, Engineer & Futurist, Who Obtained Over 300 Patents
Nikola Tesla's alternating current (AC) induction motor continues to play an important role in today's world. Many of his inventions, which were considered futuristic during his time, have gained popularity since the 1990s.

5. Marie Curie

Marie Curie
    
Birthday: 07 November 1867
Born In: Warsaw, Poland
Died On: 04 July 1934
Famous As: The First Woman to Win a Nobel Prize
Marie Curie's discoveries, including that of radium and polonium, continue to influence mankind. 'Curie Institute', which she founded, is one of the leading medical, biological and biophysical research centres in the world.