–comments and summary by senior Blog Correspondent and future “Influential Person” Ashley Zhou
The other day when I was browsing the old bookshelf at home, a book caught my eyes: The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael Hart.
I have thought about this topic but was never able to come up with my own list of influential persons.
The first names that popped out of my head were Isaac Newton, 
Jesus Christ, and maybe Sherlock Holmes. So, I opened the book. I was curious to find out who is the most influential person. Muhammad. The book said, “Muhammad.”
Ummm. I have to admit that I was a little bit shocked because I didn’t know a whole bunch about Muhammad. So I continued reading and tried to find out more about him. In the preface, author Hart admitted that ranking Muhammad first might be controversial, but he felt that from a secular historian’s perspective, this was the correct choice because Muhammad is the only man to have been both a founder of a major world religion and a major military/political leader.
As I kept reading the book, I find that the list was clearly dominated by religious leaders (implying that they were the most influential group of people). Next, came innovaters and scientists, and then political figures. The highest ranked political/military figure does not come until #17 (Qin Shi Huang, the first Chinese emperor to unite China), followed by Caesar Augustus (nephew of Julius, creator of a peaceful Roman era) at #18. This view would be consistent with the idea that “the pen is mightier than the sword.”
But, why are the religious leaders the most influential group in history? Or, what evidence did the author use to support his point?
Firstly, the influence of religion is much more profound and widespread across the world than that of military or politics or fashion, etc. People nowadays still keep their beliefs and religions as very important parts their lives. In history, those founders went through a harsh, austere, and long process of establishing those religions. Hart explains religions lead their people to fight battles, teach them about the theories or save them from their sufferings. Religion wasn’t only a redemption but also a main support in people’s lives. A kingdom may last a century or so, but it doesn’t expand beyond its borders. Religions spread worldwide and last for generations. That is why religions and religious leaders have such widespread influence across the world.
Inventors and scientists bring us steam engines, paper making, electricity, the basic knowledge of the universe, pasteurization, magneto, airplanes, radios, telephones, photography, X-Rays and many other technologies to better our standard of living. These changes are tangible and practical, and, more importantly, these inventions and discoveries are the foundation of the progress of human civilization. So that’s why inventors and scientists are ranked the second most influential group in history.
As I mentioned, the highest ranking political/military figure doesn’t come till #17 on Hart’s list. Hart explains that’s because the influence of an empire usually doesn’t last longer than one or two centuries. Even though those kings and emperors were great leaders and fighters, they weren’t as influential as religious and scientific leaders. And, of course, Hitler is a member of The 100. He’s #35 (#39 in the revised edition).
As we enter the 21st century, there are many other notable and notorious individuals who truly influenced our lives: Steve Jobs, Ronald Reagan, FDR, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah, even Benedict Cumberbatch. I am looking forward to the update of this book. In another 50 years, I hope I am on the list. Hehehe.
Who would be on your list of “The 100 Most Influential”? Mr. Sarkis? Kobe? Rihanna?
Religion was people’s explanation for the things they didn’t understand. They lived in terror of storms, thinking that they were an angry god going to strike them down. The Vikings thought a wolf had swallowed the sun, when in reality, a solar eclipse was taking place. Now, imagine that someone comes and says that they consort with those gods, and he has their blessing, and all those that don’t convert to his faith will burn in a hell of some sort. Of course the majority of people would bow down to those people, and obey them, lest they be sent to hell. And that’s the fear-mongering gospel of religions, if you don’t convert to OUR faith, you shall be executed and off to hell.
That’s a very deep and unique understanding.–A.Z.
Great Article!! Though I have to admit that I’m not really that surprised. Yes, Muhammad was a prophet and a religious leader (reforming Christianity), but he was also a merchant. His religious strategy/military point of view is economic-ish. Consider the relative speed of the Islamic spread into Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Iberian Peninsula. That spread, whether it was political, militaristic, or economical, ties back to the teachings and influence of Muhammad. Today, that spread continues and is projected to be the leading religion sometime in the next 50 years.
I really enjoyed the article, so much so that I hope that this engages some sort of discussion. Hope all is well!
Thank you, Mr. Smith. That was impressive.–A.Z.
Eason Chan！！！！！！！
Handsome Hu!!!!-G.L.
A really wonderful piece, Ashley. Fascinating.
Thank you. We were glad you liked it.–A.Z.
Thank you Ashley. I am honored and thrilled to be right up there on the list next to Kobe and Rihanna. And I know a little Arabic so you could say I am…. potentially…. as influential as Mohammed.
Of course those who understand me know: I’d rather be muscular than influential.
love,
Mr Sarkis
You’re as muscular as you’re influential.–A.Z.