The 100: A Ranking Of The Most Influential Persons In History by Michael H. Hart

"The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History" by Michael H. Hart is a thought-provoking and controversial book that ranks the 100 most influential people throughout history. Originally published in 1978, the book presents a comprehensive list based on Hart’s assessment of how much these individuals have shaped human civilization. Hart’s rankings are based not on fame or virtue but on the lasting influence and impact these figures have had on the world.

Key Points:

1. Top Ranked:

   • Muhammad is ranked #1 due to his combined role as a religious, political, and military leader, which Hart argues had a profound influence on human history.

2. Ranking Criteria:

   • Hart’s ranking is based on each individual's influence on humanity and the lasting impact of their contributions rather than their personal virtues or popularity.

3. Diverse Fields:

   • The list includes individuals from various fields such as religion (Jesus, Buddha), science (Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein), politics (Napoleon, George Washington), and philosophy (Confucius, Socrates).

4. Religious Figures:

   • Religious leaders hold high rankings, with figures like Jesus Christ, Buddha, and Moses featured prominently due to their influence on billions of followers over centuries.

5. Scientific Innovators:

   • Innovators such as Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein are ranked highly for their groundbreaking contributions to science, which have shaped the modern world.

6. Inventors and Technologists:

   • Inventors like Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell are included for their revolutionary inventions, which transformed the way people live and communicate.

7. Political and Military Leaders:

   • Figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar, and Genghis Khan are ranked for their military conquests and political reforms, which significantly altered the course of history.

8. Cultural and Artistic Influences:

   • Artists and cultural icons like William Shakespeare and Ludwig van Beethoven are included for their enduring contributions to literature and music.

9. Controversial Choices:

   • Some of Hart’s selections, such as placing Muhammad over Jesus, or including figures like Adolf Hitler, have sparked debate, with critics questioning the criteria of influence over morality.

10. Historical Scope:

    • The book spans a vast range of human history, including ancient, medieval, and modern figures, offering readers a broad perspective on the individuals who shaped civilizations.

Conclusion:

"The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History" by Michael H. Hart provides an intriguing and often debated ranking of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world. Hart’s list is not without controversy, but it remains a seminal work for its attempt to quantify and compare the influence of figures across various domains—religion, science, politics, and culture. Whether or not one agrees with the rankings, the book prompts readers to consider the far-reaching impact of these individuals on history.

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Writer                 ✤     Michael H. Hart (Author)