Sir Isaac Newton
A name taught about in every science class the world over, Sir Isaac Newton is undoubtedly one of the most inspirational people to have ever lived. Accomplished in the fields of mathematics, theology, physics and astronomy, his radical thinking resulted in ground-breaking revelations and caused waves among the contemporary science community that would have effects for every generation after.
Most famously, his discovery of gravity laid a base for all modern sciences, but he was also the first person to calculate the speed of sound and made great strides in the study of light. Inspirational? We think so.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Luther, arguably one of the most important names of the 20th century, fundamentally underpinned the mass movement of equal rights and inspired an entire generation to rethink racial equality. Born in Atlanta in 1929 and growing up under strict US segregation laws, he was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent activism to lead the Civil Rights Movement, eventually ending institutional segregation across the country and picking up a Nobel Peace Prize and Presidential Medal of Freedom on the way.
The third Monday in January is now celebrated as Martin Luther King Jr. day across the country in memory of his incredible life and works. Need we say more?
Charles Darwin
Much like Newton, Darwin’s radical thinking not only propelled the entire theory of evolution to the forefront of scientific exploration, but he also revealed the marvels and intrigues of the natural world to wider society through his epic, and highly dangerous, five year voyage across the world on HMS Beagle.
At a time when religion held a firm grip on societies the world over, Darwin’s theory of natural selection as set out in On the Origin of Species was deemed blasphemous and heretical. It took undeniable bravery, courage of his convictions and a great belief in the evidence he had uncovered to stand by a theory which, ultimately, formed the basis for much of modern biology.
William Shakespeare
The revered king of literature, Shakespeare’s writing grappled with and reflected the very nature of humankind. An actor, playwright and poet, his works changed the way in which people thought about themselves and contemporary society, thus changing the entire English speaking world forever.
And, if you’re wondering how relevant the works of nearly 500-year-old author whom many only read during English lessons can be to the modern world, there are hundreds of words and phrases coined by the bard still in everyday parlance. Ever used the sayings ‘catch a cold’ or ‘break the ice’? Then you’re quoting Shakespeare. We’d say that’s quite the legacy.
Nelson Mandela
No list of the most inspirational people of all time would be complete without the inclusion of Mandela. Standing alongside Martin Luther King Jr as one of the most famous champions of equal rights, his headstrong pursuit to rid South Africa of its apartheid regime changed history.
Sentenced to life in prison on charges of inciting workers’ strikes and attempting to sabotage the government, he spent 27 years in prison, during which time he earned a degree, held work and hunger strikes, met with political leaders, wrote an autobiography and took whatever measures he could to continue fighting apartheid. Despite his poor treatment, he could not be broken and, shortly after being released in 1990, was elected President of South Africa – the country’s first black leader.
Mother Teresa
Fundamental to the prosperity of all, Teresa chose a voluntary life of poverty in order to help others. In 1950 she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation which to this day dedicates itself to helping those suffering from HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis as well as running soup kitchen, orphanages, schools and mobile clinics.
Through this work she instigated entire generations to selflessly aid others and fearlessly taking on world leaders to tackle inequality. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and was canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis, becoming the Patron Saint of Calcutta.
Emily Blunt
Before Blunt was getting nominated for Golden Globes and landing leading roles on the stage and big screen, she could barely carry a conversation with her classmates: Between ages seven and 14, Emily had a major stutter. As she told W magazine, "I was a smart kid, and had a lot to say, but I just couldn't say it. It would just haunt me. I never thought I'd be able to sit and talk to someone like I'm talking to you right now."
But that all changed when one of her junior high teachers encouraged her to try out for the school play—a totally unappealing feat given the fact that she had such a hard time communicating. But the teacher kept gently pressing and suggested she try accents and character voices to help get the words out and it worked. By the end of her teens, Blunt had overcome her stutter and went on to achieve the successful career she has now.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam also known as “The Missile Man of India”. From being a great scientist with a humble personality, he moved on to become the 11th President of India.His love for students and education manifested both in life and death, allowing him to breathe his last gasp while lecturing to a student-gathering at IIM Shillong in July 2015.Being a PhD holder, he was appointed as the project director of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
During his tenure as a director, he led many successful missile and rocket launching projects.
He is also the recipient of many prestigious Indian awards like the Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
From being a simple man, he rose to the commendable position of heading the Indian nation entirely on the strength of his hard work and dedication. These two are the inspiring qualities that Abdul Kalam is famous for and thus an exemplary personality for adults and children.
Closing Thoughts
If you notice, all the above personalities have one thing in common. And that is to listen to their heart to make their life’s dreams come true. Some of these world-famous personalities demonstrated a grit to overcome any obstacle that came in their way to ultimately reach their target.
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