There are many people who had influence of the modern history, art, literature, science, music, and technology. However, the most influential person can be defined as a person who changed the course of history and left a heritage of good ideas changing the human course of history in a positive manner. People who deserve the place in the hall of the most influential people of 20th century are Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, and Mohandas Gandhi. These individual managed to made extraordinary changes in their fields of work and broader. Even today, they shape our thoughts, influence our everyday life, and people unconsciously use their philosophy, technological gadgets, and ideas.
An important figure whose theory of relativity is studied in the entire world is Albert Einstein. Einstein is a man who managed to change with his work the understanding of world and introduce Universe as we know it today. His life was rich and his radical ideas had an impact, not only in physics, but in other fields as well. As cited by Isaacson, "Einstein's life and work reflected the disruption of societal certainties and moral absolutes in the modernist atmosphere of the early twentieth century" (Isaacson 28). Bearing on mind that he lived at the same time when Feud, Joyce, and many other many great men lived, it can be concluded that he was ahead of his time and his work confronted the conformity that existed in the scientific circles. Today, people take his theory and inventions created based on his work for granted. "Photoelectrical cells and lasers, nuclear power and fiber optics, space travel, and even semiconductors all trace back to his theories" (Isaacson 30). It may be concluded that if it were not for Albert Einstein we would have known the world as it is now.
The man who brought independence to people in India and who introduced civil disobedience as a non-violent movement is Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was not aware that his civil disobedience movement will last long after his death and will contribute to the end of apartheid in South Africa and bring civil liberty to many African-American across the United States. Before the beginning of the civil disobedience movement in India, Gandhi educated in England, travelled across India, and recognized the racist ideas that spread thought Europe. Starting from the 1930, Gandhi spent more time in prison than in freedom. His ideas were too radical from the British colonizers and they did not see eyes to eye when it came to Indian independence. According to Vinay Lal, "It is under the Mahatma's guidance that the movement, unique among anti-colonial struggles in the Third World, remained largely non-violent, and it is largely on Gandhi's account that the movement was bound to a certain ethical conception of political and public life." People call him the 'Father of the Nation' and his philosophy will last long after his death.
A contemporary figure that still changes our lives is Steve Jobs. He died in 2011, and was co-founder of Apple Computers. The modern technology as we know today exists thanks to the innovative ideas of Steve Jobs. Nowadays, people cannot imagine life without the aid of his innovations. He was a visionary and enthusiastic man who can be compared to Albert Einstein of the 21st century. The revolutionary ideas that Steve Jobs brought incorporated in Apple, iPhone, iTunes, and Mackintosh changed the course of modern technology. He remained in the thoughts and minds of people through the planet with his quotes as well. One of his quotes that can be applied in every aspect of life is “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.” (Jobs as cited by Glum) His speeches continue to inspire millions of people who are trying to find their path n life.
On the other side, it would be an understatement to say that The Beatles, Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway did not have any influence in the 20th century, but they did not have the same impact as the abovementioned individuals. One of the most important figures in the modern American literature is Ernest Hemingway. He was the writer who introduced new style in writing, wrote about war, love, and physical and psychological wounds caused under the war circumstances. However, he did not manage to change the course of the humanity or end colonialism in India. In addition to his work, Pablo Picasso as a painter and Beatles as a music group hold a special place in their own genres, influenced the young generations, but their impact remained limited within their domain of work. Yes, they re-shaded the perspective of art, but their ideas did not end a war or send a space shuttle into orbit or invent a new technology. Nevertheless, they are artist whose work is highly appreciated and even today analyzed, read, and listened by many people worldwide.
Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, and Steve Jobs are the most influential people in the twentieth century because they were people who lived ahead of their time and because their vision and ideas changed the course of modern history. They were not afraid to confront to the majority, to go against all odds, and to pursue their dream. Because of their determination, we are able to enjoy in life and to understand the nature and the world that surrounds us from a different perspective. Above everything, they were dreamers who lived their dream and proved that everything is possible if you believe enough.
Works cited:
Isaacson, Walter. Einstein: His Life and Universe. Pocket Books. 2007. Print
Lal, Vinay. "The Mother in the 'Father of the Nation'". History Politics. 1995. Web. 28. April 2015. https://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/Gandhi/GandhiMother.html
Glum, Julia. "Steve Job's Quotes: On His 60th Birthday, 10 Inspirational Sayings About Apple, Creativity, And 'One More Thing". International Business Times. 24. February 2015. Web. 28. April 2015. http://www.ibtimes.com/steve-jobs-quotes-his-60th-birthday-10-inspirational-sayings-about-apple-creativity-1825634
