Top 10 Greatest People of All Time

From innovative scientists to groundbreaking artists, from civil rights activists to legendary leaders, the tapestry of human achievement is as diverse as it is extraordinary.

Creating an ultimate ranking of the greatest people is no easy task. What criteria do we use to measure greatness? Is it the scale of their impact, the nobility of their character, or the obstacles they've overcome? Perhaps it's all of these and more. The thing is, there's no definitive answer, which is what makes this topic so endlessly fascinating.

The Top Ten

Muhammad

Muhammad ibn Abdullah (570 AD - 632 AD) was an Arab religious, social, and political leader who founded Islam, one of the world's major monotheistic religions. According to Islamic belief, he was the final prophet, tasked with confirming the teachings of earlier prophets such as Adam, Abraham, Moses... read more

His enemies, who did not accept his message, yet trusted him with their deposits, believed he would give them back when asked. Pagan Arabs asked him to give up the message of Islam, offering to make him the richest man in Mecca. However, he replied that even if they placed the sun on his right hand and the moon on his left, he would not give up the message of Islam.
In the New Testament, he is recognized as the Spirit of Truth. In the Old Testament, he is recognized as someone who would have the characteristics of Moses.
Moses received the word of God at Mount Sinai, while Muhammad received it at Mount Hira. Both Moses and Muhammad fled their homelands. They both emerged victorious over their enemies and both married, had children, and held positions of leadership, being warriors and statesmen with authority. They both had natural births and deaths, among many other similarities.
Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, in the region historically known as Palestine. He was born to Mary, and the Bible says, "she was found with child of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 1:18). He was both man and God (John 20:28). According to the Bible, He is God alone (Deuteronomy 6:4).... read more

One day, Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just left the Garden of Eden and was mocking and laughing, saying, "Lord, just see the world full of people down there. They set a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. They all fell! What will you do with them?" Jesus asked.
"Ah, I'm going to have fun with them," answered Satan. "I'll teach them how to marry and divorce, how to hate and abuse each other, to drink and smoke, and of course, I'll teach them to invent guns and bombs to destroy each other. I'm really going to have fun!"
"What will you do when you get tired of them?" Jesus asked.
"Ah, kill them," Satan said with eyes full of hatred and pride.
"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.
"Ah, you don't want those people. They're not good. Why would you want to take them? You take them and they'll hate you, spit in your face, curse you, and kill you. You don't want those people!"
"How much?" Jesus asked again.
Satan looked at Jesus and said sarcastically, "All your blood, your tears, and your life."
Jesus said, "Done!"
B. R. Ambedkar

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 - 6 December 1956), popularly known as Babasaheb or B. R. Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards Untouchables (Dalits), while also supporting... read more

He wrote the world's best constitution, which holds the most diverse cultures together.

Anyone can rise if they have the will, but to make yourself rise as a child, especially when everything is conspiring against you, requires great determination.
His caste, financial status, and being reproached as untouchable made him sit alone and denied water in school. He was not allowed to learn Sanskrit, was thrown in the drainage, and managed to get a scholarship from a king. He couldn't find a home to stay and sacrificed his own children's well-being for the upliftment of untouchables.
He used to study all night undisturbed. He knew 17 languages and read the whole world's literature. Even the second most knowledgeable person would be just half as knowledgeable as him.
People who have read about him can bet that no one in the future will be of his stature.
Gautama Buddha

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhārtha Gautama, Shakyamuni Buddha, or simply the Buddha, was an Indian ascetic and sage whose teachings laid the foundation for Buddhism. Born in the 6th or 5th century BCE in present-day Nepal, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree after years of meditation... read more

He is the greatest human to ever be born. It is not appropriate to compare Buddha with any other being.
He never killed anyone. He even converted Angulimala, a bandit who had killed 999 people. Can you imagine a person who killed 999 people surrendering at the feet of Lord Buddha (the Blessed One)? So think of the moment when Angulimala would have surrendered to him.
His teachings spread peacefully, unlike others like Muhammad.
He is the perfect combination of both mind and body that the world has ever produced.
Victory to Buddha... Victory to Buddhism.

Buddha taught us nonviolence, peace, and love for all creatures in the universe. He said a man who is born has to die one day. He did not believe in miracles or superstitions. He taught us a scientific way of living.
We are blessed to have one such person and his given religion known to us.
Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India.
He's widely known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or satyagraha, which helped lead India to independence in 1947. Gandhi's methods and beliefs influenced civil rights movements... read more

Gandhi is undoubtedly the greatest living human of all time. He changed the world literally. Technology is superb, but Gandhi implemented a peaceful revolution that changed the way the population viewed the world. He gave an example of true freedom, a type of freedom that didn't need murder, killing, or even an offensive strategy.
He valued true freedom (the freedom to accept the consequences of his actions) and life before anything else. He is a man worthy of anyone's respect.

Mahatma Gandhi was a truly ascetic man who gave up everything he had and even sacrificed his family life for his ideals. He fought injustice not just for his countrymen but for all oppressed people of the world.
Nevertheless, his fight for justice did not include harming the oppressors. He embraced the essence of every religion, not just Hinduism, and devised the lofty principles of 'Satyagraha' and 'Ahimsa' to persuade a powerful empire through reason.
The simple and straightforward common folk of India recognized this great man as the "Mahatma" and rallied around him to form the nation that is present-day India. He truly is the Father of the Indian Nation.
Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh was an Indian revolutionary socialist who was influential in the Indian independence movement. He is often referred to as Shaheed Bhagat Singh, with "Shaheed" meaning "martyr" in several Indian languages.
In December 1928, Bhagat Singh and his associate, Shivaram Rajguru, fatally... read more

Bhagat Singh lived for India, not to become a famous person. A brave person in world history.

It's great to die for your country at the age of getting married.

Bhagat Singh, an Indian socialist, is considered one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. He is often referred to as "Shaheed Bhagat Singh," with "Shaheed" meaning "martyr."
He was a clean fighter who faced his enemy in the open field. He was like a spark that became a flame in a short time and spread from one end of the country to the other, dispelling the prevailing darkness everywhere.
In a letter he left behind, he stated:
"My life has been dedicated to the noblest cause, that of the freedom of the country. Therefore, there is no rest or worldly desire that can lure me now."
Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 - 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest and most influential physicists of all time. Einstein is best known for developing the theory of relativity, but he also made important contributions to the development... read more

I just feel very proud of this man in the photo above. I am proud of him as a scientist. I am proud of all scientists. I love them because they are really geniuses. If I become a scientist, it will be my pleasure to be one.
Einstein is truly a genius, no excuses. But before he became a scientist, he wrote a letter to his father and said, "It would be better if he (Einstein) was never born." It is so sad to hear that, but it really happened. He learned to play the violin, worked hard, and whatever he learned, he discussed with himself in his imagination. He said that imagination is more important than knowledge.
Once upon a time, he was standing at a bus stop and a PhD student was also there. Einstein asked the student, "What are you?" The student replied, "I'm a doctor of physics," and then Einstein questioned him again, "What are you?" Einstein said, "I'm just a student of physics." Surprisingly, the books the student was learning and studying were Einstein's. That means they were the books of the great scientist Albert Einstein. We learn from this that great people don't have such an attitude.
Great people are great because of their hard work and perseverance. We learn from them and become like them.
Work hard, learn from others' presence and thoughts, and strive to become better in the future than anyone else. And always keep in mind that we have the power to inspire someone. We can be someone's inspiration, which motivates us to be perfect.
I cannot say anything after that. I'm just a polytechnic student...!
Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr.. January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) was an African American minister and a pioneering civil rights leader. From 1955 until his assassination in 1968, he became the most visible spokesperson for the civil rights movement. King is best known for leading nonviolent... read more

A beautiful human being who taught love, peace, equality, compassion, and non-violence.
He was a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement that essentially led to the end of Jim Crow segregation in the Confederate South. This segregation system had brutally oppressed, lynched, murdered, and persecuted Black individuals from the end of Reconstruction.
His "I Have a Dream" speech is immortal.
His teachings of God's love for all human beings and how we should treat each other as equals, human beings, and brothers are simply beautiful.
If he had not been assassinated, race relations in America could have been so much better.
Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 - 4 July 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk and a chief disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna.
He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with... read more

It's pathetic to see that Swami Vivekananda doesn't have a place in the top hundred.

"Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached." The man who is the real hero of India.

Only Vivekananda would understand what he has done in his short life. He is the living prophet of the last and the most compassionate incarnation of God - Sri Ramakrishna. He awakened the realization of Brahman in everything he came in contact with and continues his work in the subtle body.
No other prophet before him gave a promise like he did: "I shall inspire mankind everywhere until the world shall know it is one with God." Vivekananda is the prophet of every mankind, the prophet of the Spirit, the prophet of the New Age. Without a doubt, he is the greatest person of all time! Know Vivekananda and know the existence of knowledge, bliss, and peace.
Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa (26 August 1910 - 5 September 1997), also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary. Although her passport name was Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, she was born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Üsküb, now Skopje, capital of North Macedonia. After living... read more

She is a great lady who is very kind towards the poor. She serves society as if it were her family. We should learn more from her. She is my inspiration always. She believed that service to the poor is service to God. Thus, she became the mother of the country because of her love, care, and kindness towards the people.

She is a great lady who saw God in downtrodden and fatally ill fellow human beings. She treated them without hesitation. She was the symbol of love, care, and affection. Selfless and totally committed angel on Earth.

The Newcomers

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Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant was an American soldier and statesman who served as Commanding General of the Army and as the 18th President of the United States. He led the Union Army to victory during the American Civil War. Grant served two presidential terms from 1869 to 1877 and played a major role in Reconstruction... read more

Grant was a pivotal figure who helped preserve the Union in the American Civil War and end the abomination of slavery nationwide.
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John Brown

John Brown (May 9, 1800 - December 2, 1859) was an American abolitionist active in the decades preceding the Civil War. He first gained national prominence in the 1850s for his radical abolitionism and his involvement in the violent conflict known as Bleeding Kansas, which was part of the struggle over... read more

John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave, but his soul goes marching on!

The Contenders

Ashoka

He was the greatest king ever born in India. It was very difficult for any other king or emperor to defeat him. He conquered many kingdoms and became the mightiest king. However, after the Battle of Kalinga, when he saw numerous dead bodies lying motionless on the battlefield, he was deeply moved.
He repented for the bloodshed he had caused and realized that military conquest was not what he wanted to achieve in his life. From that moment, he was greatly influenced by the principles of Lord Buddha. He began preaching the thoughts of peace, non-violence, fraternity, love, and compassion. He became a dedicated follower of Buddhist principles and spent the rest of his life spreading the message of Buddhism around the world. He even sent his daughter and son to help spread Buddhism globally.
Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak (April 15, 1469 - September 22, 1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His birth is commemorated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, celebrated on Kartik Puranmashi, the full-moon day in the month of Katak. His teachings emphasized the oneness of God, equality... read more

Guru Nanak's religion is very simple: see God in everyone. All are God's creation, who created different religions, colors, animals, and plant life. If all religions believe that nothing happens without God's instructions and not even a leaf moves without his instructions, then how can people on earth claim that their religion is the only one for all mankind?
God wants all types of religions, and if he did not want different religions, he could have stopped them, as we all claim that God is all-powerful. So he does not need mankind to force or entice humans to change their religions. Especially, God does not want people to go around killing others in the name of religion, because he is the creator and everything belongs to him alone. Then who are we to change his creation? Are we and our thinking greater than God's? Is God at fault for allowing all types of religions?
God is one for all. No religion has a monopoly on God. So live and let live. God told mankind to pray to him to thank him for all he has done for us and to save our souls. We cannot save another soul. You go up alone to answer for yourself and your deeds.
Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid activist who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government... read more

This person came from being in prison for almost 30 years and then became the president of South Africa. This person taught people that you must forgive to move on. He has many more outstanding achievements, but overall, he should be in the top ten in my opinion.

He is the Jesus Christ of our time. South Africa is one of the greatest places to live because of the sacrifice he made with his life. He is the father of our rainbow nation. He is my living icon.
As I am writing this comment about him, it's his birthday, but he has been in the hospital for the past 30 days. I wish God can give him strength to wake up and come back to his beloved people of South Africa. We're not ready to let go of him, not now. We love you, Tata!
Hazrat Ali

Hazrat Ali (A.S.) was a multi-talented personality. He could wield a sword as effortlessly as a pen. In prayer he used to tremble in the presence of God, and on the battlefield he was a fearless lion. No one could match him in eloquence. In charity he was foremost. As a ruler he used to reach the weakest of the weak, and as a judge he used to punish the most powerful wrongdoer.
When he was dying from the wound of his assassin, he noticed that the assassin's hand was tied tightly and that he was hurt. He asked his son to loosen the ropes. Where can you find such a noble, forgiving soul? Next to Prophet Muhammad (saws), he is the greatest human who ever lived.
Moses

Moses is a prophet in Abrahamic religions. He is the Lawgiver of Judaism. God sent him to the Pharaoh in Egypt to tell him to release the children of Israel from bondage.
When the Pharaoh disobeyed God, God sent ten plagues. Finally, Pharaoh relented, and Moses led the children of Israel through... read more

While he was pretty legendary, this man was born into slavery, freed those people, and gave them the most well-known laws to date.
He was also the only one among his people brave enough to talk directly to God.

Moses was friends with Jesus. He should be at least number 2. Are you saying that Martin Luther King Jr. is more important than Moses? He is the most important prophet in Judaism and an important prophet in Christianity. He lived to be 120 years old. Can anyone now beat that?

The greatest preacher of social and human values, messenger of universal brotherhood, preacher of love and equality. He stood against ritualism, preached honest living, and sharing with others. Millions of salutations.
Savitribai Phule

Savitribai Jyotirao Phule was an Indian social reformer and poet. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women's rights in India during British rule.
She's considered one of the first female teachers in India and was instrumental in establishing the first... read more

Founder of women's education in India. It's unfortunate that she was never given credit for that. Still an ignored historical personality. Deserves to be among the top 10.

Opened the door of education for girls. Brought social and educational revolution in India.

First certified lady teacher of India. She learned herself and then educated girls. Because of her, women empowerment started in India.
Abu Bakr

Ya Abu Bakr, you are the friend of the Prophet, the first believer of all males. May Allah raise your maqam. Indeed, you were the best among the males of this ummah.

Bukhari :: Book 5 :: Volume 57 :: Hadith 19
Abu Bakr praised and glorified Allah and said, "No doubt! Whoever worshiped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, but whoever worships Allah, then Allah is Alive and shall never die." Then he recited Allah's statement: "(O Muhammad) Verily you will die, and they also will die." (39:30) He also recited:
"Muhammad is no more than an Apostle, and indeed many Apostles have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah. And Allah will give reward to those who are grateful." (3:144)
Jyotirao Phule

Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was an Indian activist, thinker, social reformer, and writer from Maharashtra.
He's best known for his efforts toward the education of women and lower-caste people in India. Phule, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, established the first school for girls in Pune in... read more

He and his wife did a commendable job that no common person could do. They started girls' education in India during a difficult period. They are great individuals.

Jyotirao Phule is the real Mahatma due to his sacrifice for society. He has done tremendous and very, very difficult work in challenging situations. Today, the development we see in education at all levels is only possible because of Jyotirao Phule.

One should be very proud to know about Jyotiba and his wife, Savitribai Phule. Both of them dedicated their entire lives to the betterment of society. They laid the foundation of education in India. They faced all the hurdles and difficulties that came their way in order to enlighten the ignorant and illiterate people in society.
They fought for the rights of backward and untouchable individuals, paving the way for revolution, enlightenment, education, and liberation. Jyotiba's wife faced numerous difficulties, humiliations, insults, and harassment from the orthodox people of that time. However, she did not give up and endured all the humiliation and harassment at the hands of the orthodox society. She continued to take steps to educate women in society and fought for their right to education and equal treatment. Both spouses complemented each other and supported one another in bringing about revolution and enlightenment. They were also influenced by the profound philosophy and principles of Buddha and Buddhism.
Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is a former Indian cricketer and captain, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
He's the highest run-scorer in the history of international cricket and was the first player to score 100 international centuries. Tendulkar received the Bharat Ratna,... read more

He is the god of cricket. He broke all records. No one can do this. He is a big idol for cricket fans and for every Indian. All Indians love Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. The name is enough. I have no words to describe this man. A gentleman of cricket, which is considered a religion in our country. Everyone here was emotional when he retired on 16th November 2013.
Even at that time, my exams were going on, and I was completely broken when I heard the speech he gave on his last day. He is such a mind-boggling cricketer, the greatest India has ever produced. I am really proud to be the biggest fan of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Hats off to you. Respect to you, Master.
Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (April 15, 1452 - May 2, 1519), more commonly Leonardo da Vinci or simply Leonardo, was an Italian polymath. His areas of interest included invention, painting, sculpture, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany... read more

Leonardo da Vinci is the greatest polymath genius the world has ever produced. "Greatest" doesn't mean most influential, so I have not included the likes of Jesus Christ, who is largely fictitious or a matter of faith. Leonardo is a one-off who, besides being arguably the greatest painter who ever lived, was interested in and excelled at literally almost everything: science, art, sports, entertainment, a healthy diet, engineering, music, philosophy, economics... the list goes on, and we will probably never see his like again.

Are you kidding me? Placing religious and probably imaginary figures over the brightest minds of all time? We owe people like da Vinci so much.
Modern technology and quality of life have increased thanks to individuals like him. Meanwhile, religion was often opposed to science and equality. If God existed, He would likely be disappointed by the number of uninformed people He had created.
Fatima

May Allah shower his blessings on Muhammad Mustafa's daughter, Fatima. She is the queen of paradise. For Islam, she sacrificed many things.

Bibi Fatima Zahra, daughter of the last Prophet Mohammad S.A.W., is the queen of the entire universe and of paradise. She is the wife of Hazrat Ali and the mother of Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain. Bibi Fatima Zahra lived a very simple lifestyle, and in every situation she always supported her husband, Hazrat Ali. Prophet Mohammad S.A.W. used to greet his daughter out of respect.
Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War and succeeded in preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, bolstering... read more

I don't think I said enough in my last comment. I mean, he is arguably the only human who can compare with prophets. He did the same as Moses (he freed the slaves), but he wasn't given powers by God like Moses was. He was just quite simply a man who disagreed with suffering and wanted to stop it. - Unnamed Google User Remade

He freed the slaves. It's one thing to fight for yourself, but to fight for others until your death is something greater.

He is the one who committed himself and demonstrated to, and convinced, the whole world that all men and women are created equal before God and have the same rights to live in this world, which was created by the same God.
Nirmala Srivastava

Nirmala Srivastava, also known as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, was the founder of Sahaja Yoga, a meditation practice and spiritual movement established in 1970. Born in 1923 in India, she promoted a philosophy of self-realization and inner transformation through the awakening of Kundalini energy. Sahaja... read more

Shri Mataji maintained that there is an innate spiritual potential within every human being, and it can be spontaneously awakened. She emphasized that this awakening, described as self-realization, cannot be purchased. Money has never been charged, nor will it be, for the experience of self-realization or for the teaching of Sahaja Yoga meditation.

A life dedicated to humanity.
"You cannot know the meaning of your life until you are connected to the power that created you."

She has given en masse self-realization to people all over the world for free.
Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh (January 5, 1666 - October 7, 1708), born Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru. He was a spiritual leader, warrior, poet, and philosopher. He founded the Khalsa in 1699, formalizing the collective identity of Sikhs and playing a crucial role in shaping Sikh religious and cultural traditions... read more

He is the greatest Guru and King that humanity can have. He sacrificed his own sons for the sake of humanity. He is the savior of religion against evil practices and injustice, and he is the only personality in the world to achieve such feats within a very short span of life.
He instilled great power in common men and women who further fought against the injustice existing in society and helped the poor and downtrodden to lead a life without fear. He is the greatest of all!

An individual who proved to the world the meaning of love for humanity by sacrificing 52 members of his family, including his 4 sons and parents, to save another religion.
His moral rectitude was so exemplary that when he was questioned about why he enticed Gul Khan to stab him, he said that he didn't want history to imply that he was not a martyr. Countless men, women, children, and relatives had already sacrificed their lives in the battlefield based on his words.
He was a poet, a messenger of God, a social reformer and worker, a soldier, a saint, a martyr, and above all, a man who knew the past, present, and future, even though his age was only 42. His personality was inexplicably gargantuan.
Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton PRS was an English physicist and mathematician who is widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists of all time and a key figure in the scientific revolution. He is best known for formulating the laws of motion and universal gravitation. Newton also made significant contributions... read more

I bet all the souls in the existence of all the humans that ever walked the Earth that, without Isaac Newton, the future evolution of technology would be impossible if he never existed. He is my role model, and he has motivated most humans to try new stuff, not the usual stuff we would normally do. Gravity is the best friend of Dr. Newton. His theory of gravity will help us invent time travel, which is just ten years away from now (2018). I will travel back to his time and tell him how he's the hero of humanity.

Sir Isaac Newton is best known for discovering the law of gravity, creating the field of calculus, and finding out that white light is composed of many colors. He is also widely recognized for inventing three fundamental laws of motion, referred to as "Newton's Laws." Who are those foolish individuals who believe that Bruce Lee has been more influential than Sir Isaac Newton? We are all Newtonians!