Top 10 Most Peaceful People in History

As you read about these remarkable figures, think about the qualities that make someone a peacemaker. Is it their ability to forgive, their relentless pursuit of justice, or their capacity to inspire others to follow a path of non-violence? Each person on this list has been chosen not just for their peaceful actions but for their enduring influence on the world.

Consider how these peaceful individuals have shaped your own views on peace and conflict. Their legacies are more than historical facts. They are living testaments to the power of peaceful resistance and the impact one person can have on the world.

1. Jesus

   

   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

   Jesus is the reason we can go to heaven when we die. He came down to Earth and lived with us, in a world of sin. Then he died for us. For us! If he really didn't love us, He would have just stayed up in the comforts of Heaven. But He did not do that.

   To be saved, you have to have total faith in Jesus, to trust that He came to earth and took all your sins away. You have to realize that no matter what you do, you can never be good enough for Heaven, and you need Jesus to take your sins away.

   I am a Christian, and I have peace in my life. For those of you who are wondering what is missing in your life, this is what you're missing: Jesus.

   Jesus left heaven to live a life of pain and suffering, then he died a torturous death so that people who hated him could go to heaven. During his life on earth, he healed countless people and raised some from the dead. He made cripples walk, blind men see, and the deaf hear.

   Most importantly, Jesus came back to life after giving himself as the perfect sacrifice so that we could have eternal life without any pain or sadness. That's everyone, even those who scoff at his existence, mock him, and laugh at anyone who does believe in him.

2. 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

   Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the kindest and most soft-hearted person in the world. When he was born in Arabia, Arabian society had the practice of burying their own daughters alive after birth. Muhammad (peace be upon him) abolished this system and granted women their rights.

   He eliminated the differences between rich and poor, black and white, master and slave, upper caste and lower caste. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the kindest, most peaceful, and most beautifully hearted person in the entire world. He was also the first person to assert that all people are equal.

   He taught never to bully someone or hurt anyone's feelings. He did many more kind acts and overcame numerous challenges. I love him so much.

3. 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

   He was very kind, honest, and had an okay sense of humor. When he was five, he stole a statue from a temple with his friends, but he was the only one who admitted it! He believed in non-violence, and my favorite quote from him relates to the fact he embraced all religions. He was probably the kindest man of the modern world. As an Indian, when India was fighting for independence, he thought only to protest and didn't even argue when thrown in jail for it. Basically, he is the best.

   I've read Mahatma Gandhi's book "My Experiments with Truth." Really, what a great book, man. He mentioned everything about his life, the good and the bad, and whatnot. I am 21 now. Maybe I've understood a very small percentage (maximum 30%) of that book. But I want to understand each and every line in it. It's very interesting and emotional. I like Gandhi. I am going to convert to non-veganism because I am very influenced by Mr. Gandhi. Love you, man.

4. 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

   I mean, not having any intention to seek revenge for the mistreatment of black people? Peace.

   Martin Luther King Jr. significantly reduced racism in America. He was an amazing person.

   He was a civil rights leader! Come on.

5. 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

   He was a special man who was sent to prison for standing up for what he believed in and was incarcerated for 27 years. When he was released, he chose to forgive rather than to retaliate.

   He could have remained a violent, bitter terrorist after being in prison for decades. Instead, he changed his ways and helped his country peacefully end apartheid.

   We are learning about Africa in school, and to be honest, from what I've heard about Nelson, he is incredibly kind.

6. 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

   As an Albanian, Mother Teresa was one of the greatest persons in the history of mankind. She proved this by contributing in as many aspects as she could to make life easier for people living in poor countries.

   Mother Teresa is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning Christian nun who will forever be remembered as one of the holiest Christians ever.

   She demonstrated what a person, not only Catholic or religious, but anyone, should be and do. She was the embodiment of goodness and selflessness.

7. 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

   Many people love political and Western figures, thinking they're the most kind, deep, and empathetic. Jesus and Mohammad were great figures, and many see them as holy or godly. But Buddha is arguably the single most caring, peaceful, and kind person in the last 3,000 years. He lived before Jesus and Mohammad but found similar truths and the middle way, between rigid minimalism and bold materialism.

   His kindness, love, fairness, kindness to animals, and ways inspired perhaps billions. He is less of a 'lord' and more of a healer who just wanted peace, love, and equality to brighten the world.

   The kindest person in the entire world is Lord Buddha. He spread kindness to all living beings. Upon waking each morning, he would search for helpless people to assist. His ability to influence one's mind is incomparable. On many occasions, he created peace in society.

   In a previous birth, he had the opportunity to attain Nirvana without teaching others how to reach it. However, he chose to attain Samma Sambuddhahood so he could guide others on the path to liberation from sorrow and Nirvana. He lived a normal life until he accumulated all the merits necessary to achieve Samma Sambuddhahood.

8. William Wilberforce

9. Confucius

   

   Confucius was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history. He is considered the founder of Confucianism, a philosophical and ethical system based on his teachings. Confucius believed he was fulfilling the Will of Ti'en (Heaven or God)... read more

   Although he may make patriotism seem overrated, his philosophy is very peaceful. He opposes all kinds of war and refrains from doing anything he wouldn't want done to himself.

   Probably one of the most peaceful people who ever lived. This man believed in peace and nothing but peace.

   As a Filipino girl, I think this man was really nice.

10. Mikhail Gorbachev

    

    Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev (March 2, 1931 - August 30, 2022) was a Russian politician and statesman who served as the last leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 until its dissolution in 1991. Before his death at age 91, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the Cold War. His policies... read more

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Sulli

    

    Choi Jin-ri (March 29, 1994 - October 14, 2019), known professionally as Sulli, was a South Korean singer and actress. She made her debut as a child actress, appearing as a supporting cast member in the SBS historical drama Ballad of Seodong (2005). Following this, she earned several guest roles in television... read more

12. ?

    Johnny Appleseed

    
The Contenders

13. Michael Jackson

    

    Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

    The King of Giving didn't just write songs about racial brotherhood, togetherness, and world peace. He had an impressively huge heart behind closed doors. His legacy has always been about love and peace. Michael's lifelong philanthropy is listed in the Guinness World Records. In death, upon his orders, his estate is continuing the gift of giving to others. He is truly worthy of mention among the peacemakers.

    Michael truly was one of the kindest souls to ever exist. From a young age, he always wanted to make the world a better place, and that was his dream. He fought hard for it and devoted countless hours helping the less fortunate, away from the spotlight.

    Michael not only inspired others through his songs but also through his own actions. He made me a better person.

14. John Lennon

    

    John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940-8 December 1980), was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and political activist. He rose to worldwide fame as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the... read more

    John Lennon is a peace on earth icon. He represented more than just The Beatles. He was the symbol of anti-war. He preached for peace and love in almost all of his songs. His ideas were simple yet creative, and he was able to express all of them through the infamous music that he created.

    John Lennon is an inspiration to all who campaign against war. Lennon should definitely place somewhere in the top 7.

    Though he has physically abused his wife and stated that he is more famous than Jesus, John Lennon is an influential man of his time and inspirational at that. As others before me, I completely agree that our generation is in need of his creative mindset and to help

    those who can't see the peace in our world. He is an inspiration to most and still is to this day.

15. Socrates

    

    Socrates (c. 470 to 399 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, and as the first moral philosopher of the Western ethical tradition. Although he wrote no works himself, his ideas are known through the dialogues of his student Plato and the writings... read more

    He killed himself rather than change his opinion to appease the masses.

    The unexamined life is not worth living.

16. 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

    He was a very peaceful person who did much for human rights. He can be called a champion of human rights. He abolished the slavery system in the U.S.

    If it wasn't for him, black slavery might never have ended.

    He was an amazing president to us all.

17. Cesar Chavez

    

18. Selena Gomez

    

    Selena Marie Gomez is an American actress and singer. She's best known for her hit songs "Come & Get It," "Good for You," "Same Old Love," and "It Ain't Me," as well as her starring role as Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place. While described as a mezzo-soprano with a vocal range often in the alto... read more

    Selena Gomez is just a wonderful person who donates money and is the greatest singer I can think of.

    She is so kind. I saw one of her videos where she was giving money to the poor.

19. Abraham

    

    Abraham, originally Abram, is the first of the three biblical patriarchs. His story, told in chapters 11 through 25 of the Book of Genesis, plays a prominent role as an example of faith in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Bahá'í Faith. According to the Bible, God called upon him and promised to... read more

20. Josip Broz Tito

    

    Josip Broz (May 7, 1892, Kumrovec - May 4, 1980, Ljubljana), commonly known as Tito, was a Yugoslav communist revolutionary and statesman. He served in various leadership roles until his death in 1980. During World War II, he led the Partisans, widely regarded as the most effective resistance movement... read more

    Josip Broz Tito remarkably united Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Slovenes, Macedonians, Montenegrins, and major minorities such as Albanians and Hungarians in one seemingly impossible country - Yugoslavia. For decades, he made them believe in their mutual affection. It's notable that Yugoslavia was united after WWII, a time when most of these smaller states were either puppet fascist states under Hitler's or Mussolini's regimes or parts of Italy.

    As a result, these separated people had been involved in hunting and genocide against each other. Tito united them all under one flag as equal nations, accomplishing what seemed an impossible task. Today, these nations may not fully grasp that strength lies in unity and that national pride, while important, has its limits before history repeats itself, potentially leading them to become puppet states once more or, worse, vanish from history as some other nation rises. The Balkans is where East/West and South/North converge.

21. Alexander Hamilton

    

    Alexander Hamilton was an American statesman, politician, legal scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker, and economist. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury and a chief architect of the nation's financial system.

22. Diana, Princess of Wales

    

    Diana, Princess of Wales (born Lady Diana Frances Spencer. July 1, 1961 - August 31, 1997), was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. She was the mother of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.... read more

    Diana was such an extraordinary royal and person in general. She was so down-to-earth and really paid attention to global issues, using her fame to help spread more awareness.

    She still had some controversies, but that made her feel like a much more real person, I believe. I still can't see why Charles, the royals, and the public press treated her the way they did.

    Princess Diana was beautiful on the outside and inside. She was a caring person and would be queen now if King Charles hadn't committed his selfish act. She helped sick people and those in need and was also nice in regular talk as well. It's so sad what happened, even though I was not even born when she died.

23. 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

    A true and absolute man of God, in the sense of God being a universal being.

    And yes, he was more peaceful than anyone else on this list.

    He was a powerful leader and a great motivator.

24. Elizabeth II

    

    Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. 21 April 1926 - 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI... read more

    She is so beautiful. I just view her as the queen of her era.

    She was fair to whoever and whatever country she might have had to rule and promoted equal rights.

25. Henry David Thoreau

    

26. Fred Rogers

    

    Fred McFeely Rogers was an American television personality, musician, puppeteer, writer, producer, and Presbyterian minister. He was best known as the creator and host of the children's television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which aired from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was widely praised for his gentle... read more

    Quite possibly the best human being who ever lived! I see myself as a very good person, but I can't hold a candle to Mr. Rogers.

    If anyone was as perfect and peaceful as this man, we would never die, for he who is free of faults will never perish.

    I came here just because I wanted to confirm my suspicion that he was the kindest person ever. He should be number one on the list.

27. 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

    An individual who fought against discrimination.