Modern School of Athens

Thomas Edison was one of the greatest inventors in history, specifically known for his contributions to inventions such as the light bulb and the electric power system. Edison’s inventions allowed for the implementation of electricity across the world and completely revolutionized the way society lives today.

Nelson Mandela was best known for his contribution to fostering reconciliation as an activist against apartheid in South Africa despite the 27 years of imprisonment he faced. Mandela became the first black president of South Africa and endorsed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to promote forgiveness between victims and their perpetrators.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal figure during the American Civil Rights Movement. His nonviolent efforts to rid of racial inequality and injustice marked him as one of the greatest leaders in history. Martin Luther King Jr.’s notable “I Have a Dream” speech also played a significant role in the path to get rid of racial segregation.

Malala Yousafzai is a human rights advocate for bringing awareness to the importance of education among girls and the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Yousafzai founded the Malala Fund, a non-profit organization, in 2013 to invest in education for girls. Her contributions to society have empowered and directly impacted millions of girls worldwide.

Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who captured the human experience of the Holocaust through a diary she wrote. She provided the entire world with a look into the hardships and fears of the Jewish people who hid from Nazi persecution in World War II. “The Diary of a Young Girl” now serves as an everlasting testament to the resilience and courage of the Jews.

Bill Gates, also known as the co-founder of Microsoft, is a significant philanthropist and businessman who has made major contributions to revolutionizing the technology industry. His dedication to altering the projection of software development played a huge role in shaping the tech industry we know today. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a nonprofit he founded to address poverty, health-related issues, and disparities in education across the globe.

Pablo Picasso was deemed to be one of the most influential artists in history. Alongside Georges Braque, Picasso founded Cubism, an artistic movement that involved a new approach to displaying objects through multiple perspectives. Through his various techniques and art styles, Picasso revolutionized the way art is perceived in today’s society.

Elon Musk, entrepreneur and founder of SpaceX and Tesla, has made numerous contributions to the betterment of our society. Through his various works in electric vehicles and space exploration, Musk plays a pivotal role in changing the automotive and space industries to be more environmentally conscious, yet also more efficient. Through his innumerable impacts, Musk continues to shape the future landscape of technology across the globe.

Steve Jobs, inventor and co-founder of Apple Inc., paved the way for revolutionizing technology and design. With innovative products such as the iPhone and iPad, Jobs drastically changed the way society now utilizes technology. Through his innovations and emphasis on designs, Jobs marked himself as a notable figure in the modern technology world.

Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, continues to make outstanding contributions to society as a role model and advocate for healthy families, poverty, and education. Through various initiatives, Michelle Obama aimed to target healthier lives and higher education, specifically among military families, bringing about positive change in diverse societies.

Mahatma Gandhi made significant contributions to society through his advocacy of civil disobedience by nonviolent means and his role as a leader in mobilizing millions to follow to achieve freedom and equality. Gandhi truly exemplified the power that peace and justice could have in times of adversity.

Winston Churchill made significant contributions to society as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. Chuchill’s role was pivotal in leading the Allies to win against the Axis powers, specifically through his inspirational speeches that sparked determination. Churchill also advocated for human rights and democracy, ultimately having drastic impacts on various governments.

Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist from Germany who revolutionized society’s understanding of the universe through his theory of relativity. In addition to his profound impacts on science, Einstein also advocated for human rights and peace, contributing to his status as one of the most influential figures in modern society.

Rosa Parks made everlasting contributions to society by initiating the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 when she refused to give up her seat to a white male. Parks became a catalyst for other civil rights movements to come and greatly impacted the fight against racial segregation, leading to her nickname as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”.

Walt Disney, co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, laid the framework for the animation and entertainment industries prevalent in today’s society. Creator of the famous cartoon characters, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Disney continues to have an enduring influence in framing the entertainment landscape and symbolizing creativity for many younger generations.

Marie Curie, one of the greatest scientists in history, made remarkable contributions to society in physics and chemistry. Curie’s research on radioactivity paved the way for various discoveries and advancements in modern science. Not only did Curie continue to persist in the face of gender discrimination, but she was the first woman to ever receive a Nobel Prize, exemplifying her outstanding impact on society.