The Greatest of Humanity

[JomZ]

Going a long with what I said in the "Brain Growing Genes" post. I realized that there are not many great thinkers, writers, creators, phiosophers, artists, scientists left in the world. Men like Einstein, Shakespear, Mozart, Beethoven, Kant, Hume, Descartes, Leonardo Da Vinci. These men's legacies still exist to this day.

Now I ask, who lives today that has done things like that. Can anyone name me a person and explain why they chose this person.


p.s.
Remember, this person's work has to leave a legacy that will last for at least a few centuries, or be taught in their respective fields in a few centuries. Their contribution must also be positive (i.e. Adolph Hitler will still be talked about in a few centuries, but that will be do to his negative actions.)

 

[zenfisher]

Stephen Hawking
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/hawking/html/home.html

He can simplify complex theories that make it easier for more to understand.

David Suzuki

His own curiosity and passion about biodiversity and how it relates to each other, is conveyed when he discusses the topic

 

[Jo Canadian]

 

[#juan]

Carl Sagan probably did more to make people aware of what our world is and how it got to be than any other scientist. I don't take a thing away from Stephen Hawking because I like him too. Carl Sagan's books cover a lot of different scientific disciplines from astronomy through biology, to Archeology. Sagan's Cosmo series is one of the very best. Sagan wrote several cross-discipline books like "the Dragons of Eden" that are worth reading for anyone. His Sci/fi book, "Contact" is another good read.

 

[peapod]

Shackleton---a rare glimpse of a "real" leader. The greatest feat of
survival ever!

 

[#juan]

Hi peapod

Is this who you mean?

http://www.south-pole.com/p0000097.htm

 

[no1important]

RE: The Greatest of Human

Scientists confirm accuracy of Einstein's famous formula

A teaser:

Albert Einstein's famous prediction that "E = mc squared" has been confirmed much more accurately than before.

According to the formula of the late German physicist, mass and energy are interchangeable.

If the equation were even slightly off, it would have enormous consequences for modern physics, as well as instruments such as global positioning devices and nuclear reactors.

Like all theories, the prediction needs to be tested in experiments.

In two tests, physicists showed Einstein's formula holds to a level of at least 0.00004 per cent – a result that is 55 times more accurate than the previous best direct test of the relationship, the researchers said. [/teaser]

Click link at top for rest of article.

Einstein was one smart man.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

I realized that there are not many great thinkers, writers, creators, phiosophers, artists, scientists left in the world.

What could you possibly base such a sweeping claim on? The fact that you can't think of many? Consider that there are far more people engaged in those activities now than there ever were, and it's thus more difficult to stand above the crowd than its ever been.

But a few do. How many of these names do you recognize?

Roger Penrose, Richard Dawkins, Michael Shermer, Marvin Minsky, Spider Robinson, Joe Haldeman, Tom Harpur, John Shelby Spong, Gwynne Dyer, John Keegan, Ernst Mayr. All but the last named are still very much alive and doing seminal work in their respective areas of expertise. That list of course reflects my personal interests and is only what I could come up with in about 90 seconds of reflection.

I think your ignorance is showing.

 

[annabattler]

And Janice Stein(of TV Ontario fame....and the Munk Centre....an undisputed expert in the field of international relations.)
As well,for all her brilliance,her discussions are understandable to every person.her logic clear and concise.

 

[Cosmo]

Spider Robinson

Dexter ... I am amazed that yet another person at this forum knows of Spider Robinson!!! He's from Vancouver. I think he does belong on your list, most certainly ... anyone that can get a serious message across in such an entertaining manner certainly belongs there.

As to the question ... I think it's tough to say who belongs on the list. The best view of the present will be had by looking back. People we may not even expect to have had an impact may turn out to be of great influence.

I'd personally add Camile Paglia to the list ... she's done more for womens' rights than anyone else of my generation. Link

 

[Dexter Sinister]

I am amazed that yet another person at this forum knows of Spider Robinson!!!

Heh, everybody who's anybody knows about Spider Robinson, don't they? He's one of the most insightful and thoughtful writers I've encountered in a long time.

 

[Reverend Blair]

Heh, everybody who's anybody knows about Spider Robinson, don't they?

One of the most insightful (and inciteful too) writers of his generation. Plus he invented the best bar on earth. I'm still looking for it.