The world’s history books are full of influential and creative people who have left an incredible legacy in the societies that they lived in and beyond. From remarkable painters to brave activists and freelance revolutionaries, these icons have shaped the world that we know today and should be celebrated for their contributions.

Below is a list of twenty some of the most creative people in history and the causes that they championed.

1. Vincent van Gogh – Post-Impressionist Painter

Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter whose works are some of the most iconic in Western art history. Born in 1853, his vivid paintings with noticeable brush strokes convey a powerful emotion and express inner turmoil, as van Gogh struggled with mental illness throughout his life. Despite being unrecognized during his lifetime, he is now regarded as one of the most acclaimed painters in history, with his works selling for tens of millions of dollars. His works are an inspiration for many artists, and he is regarded as one of the most prolific painters of the 19th century.

2. Chinua Achebe – Nigerian Novelist and Poet

Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, best known for his classic work, Things Fall Apart. Published in 1958, Things Fall Apart is a cornerstone of literature in African and world fiction. Through such works as this, Achebe aimed to explore the complex politics of colonialism and post-colonialism, while challenging many of the stereotypes that had long been imposed on Africa. He is seen as a pioneer in literature, and his works are the source of joy and pride for the African continent.

3. Dr. Mae Jemison – Astronaut and Scientist

Dr. Mae Jemison is an astronaut and scientist best known for being the first African-American woman in space. Born in Alabama in 1956, she attended Stanford University and earned a degree in chemical engineering. After working in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone and Liberia, Dr. Jemison went on to become the first female African-American astronaut and flew her first mission in 1992. She is an inspiring figure and has been honored with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.

4. Frida Kahlo – Mexican Painter

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter, best remembered for her swirling self-portraits. Her works were highly symbolic and often featured bold colors and unusual poses that reflected her complex inner life. She was an outspoken feminist and was admired for her resilience in the face of physical and emotional pain. Kahlo is an iconic figure in Mexican art and culture and her works continue to inspire contemporary artists.

5. Dara Shikoh – Prince, Poet and Patron of the Arts

Dara Shikoh, born in 1615, was a prince and poet of the Mughal dynasty of India. He was an avid student of the arts, sciences and philosophy and was a patron of many renowned scholars in the region. He wrote many works, and his most famous poem, the Majma-ul-Bahrain, is renowned for its commentaries on Sufism and religious tolerance. He has been remembered as a key figure in the development of Mughal culture, and his works continue to inspire many.

6. Joan of Arc – French Military Leader

Joan of Arc was a French military leader and religious figure, famed for leading the French forces against the English during the Hundred Years War. She is seen as a symbol of heroism and courage, having led troops into battle at the age of just 17. After being captured and then burned at the stake for heresy, she was later canonized as a saint. Her dramatic story and bravery is an inspiration for many, and her legacy is remembered throughout the world.

7. Mohamed Bouazizi – Freelance Revolutionary

Mohamed Bouazizi was a freelance revolutionary, best known as the catalyst behind the Tunisian Revolution of 2011. On December 17, 2010, Bouazizi set himself alight in front of the town hall in his home town, sparking the beginning of the revolution that would ultimately lead to the ousting of Tunisian president Ben Ali. Bouazizi’s death is seen as a symbol of hope and empowerment, and his legacy is a source of inspiration to people in the Middle East and beyond.

8. Malala Yousafzai – Activist and Nobel Laureate

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize Laureate. Born in 1997, she has been a vocal activist for education and the empowerment of women since she was just a young girl. In 2013, she survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban and went on to be internationally recognized for her efforts. She is an inspiration to many, and her book I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World is an empowering read for anyone interested in Feminism and activism.

9. Ludwig van Beethoven – German Composer and Pianist

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the world’s most renowned composers and pianists of all time. Born in 1770, he rose to fame during the classical period and composed some of the most beautiful music ever produced. He is remembered for his scintillating compositions, famous works such as Symphony No. 5 and the iconic 9th symphony Ode an die Freude, which is the European Union’s anthem. Beethoven has had a profound influence on classical and popular music, and is an inspiration to many people.

10. Jackie Robinson – Baseball Player and Activist

Jackie Robinson was an American baseball player, best known for breaking the color barrier in the sport in 1947. He was the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball and paved the way for many others to follow in his footsteps. Robinson is also remembered for his contributions as an advocate for civil rights and racial equality. He is an inspiration for many athletes today and his legacy lives on in the world of professional sports.

11. Stephen Hawking – British Physicist and Cosmologist

Stephen Hawking was a British physicist and cosmologist, best known for his work on the theory of relativity and black holes. Born in 1942, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 1963 and went on to become one of the world’s foremost scientists. Hawking’s scientific contributions were immense and he is remembered for his inspiring outlook despite his disability. He continues to be an inspiration for many in the scientific community.

12. Amelia Earhart – Aviation Pioneer

Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Born in 1897, she was a passionate advocate of female equality and an experienced aviator, having been the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. She set many records and inspired thousands of female pilots in her lifetime, and her legacy continues to soar.

13. Sojourner Truth – Preacher and Activist

Sojourner Truth was an African-American preacher and activist, best known for her famous speech Ain’t I a Woman? Born into slavery in 1797, she escaped from bondage in 1826, taking on the name Sojourner Truth. Her powerful oratory, often focusing on the cruel inequalities of race and gender, were a source of strength for the oppressed during turbulent times. She was a key figure in the U.S. abolition movement, and her legacy continues to empower many.

14. Marie Curie – Physicist and Chemist

Marie Curie, born in Poland in 1867, was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. She made significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics, discovering the elements polonium and radium. She was a pioneer in the sciences and broke multiple barriers, becoming the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris. She is remembered as an inspiring figure and continues to be an inspiration in the sciences.

15. Leonardo da Vinci – polymath

Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath and inventor, best remembered for his painting the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper. He had a profound influence on the development of the sciences and arts and is remembered as one of the most influential figures in history. Da Vinci’s works are a source of inspiration and beauty, and his ideas and inventions continue to reverberate around the world.

16. Plato – Ancient Greek Philosopher

Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, writer and educationalist. His works are some of the most influential in the history of thought and his theories on many topics, from love to politics and religion, are highly sought after. His ideas on democracy and the structures of the state were ahead of their time and continue to be relevant to this day. He is an inspirational figure and his work is still studied and referenced by scholars.

17. William Shakespeare – Playwright and Poet

William Shakespeare is a towering figure in English literature and is arguably the greatest writer in the English language, if not the world. Born around 1564 and based in Stratford-upon-Avon, he wrote some of the most iconic plays and sonnets in history, such as Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. His works continue to be performed and studied and have left an incredible legacy in the world of theatre, literature and beyond.

18. Mary Shelley – Novelist and Author

Mary Shelley is best remembered for her monumental novel, Frankenstein, which has become an iconic work of literature in the centuries that followed its publication. Frankenstein tells the story of a creature created from reanimated body parts and explores the nature of morality and human responsibility. Mary Shelley was ahead of her time and her work continues to be studied in universities around the world.

19. Alexander Graham Bell – Inventor and Engineer

Alexander Graham Bell was a Scottish-born inventor and engineer, best known for his invention of the telephone. Born in 1847, Bell was a pioneer in the invention of sound transmission and his work is seen as one of the most significant innovations in history. Bell’s invention changed the world, and his legacy lives on in the form of modern communication.

20. Mahatma Gandhi – Political and Spiritual Leader

Mahatma Gandhi was an influential political and spiritual leader who led India to independence. He is seen as one of the most inspirational figures in history and is best remembered for his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience. He believed that power should not be used to oppress and his words are still relevant today, providing a beacon of hope for many people around the world.

Throughout the centuries, the world has witnessed innovators, activists, and artists that have left an unforgettable legacy. Their courage and creativity has inspired and empowered people and will forever be remembered in the pages of history.

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