Interesting thread...I'll like to add my two cents.
Most influential person in recorded human history till now?
Muhammad
Explanation of choice:
Well, there is literally no person that Muhammad can be compared to in entire history. He is THE most "uniquest" historical character of history (I know uniquest isn't correct use of English--but just to emphasize my point).
The remarkable fact about Muhammad was that he was one of the most influential religious and secular leader of human kind. This combination is unmatched by any other human being in history.
For example, Newton was one of the most influential person too---but in secular terms. Similarly, Buddha was really influential too--but in religious terms. Same goes for almost every historical character whether Einstein, inventor of paper, or Napolean. All of them were either 'secular' influential historical characters (like Alexander, Newton, or Ceasar) or 'religious' influential historical character (Like Buddha, Jesus, Abraham, Guru Nanak and so on).
Muhammad was THE only man to have ever walked on Earth was cosmically influential both in religious and secular terms.
By most accounts, the 'closest' competitor to Muhammad's global historical influence would be Jesus.
How about we take away the religious side of Muhammad and then compare it to Jesus? Muhammad, even as a secular political leader, dwarfs Jesus' over-all influence.
- For example, Muhammad wrote/dictated one of the most influential text of history...Qur'an...did Jesus write anything? No. Jesus did not even know about a book called 'bible' because bible was written by numerous people over many years. Muhammad's writing influences billions of people "directly" and it almost influences
entire human race indirectly.
- Muhammad was a also political leader who united Arabs under one banner for the first time in their history, and
this changed the historical pivot of history within decades (as Arabs conquered/defeated Persians and Romans (two super powers of their era) and turned the existing world order upside down)..and this event is one of the most influential historical event..and Muhammad directly orchestrated it by uniting and inspiring Arabs to conquer superpowers of the time. What was Jesus' political achievements and historical influence? Zilch. Jesus never became a political leader.
Muhammad is one of the greatest/most influential law giver to humanity. Shari'a Law, which directly influences 25% to 30% of humanity, is derived, for the most part, from Muhammad's writings (Qur'an), his example (Sunnah), and his sayings/philosophy (Hadith). All of it are direct works of Muhammad or directly comes from Muhammad. Therefore, Muhammad's sculpture is placed in U.S supreme court as a recognition of him being one of the greatest/ most influential law giver of humanity. Does Jesus have this kind of legal influence on humanity? Nopes.
Also, militarily, it was Muhammad, like Changez Khan, who inspired the great Arab conquests. Khalid, for example, was called 'The sword of God' by people..A title directly given to him by Muhammad. Muhammad recognized people's abilities and gave them best suitable roles, which resulted in remarkable results. The Great Arab military conquests were a direct result of Muhammad inspiration as he predicted that Muslims will "conquer Rome and Persia"... Again, where does Jesus stand in this category? Again, no where. He never became a military leader.
----and add to this the religious accomplishment of the man. Founder of the one of the largest, one of the most global religion out there. Moreover, Muhammad's influence on Islam was much greater than Jesus' influence on Christianity--since Christian theology was developed mainly by Saint Paul and not Jesus himself.
One other interesting point that I often thought of..
Muhammad is by far the single-most greatest individual
behavioral influence in history of mankind.
This is what I mean by it..
Billions of people emulate him, try to dress like him or his prescribed dress-code, try to follow laws written by him..even on personal level like cleaning/hygiene/food etc, and heck, even try to emulate his appearance (Millions of Muslim men have beard only because "The Prophet" had it). Such direct grand behavioral influence on humanity on daily basis can not be attributed to any other man in entire history but Muhammad.
Therefore, it is not only me but also scholars like Michael H. Hart who wrote a book on "100 most influential people of history" also ranked Muhammad as number one.
And if anyone here think that Hart, an American Astrophysicist, was biased (which is unbelievable since he wasn't even Muslim or Arab), then I present you with this..
57 Swedish experts worked on a scholarly encyclopedia...That panel involved historians, scientists, journalists, sociologists etc....and in that encyclopedia, they published a list of 50 most important persons of human history... and even in this list.... Muhammad is ranked number one.
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I purposely did not write "Prophet" Muhammad because here I'm purely talking from an historical, factual, secular perspective
What do you think?
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AUSTERLITZ You are really into history...what do you think of my post? A neutral perspective on the issue is welcomed. Does my reasoning for placing Muhammad above others come out as somewhat sound to you? Or you see a clear, fanatical bias? (which I don't see but I'll you'll be most welcomed to point out so I can enhance by view)
Remember, influence is a neutral measure here. No one is claiming Muhammad to be the best or greatest person etc....just influence is being discussed.
You guys can also read my post
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