Braindroppings

Hmmm, making lists of the most influential characters of history is really not something that I am well qualified to do. However, I am wondering if it is really so easy to say that some of the great philosophers listed can be considered as non-political figures? Plato's teacher Socrates was seen as a great threat to the political leaders of his time, ultimately leading to his forced suicide. Is it possible that he was having "political", or perhaps ethical, discussions with his students that were perceived as undermining the established social order? It seems to me that philosophers, being concerned with the lives of human beings, are inherently political creatures.

Regarding Ben Franklin, he was indeed a fascinating man! I have watched several biographies of him. The most recent and most in depth program indicated that he had a hand in kick starting the French Revolution. He was also an instrumental figure in the American Revolution. I would agree that he was an encyclopedia in his day, but I think he was also the author of at least several chapters!

I do not know if Archemedes was politically inclined, but I think he might deserve a place on the list for his ancient scientific and mathematical inquiries.

I love how making these lists always created conflicts and always people argue against the inclusion of some characters and exclusion or other.

I agree with the inherently political nature of philosophy, and Plato as one of the most politicised one. What I meant as non-political was not that they did not have any political side to them or that their ideas did not effect others politically. Even Avicenna was a prime minister and wrote political treatise. My idea was that their importance was due to more intellectual reasons than for their direct involvement in political activities.

Anyway, I accept that my list is not complete. I only included the people whose lives and possible writings I know about. Archemedes was great, but I have not read anything by him.

Khodadad, I hope you don't think I was seeking a conflict with you. I certainly would not like to face your mighty axe! :)

I think it is hard to separate the great figures of history from the political intregues of their times. Archemedes, for example, was not interested in politics, as far as I know. However, several powerful leaders had his services as an engineer and designer of fantastic and very useful war machines (much like da Vinci). When he was an old man (I forget where he lived at the time - somewhere in the Greek sphere of influence), the Romans attacked the city where he lived. A Roman general, knowing that Archemedes was in the city, and also knowing the value of Archemedes engineering skill, gave strict instructions that he be taken alive. Unfortunately, the idiot soldier who found Archemedes, who was busy drawing circles for his trigonometric studies, killed him when Archemedes told him not to disturb his circles. I sometimes wonder what would men like Archemedes or da Vinci do if they were alive today. I think, most likely, that they would be brilliant in any age!

ax not what politics you pocket veto...