You Don’t Need to Think Like Einstein to Be Like Einstein

History is full of polarizing figures, but there were still many men and women who were brilliant and brave enough to change the world. These are the historical figures we should pattern our lives after. From Rosa Parks to Leonardo da Vinci, here are 20 historical figures who serve as excellent role models. 

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1. Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi led India's struggle for independence and served as a strong role model for his commitment to nonviolent resistance. He inspired millions and influenced Civil Rights movements throughout the world. He showed that change can be ushered in without violence or hatred. 

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2. Nelson Mandela

Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for fighting against apartheid in South Africa. He would go on to become the country's first Black president. He embodied forgiveness and reconciliation and helped unite a nation. 

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3. Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln guided the U.S. through the Civil War, the country's greatest and most divisive national and political crisis. His tireless efforts to preserve the Union and abolish slavery changed the U.S. forever. Lincoln's firm commitment to his moral clarity makes him a stellar role model. 

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4. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Luther King Jr. was the face of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. His words, protests, and leadership created a more inclusive society and gave rights to African Americans. His dream of an equal society continues to inspire generations of people. 

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5. Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks' courage sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her quiet defiance became an enduring symbol of courage and was a weapon against injustice. Parks proved that you don't need to be a politician or a general to create change in the world. 

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6. Albert Einstein 

Einstein's contribution to society stretches far beyond physics. He proved that a great scientific mind needs to be creative, curious, fearless, and humble. He was a voice for peace and human rights, and he advocated against he proliferation of nuclear weapons. 

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7. Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt is a strong role model for her work as the First Lady and a global human rights activist. She championed equality and social justice, expanding the role of First Lady into something vital. 

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8. Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci stands as a testament to human curiosity and our ability to master multiple disciplines. He was an engineer, painter, scientist, and more. He should inspire all of us to dedicate ourselves to lifelong learning. 

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9. Harriet Tubman

Tubman was an ex-slave who led other slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She was also a scout and spy for the Union army. Her bravery and determination cemented her place as an eternal role model. 

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10. Winston Churchill

Churchill was the United Kingdom's Prime Minister during WWII. His inspiring leadership helped lead Europe out of one of its darkest periods. His legacy was established thanks to his resolve, which was most inspiring when defeat seemed inevitable. 

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11. Marie Curie

Curie was a trailblazing scientist and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. She was also the only person to win in two sciences, physics and chemistry. Her work in discovering radioactivity changed science and medicine forever, and she accomplished all this while overcoming sexism, poverty, and personal tragedy.

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12. Frederick Douglass

Douglass was an escaped slave and one of the most influential and noteworthy abolitionists, writers, and speakers of his era. He used his platform to expose injustice and advocate for equality for African Americans.

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13. Mother Theresa

An enduring role model, Mother Theresa devoted her life to helping the sick and poor in India. She was steadfast in her commitment to compassion, selflessness, and humility. She proved the value of living a life for others.

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14. George Washington

Washington was the first U.S. president and commanded the Continental Army to secure America's independence. He is remembered for his integrity and sense of duty, and remains a role model for principled leadership. 

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15. Helen Keller

Keller is a testament to how anyone can overcome the most horrific conditions to become whatever they want. Keller was born blind and deaf, but learned to communicate and eventually became an author, lecturer, and activist. 

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16. Abraham Heschel

Heschel was a Jewish theologian and civil rights activist who marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. He inspired millions by marrying intellectualism with moral clarity and courageous action. He helped show that values and compassion can change society.

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17. Clara Barton

Barton founded the American Red Cross and dedicated herself to helping people in times of war and disaster. She was called the "Angel of the Battlefield" for her courage and compassion. She is a role model for humanitarian leadership worldwide. 

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18. Alexander Hamilton

Hamilton was an immigrant who became a founding father and the first U.S. Treasury Secretary. He was the mind behind America's brilliant financial system. His ambition shaped what would become the most powerful nation in the world, and his life inspired one of the most iconic musicals in history.

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19. Joan of Arc

At only 17 years old, Joan of Arc led French forces to victory in the Hundred Years' War. She was a controversial figure who claimed divine inspiration, which led to her eventual execution. Joan of Arc is a symbol of courage, faith, and conviction, proving that we can change history at any age. 

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20. Desmond Tutu

Tutu was a South African bishop who fought against apartheid. He always preached forgiveness and compassion and would grow to become a role model for justice and hope. 

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