Introduction:
Over the ages, academicians have been instrumental in explaining the nature of the world. Eminent philosophers, scientists, writers, theologians; the scholars of the medieval ages have left a pale on the course of the human civilization. Thus, in this context, let us turn our focus to some of the most brilliant scholars in order to discover their life and work with regards to present day society.
1. Aristotle:
Aristotle impact the world of philosophy greatly; he was the ancient Greek philosopher in whose intellect, ethic, politic, metaphysics and natural sciences made a huge input. His work, Nicomachean Ethics is still widely used as a foundational text in moral philosophy in which he looks at the topic of virtue and the good life. The rational approach in the analysis of issues, coupled with the attempt to acquire great knowledge is still in use today and is attributed to Aristotle.
2. Marie Curie:
Marie Curie was one of the first physicists and chemists who is credited with discovering the phenomenon of radioactivity. Her frantic research was rewarded with two Nobel Awards which made her the first woman to win Nobel honours in two branches of knowledge. For true lovers of science, Curie’s story and her devotion to discovering truth and probing the darkness are inspiring; such story shows how much hard work and passion can make a difference even when bearing the brunt of numerous hard knocks.
3. Confucius:
One of the wise characters in world history, Confucius, the Chinese philosopher and teacher, has many moral and ethical sayings which he left behind for the generations to come. This made respect for the elders, subordinate relationships, and obedience to authorities the ultimate rules for being a proper Chinese citizen and indeed for being a civilized person who is accepted into society based on the Confucian nativity of modern social order. Confucius’ compilation of sayings and teachings, The Analects, has been a much referenced text and model of conservative wisdom by scholars and students, desirous of light in the exercise of daily practical life.
4. Albert Einstein:
Albert Einstein is considered to be one of the most intelligent persons in the twentieth century, whose theory on the relativity made a great impact on the overall knowledge in regard with the universe. His equation E=mc^2 revolutionized the thinking of energy and matter and allowed the creation of modern physics. Besides the scientific merits of Einstein’s work one can speak about his humanism and efforts made for peace, people should concerned about ethical consequences of the knowledge gained.
5. Socrates:
He was known to use a method of questioning called the Socratic method if he feels that the individual is unready to continue, he will stop the discussion and ask probing questions of the participants. This beverage is best illustrated in Socrates, a philosopher who was put through persecution through his unorthodox views on life despite which he lived and died for truth and virtue. They are the teachings of Socrates who has been captured in the dialogues of his student Plato and is till today challenging and motivating the world’s wisdom enthusiasts.
6. Maya Angelou:
Maya Angelou is preeminent poet, memoirist, civil rights activist, who inspired people and spoke for the voiceless. Both her novels, being the story of her own life, such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” enlighten the reader in the experience of the black people and the determination of the race. The sincerity and simplicity of words and the burning desire of a black woman who suffered a lot for human rights makes Angelou an outstanding poet and a prominent representative of world literature.
7. Ibn Khaldun:
Abdlrahman bin Muhammad Ibn Khaldun was a medieval Arab historiographer, sociologist and economist of the scholar-alchemist type. He is best remembered for his book “The Muqaddimah” which established principles of sociology and history of civilizations’ fortunes. Some of sections of Ibn Khaldun’s Muqaddimah can be considered as precursors to some modern social science theories and approaches if the emphasis has been placed on Ibn Khaldun’s famous methodologies of empirical observation and the impact of the physical environment on human societies.
Conclusion:
Therefore starting from the ancient philosophers and the modern scholars, humankind has provided the succeeding generations with great knowledge and discoveries. What they say and write calls for us to think, to reflect, and to aim for knowledge in this vast world we live in. When celebrating them we remember about the importance of knowledge that enriches people’s lives and the human ability to seek the truth.