As 2013 nears its end, it is time to take a look back at the past decade and examine how much the world has evolved. Following, we would like to present you with the stories of the most influential people of the past ten years. If you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration, motivation, or even to restore your faith in humanity, this is the list for you. Let’s take a look.
No. 4: Sir Tim Berners-Lee
Sir Tim Berners-Lee is the man you can thank for being able to send e-mails, read online magazines, or shop in virtual stores. Berners-Lee is the man behind the World Wide Web; the first one to envision sharing information over the Internet. While his pioneering work for which he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth took place 24 years ago, he is still actively researching ways to make the World Wide Web an even better place. Nowadays, he is the head of the World Wide Web Consortium, the international standards body.
No. 3: J.K. Rowling
It might be surprising that the author of fantasy novels would be considered an influential personality. But it is not so much the content of J.K. Rowling’s writings that make her story inspiring, but the path that led her to become a world renowned author. Miss Rowling wrote the critically acclaimed Harry Potter series going from café shop to café shop with her infant daughter, while on welfare after her divorce. Her story is the perfect reminder of where perseverance, passion, and determination can lead you.
No. 2: Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg is by now one of the most recognized names worldwide, but you might be wondering why the creator of a social network would rank as one of the most influential people of the past decade. It’s quite simple: Facebook has become such an integral part of the activity Internet users engage in, that it would have been a real shame to overlook the man behind it. The fact that he created the concept and set it up in his dorm room makes Zuckerberg’s story all the more inspiring. Did we mention that he was already a billionaire by the time he turned 23?
No. 1: Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi might not be a household name, but once you have finished reading her story, you will understand why she’s the number one most influential person of the decade. She is a leader of the opposition in Burma, where she is actively advocating against dictatorship. Her most remarkable qualities? She is renowned for her grace, calm, and non-violence approach. All of this despite the hardships endured throughout her life. Her father was assassinated by political rivals when Aung San was just 2 years old. After setting the ground of her political party, the National League for Democracy, in 1988 she was put on house arrest where she remained for nearly 21 years. She was offered freedom in exchange for her leaving Burma, which she declined to do. During this time, she remained separated from both her husband and her children. Throughout the year, Aung San has received the support of numerous countries, as well as a Nobel Peace Prize. Amidst the violence and injustice she has had to face throughout her lifetime, it is truly inspiring that she has always continued to fight for justice and democracy.
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