Undoubtedly, various people have hugely contributed to the development of modern education; they lived in different time periods and in certain ways – some with priceless knowledge, others with ideas. They are seen by many as the ones who shaped the world and provided mankind with priceless discoveries and information. Their numerous researches, thoughts and conclusions can all be seen in today’s textbooks or be heard as a hot topic at a university, conference or presentation. Their dreams, experiments, theories and efforts are in the hands of their 21st century followers, the students, who all aim to continue their legacy and live up to their predecessor’s names.

So who are these people and how did they change the way we see education? Are they the inspiration which led to the huge leap in the recent human progress? Let’s take a look at our Top 5.

1. Aristotle (c. 384 BCE–c. 322 BCE)

An ancient philosopher, a pioneer in a variety of study areas, a person who was ahead of his time, Aristotle is the perfect example for our list. He lived during a period marked as the beginning of many theories and studies which lead Ancient Greece in the center of attention. Before his major achievements he graduated from Plato’s Academy and soon opened his very own school – the Lyceum. There he devoted his entire life to studying, teaching and providing humanity with knowledge and material works. Aristotle was interested in many spheres, many of which were new for him and the world in general. His research in the field of economics, biology and philosophy is regarded as priceless for the modern existence of these subjects. Some of his notable works, including “Metaphysics”, “Politics” and “Poetics” are all considered as the birth of the recorded human thought. Aristotle’s achievements influenced people like René Descartes and the millions of students who are interested in modern philosophy. He is the reason why we believe that education is not only a system – it is the way to pass on information from generation to generation towards a greater future.

“All men by nature desire knowledge.”

-Aristotle

2. Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)

Without a doubt Leonardo da Vinci holds a special place in our Top 5. Known as one of the leading figures of the Italian Renaissance and most inspiring people of all time, he certainly left more than the world could bear. His works made him one of the most famous artists; his research proved him an inventor and his thirst for knowledge a thing to remember. Leonardo’s “The Last Supper”, “Mona Lisa” and “Virgin of the Rocks” are still widely commented around countless universities. His analysis of the human body, his interest in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, the numerous inventions including musical instruments, an armored car project and a giant crossbow, they are all only a small part of Leonardo’s unfathomed genius. Without his ideas, especially in the area of aviation, various modern-day flying machines would not exist (including the parachute). The interest in Leonardo’s works is currently at its peak while his personality motivates many young architects and students involved in the arts. Sadly, he managed to share his knowledge to few followers and students but left the world with all his notes and unrealized plans.

“Learning never exhausts the mind.”

-Leonardo da Vinci

3. Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

As we progress through human history and important periods, we inevitably reach the exciting 19th century and the figure of Charles Darwin. Famous for his theory of evolution and countless contributions towards the field of biology, the English genius managed to raise one of the biggest questions unanswered completely even today – what are the origins of life? Darwin’s voyage around the world gave him the opportunity to deepen his knowledge in zoology, botany and geology while acquiring a number of natural specimens. He later used his findings for research and experiments which soon started to point out a similarity between the species. This led Darwin to the ideas of common ancestors, natural selection and in the end the revolutionary book “On the Origin of Species” appeared as a conclusion to his findings. His work was considered radical and unacceptable as it forced humans to rethink their place in the world. The idea of God and religion was widely accepted and different thinking was rare. Nevertheless, Darwin’s theory quickly gathered followers and the clash between science and the Bible has started. Debates at Oxford University, public opinions, protests, they did not stop the Englishman who soon released his other book, “The Descent of Man”. Today, his theory and research remain in the spotlight while biology and its branches flourish; the question of our origin still remains a mystery. The biological sciences would have never become such a major part of modern education without the fire which the genius of Darwin started. 

“Animals, whom we have made our slaves, we do not like to consider our equal.”

-Charles Darwin

4. Stephen Hawking (1942-)

Stephen Hawking is more than an inspiration. With a strong passion for physics, the “Einstein of the 21st century” has inarguably spent his entire life studying the skies and that what is beyond. Despite his heavy disease and various difficulties he became a strong example of a child persuading his dreams. From an early age he was constantly drawn by the stars and the study of cosmology which later resulted in a PhD degree. After his ALS diagnosis Hawkins quickly realized that he has found his path – the one of a scientist. He produced various theories related to black holes, radiation and the universe as a whole. His fame and popularity started to rise as his works were regarded as something extraordinary. Eventually Hawkins started to deliver various lectures at a great number of prestigious and well-known universities while also taking part in new projects like the discovery of extraterrestrial life. As of today, he continues to provide us with ideas about the world we live in and our surroundings. The interest in space exploration, galaxies and new planets is currently at its highest level and many consider Stephen Hawking and his works as the initiators. His name resonates around numerous institutions and it is widely believed that the physical sciences will soon have more issues to examine.

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

-Stephen Hawking

5. Tim Berners-Lee (1955-)

Named as one of the most important people of the 20th century, Tim Berners-Lee’s achievement is the one that changed the world forever – the creation of the World Wide Web. The computer scientist had the idea of combining the already existing Internet with the ability to view web pages. He quickly launched his project and in 1990 he had finished developing the first web browser, server and version of the WWW. In 1991 the first web site was finally online. Needless to say Tim’s success was the beginning of a new era which formed a new meaning for the term information and the use of the Internet. He is now focused on the further development and future of the World Wide Web as one of the leading figures behind net neutrality, freedom of information and lack of government censorship. His followers are today’s numerous students who are interested in computer sciences, information technology and internet engineering, united by their cause to make the Internet a safe and trustworthy tool. The most recent aim is to make the WWW the place where knowledge can be added, stored and accessed by everyone, taking education and its meaning on a whole new level. Did you know that you can have online educational courses for free?

“We need diversity of thought in the world to face the new challenges.”

-Tim Berners-Lee