Five Greatest People I Never Met
Unmatched Talent, Bravery, and Vision
There are five people whose talent and contributions to humanity I find almost impossible, each leaving a profound mark on the 20th century. My list, ranked in order, reflects not only their achievements but also the personal inspiration I draw from their lives.
#5 - Malcolm X, a civil rights leader and Black nationalist, transformed the fight for racial justice with his fiery oratory and evolving philosophy. He was first known for his role as a minister and spokesperson for the Nation of Islam (NOI), where he grew its membership and articulated a vision of Black self-reliance and pride, challenging white supremacy with unapologetic clarity. His autobiography, co-authored with Alex Haley, remains a seminal work, chronicling his journey from incarceration to global advocate, inspiring movements for Black empowerment worldwide.
After leaving the NOI in 1964, Malcolm X embraced Sunni Islam and a broader human rights perspective, founding the Organization of Afro-American Unity to unite African Americans in the global struggle against oppression. His pilgrimage to Mecca reshaped his views on racial unity, influencing his advocacy for universal brotherhood. Assassinated in 1965, Malcolm X’s legacy as a symbol of resistance and transformation endures, influencing leaders throughout the world.
If he had lived past the age of 39 he would have been higher on my list. Even 60 years after his assassination Brother Malcolm is treated like a saint by his followers. “We shall know him then for what he was and is – a prince, our own black shining prince, who didn’t hesitate to die, because he loved us so.” This was the closing line of the eulogy by Ossie Davis that framed his life and death as a selfless act of love for his people.
#4 - Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, transformed the small, resource-scarce island into a global economic powerhouse during his tenure as Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990. His greatest accomplishment was orchestrating Singapore’s rapid development from a third-world nation into a first-world city-state within a single generation, achieving this through a blend of pragmatic governance, strict anti-corruption measures, and a focus on education and infrastructure. Under his leadership, Singapore implemented policies that attracted foreign investment, such as creating a business-friendly environment with low taxes and robust legal frameworks, leading to a GDP per capita growth from $400 in 1965 to over $12,000 by 1990. Lee’s vision also included social engineering efforts like the promotion of English as a unifying language and the development of public housing, which housed 80% of Singaporeans by the 1980s, fostering social stability.
Beyond economics, Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy includes his role in shaping Singapore’s political and cultural identity, emphasizing meritocracy, multiculturalism, and discipline. He established the People’s Action Party (PAP), which has dominated Singaporean politics since independence, ensuring political continuity but also drawing criticism for authoritarian measures like limiting press freedom and opposition voices. His foreign policy acumen positioned Singapore as a key player in ASEAN and a diplomatic bridge between East and West, navigating Cold War tensions adeptly. Lee’s model of governance—often called “soft authoritarianism”—has been studied globally, with his book From Third World to First offering insights into his strategies, leaving a lasting impact on urban planning and development worldwide. Self respect and dignity are timeless traits that were two of the Prime Minister’s super powers.
#3 - Orson Welles, an American filmmaker, actor, and writer, redefined cinema and theater with his innovative storytelling. His greatest accomplishment was directing and starring in Citizen Kane (1941), widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, which introduced groundbreaking techniques like deep-focus cinematography, non-linear storytelling, and complex character studies. At age 25, Welles co-wrote, produced, and directed this masterpiece, earning an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. His 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds also stunned audiences, showcasing his ability to captivate through media.
Welles’ versatility shone in theater, radio, and film, with works like The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) and Touch of Evil (1958) demonstrating his bold visual style and narrative ambition. Despite studio conflicts and financial struggles, his influence on modern filmmaking is profound, inspiring directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino. Welles’ Shakespearean adaptations, such as Othello (1952), and his larger-than-life persona further cemented his legacy as a creative genius who pushed artistic boundaries. Mr. Welles was treated poorly by the establishment for the last 15 years of his life. This treatment helped me realize that mistreatment and disrespect of non-white men is not always about race. Sometime it is just a reflection of a cold and heartless world.
#2 - Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion, achieved greatness through athletic prowess and defiance of racial barriers. He is most known for winning the world heavyweight title in 1908 by defeating Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia, a victory that shattered the color barrier. Defending his title against Jim Jeffries in 1910, dubbed the “Fight of the Century,” Johnson’s decisive win sparked racial tensions but solidified his dominance. His unapologetic confidence and skill in the ring made him a trailblazer during the Jim Crow era.
Johnson’s impact extended beyond boxing, as he became a symbol of Black resistance against systemic racism. Facing intense discrimination, including legal persecution under the Mann Act, he lived boldly, challenging societal norms with his flamboyant lifestyle and interracial relationships. His resilience inspired future generations of athletes and civil rights activists. Johnson’s legacy as a pioneer who paved the way for Black excellence in sports endures, with his story immortalized in documentaries and the play The Great White Hope. Additionally, Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis released albums titled and inspired by Jack Johnson 33 years apart. Many people through history ask the question what can one man do. If that man is Jack Johnson he can destroy the psychological legacy of the American slave system.
#1 - Pablo Picasso, a Spanish artist, revolutionized modern art with his unparalleled creativity and prolific output. His greatest accomplishment was co-founding Cubism, an early 20th-century movement that broke from traditional perspectives, fragmenting objects into geometric shapes, as seen in works like Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907) and Guernica (1937). Guernica, a powerful anti-war mural depicting the bombing of a Basque town, remains an enduring symbol of human suffering and political protest. Picasso’s versatility spanned Blue and Rose Periods, Surrealism, and neoclassicism, producing over 20,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, cementing his influence across genres and generations.
Beyond art, Picasso’s innovative spirit reshaped cultural perceptions, making him a global icon. His ability to reinvent himself stylistically while maintaining a distinct identity inspired countless artists. His establishment of the Picasso Museum in Barcelona and his role in defining 20th-century aesthetics underscore his legacy. Despite personal controversies, his technical mastery and bold experimentation—evident in pieces like The Weeping Woman—ensure his place as one of history’s most influential artists, whose work continues to challenge and captivate.
Artist Ray Grist told me a Picasso story that I never forgot. It highlights the value of the artist. Picasso once saw a beautiful home on a hill in Spain. He contacted the owners with a proposition. He would create a painting of their home and give them the painting for their home. They accepted the deal. His exceptional talent had evolved into a form of legal tender.
Each one of these men also have harsh critics. Some readers of this post will get lost in the criticism and miss the majesty of their lives.