The world's most underrated historical figure

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the question of who might be considered the most underrated historical figure, with participants suggesting various individuals from different fields and eras. The discussion spans historical figures in science, art, law, and societal contributions, reflecting on their impacts and the recognition they receive.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose Ludwig Boltzmann and John Field as underrated figures in science and music, respectively.
  • Others suggest David Hilbert and Carl Friedrich Gauss, emphasizing their contributions to mathematics.
  • One participant humorously mentions the person who planted Newton's apple tree, indicating a light-hearted approach to the question.
  • Several participants highlight figures like Alfred Wallace, who shared ideas with Darwin, suggesting he is often overlooked in discussions of evolution.
  • Others mention historical figures such as Hammurabi, known for his contributions to law, and Zheng He, a notable Chinese explorer.
  • Some participants express the view that figures like Rachel Carson and Gutenberg have had significant impacts but may not receive adequate recognition.
  • Discussion includes a humorous take on the parents of famous figures like Einstein and Newton, reflecting on their overlooked roles.
  • There is a debate about Julius Caesar's legacy, with one participant drawing parallels to modern figures and discussing his reforms and assassination.
  • Some participants argue that figures like Poincaré and Lorenz are underrated compared to Einstein, while others sarcastically note that Einstein is widely recognized.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on who the most underrated historical figure is, with multiple competing views and suggestions presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about historical figures are based on personal opinions and interpretations, and the discussion reflects a variety of perspectives without resolving the complexities of each individual's contributions.

Loren Booda
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Who do you believe to be the most unappreciated person in recorded history, or history overall?
 
Science news on Phys.org
I would personally say Ludwig Boltzmann.

Others: John Field (Irish composer)

Or do you mean this kind of stuff..? :confused:
 
Last edited:
david hilbert
 
Imo, in the recorded history of science it's probably Hilbert or maybe Gauss.

In overall history it's the guy that planted Newton's apple tree. :-p
 
George M. Schroder
 
How about Hamilton? The latter part of his life was spent as a alcoholic... too bad for a man of his capabilities.
 
Either the person who invented toilet paper, Sonny Bono, or the first person to conceive of addition as a procedure that uses a symbol; not just as strikes in the dirt or scratches on the wall.
 
Berislav said:
In overall history it's the guy that planted Newton's apple tree. :-p

True! :biggrin:

At the time Darwin was developing his ideas about evolution another biologist called, Alfred Wallace was having the same thoughts and was developing the same theories. I'm not saying Wallace is the world's most unappreciated figure, but Darwin apparently got all the credit.
 
how about:
-- the caveman who drew the first rectangle, starting the symbolic revolution
-- thales & pythagoras, who made the first mathematical proofs; the way math is done hasn't changed since their time
-- julius caesar, the ralph nader of his day
-- kepler, one of the giants whose shoulders Newton stood on
-- euclid, whose elements has been published more than any other book in history except the bible
-- zheng he, chinese explorer
 
  • #10
Hammurabi (argh! I have to add some stuff because my message was too short). Gotta love the man who brought us this crazy thing called the law. Well, to be slightly more correct he enumerated his judgements (first written law code) and sent out scribes to read his codes to the people; moreover, he erected pillars with his judgements inscribed...
 
  • #11
Forrest Gump
 
  • #12
Guttenberg. Not that he is unmentioned; he does get credit, but not nearly enough. I don't know that anyone man has ever affected the course of history quite as much as he.
 
  • #13
George C. Marshall.
 
  • #14
Michael Nesmith
 
  • #15
Me. I've yet to find a single history book that mentions my full name. (addenda to allow me to post, carry on)
 
  • #16
loseyourname said:
Guttenberg.

That's Gutenberg, with one T, unless you mean Steve Guttenberg, the actor. :-p Not to be anal, but I did a quick wiki search to verify you were talking about who I thought you were talking about, and ran into some momentary confusion.
 
  • #17
Leonardo DaVinci, the quintessential renaissance man. Not that he was obscure, but his influence was deep and broad - both in science and art. He sends my WOW meter off the chart.
 
  • #18
Zeno. Hehehe...
 
  • #19
I'm going to be pedantic (as usual) and say that the most underrated person will most likely be overlooked and not get a mention here.
 
  • #20
Loren Booda
 
  • #21
:blushing:
 
  • #22
Rachel Carson
 
  • #23
danny gatton
paul dirac
 
  • #24
fourier jr said:
-- julius caesar, the ralph nader of his day
:confused:
Is ralph nader the most ruthless mafia boss of our time?
Or
Was julius caesar obsessed about environmental issues?
Please explain..
 
  • #25
Pythagoras ... who started all this.
 
  • #26
I'm thinking it's got to be the parents of one of those famous folks. Can you imagine being Einstein's mom? "How many times do I have to tell you to comb your hair?!" Or what about Newton's mom? "Didn't I tell you not to sit around under that tree all day?" :smile:
 
  • #27
Dayle Record said:
Rachel Carson

I didn't even realize she was dead. Jeez. I doubt she'll ultimately make much an impact, myself. People still and will continue to poison themselves with pesticides.
 
  • #28
hypnagogue said:
That's Gutenberg, with one T, unless you mean Steve Guttenberg, the actor. :-p Not to be anal, but I did a quick wiki search to verify you were talking about who I thought you were talking about, and ran into some momentary confusion.

Steve Guttenberg is definitely not who I was talking about, although he seemed to be significant to the Stonecutters on The Simpsons.
 
  • #29
Einstein, we need more of him moremoremore :wink:
 
  • #30
Yeah, Einstein's underrated. You never hear that name mentioned.
 

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