Book Review: The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History

History is filled with towering personalities who have left an indelible mark on the world. Yet, rarely does a book attempt to measure and compare the impact of such figures across cultures, centuries, and civilizations. Michael H. Hart’s The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, first published in 1978 and later revised in 1992, does exactly that. This ambitious work ranks one hundred individuals based on the scope and longevity of their influence on human history.

While Hart’s methodology has sparked debate, his book continues to be one of the most talked-about works of historical evaluation, especially because of his decision to place Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the very top of the list.

An Ambitious and Unique Approach

Unlike typical history books that focus on eras or regions, Hart’s work cuts across geographical and cultural boundaries to identify figures whose actions fundamentally shaped the course of humanity. The author clarifies that his ranking is based on influence—not moral character or popularity. This means his list includes both revered leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and controversial figures like Adolf Hitler.

Hart explains his rationale carefully: influence is not the same as goodness, and ignoring figures with negative legacies would provide an incomplete view of history. This honest, if controversial, approach is one reason the book remains widely discussed decades after publication.

Why Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Ranked First

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the book is Hart’s decision to place Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the most influential person in history. This choice is especially significant given that Hart was not a Muslim himself, which lends credibility to the impartiality of his reasoning.

Hart emphasizes two main reasons:

Religious and Secular Success: Unlike many spiritual leaders who only founded religious movements, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was also a successful political and social leader. He not only preached Islam but also established a functioning state that united the fragmented tribes of Arabia.

Enduring Legacy: The rapid spread of Islam after Muhammad’s time and its continued influence over 1.9 billion followers worldwide today make his role historically unparalleled. Hart concludes that Muhammad achieved lasting success “on both the religious and secular level,” a rare accomplishment in human history.

For many readers, especially Muslims, Hart’s recognition of Muhammad (PBUH) as the single most influential figure was both groundbreaking and affirming.

Other Figures in the List

While Muhammad (PBUH) holds the top spot, Hart’s list features a fascinating variety of influential individuals. Jesus Christ ranks second, with Hart acknowledging the massive impact of Christianity but noting that much of its theological development came after Jesus’s time through figures like Paul.

Other names include:

Isaac Newton (ranked #2 in the revised edition), for his contributions to science and mathematics.

Buddha, for shaping Eastern philosophy and spirituality.

Confucius, whose teachings influenced Chinese culture and governance for centuries.

Albert Einstein, for transforming our understanding of physics.

Christopher Columbus, for initiating an age of global exploration.

Mahatma Gandhi, for leading a nonviolent movement that inspired global struggles for freedom.

Hart also includes controversial figures like Adolf Hitler and Karl Marx, pointing out that influence is not synonymous with virtue.

Strengths of the Book

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Hart writes in clear, straightforward language, making complex historical and philosophical ideas easy for general readers to understand. Each biography is concise yet informative, offering key insights into the life and legacy of each individual.

Another strength lies in its cross-cultural inclusivity. Unlike many Western-centered history books, Hart includes figures from different civilizations, including Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This gives the book a more global perspective.

Additionally, Hart’s willingness to challenge conventional Western rankings—for example, by placing Muhammad above Jesus—shows intellectual courage and a commitment to fairness in evaluation.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its strengths, the book is not without criticism. Some argue that Hart’s methodology is too subjective, since measuring “influence” is inherently complex. Others object to the inclusion of dictators and tyrants, claiming it gives undue recognition to individuals who caused immense suffering.

Moreover, the brevity of each entry means that some figures are treated in an oversimplified way. Readers looking for deep biographical analysis may find the book lacking in detail.

Hart himself has also been a controversial figure outside his writings, known for his far-right and white separatist views, which may affect how modern readers interpret his work.

Why It Still Matters Today

Despite its controversies, The 100 remains an important book because it challenges us to think critically about the meaning of influence. It raises difficult but necessary questions: Should influence be measured by good impact only, or should all influence count, whether positive or negative? Can we fairly compare a philosopher with a military leader, or a scientist with a prophet?

The book also serves as a valuable educational resource, especially for young readers, by introducing them to a wide array of influential figures and inspiring reflection on leadership, morality, and legacy.

Conclusion

Michael H. Hart’s The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History is not just a list—it’s a conversation starter. By ranking Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the most influential figure, Hart made a bold statement that continues to resonate across cultures. While some of his choices remain controversial, the book’s value lies in its ability to provoke thought and encourage readers to reflect on the forces and individuals that have shaped human history.

For anyone interested in history, leadership, or the power of individual influence, this book remains a fascinating and worthwhile read.