Other Extraordinary Humans
In Pursuit of Wisdom, Justice, and Progress
This list is dedicated to extraordinary human beings whose contributions to society are defined not only by their exceptional intellectual brilliance but also by their unwavering commitment to moral integrity. It seeks to strike a delicate balance between genius and exemplary character, considering not just the achievements but the ethical evolution that accompanied them. These individuals have left an indelible mark on the world, not merely through groundbreaking discoveries or revolutionary ideas, but also through their capacity to shape and elevate the moral standards of their time.
This list will obviously not be redundant with the list of intellectuals already in our site drop-down menus.
While some figures, like Isaac Newton, are celebrated for their monumental intellectual achievements, their moral legacy must also be examined in the context of the complexities of their personal conduct. Similarly, Thomas Edison—an icon of inventive prowess—was a visionary whose relentless pursuit of innovation often blurred ethical boundaries; his rivalries, claims of credit, and harsh treatment of collaborators reveal a brilliant but morally ambivalent nature. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of the interplay between intellectual progress and ethical growth in the shaping of human history.
I must humbly acknowledge that my own limited knowledge of history may inadvertently overlook or undersell some of the countless other remarkable figures whose influence has shaped our world. My lack of formal academic training leaves me with the conviction that I can only begin to touch the surface of a far deeper, more complex story. Nevertheless, it is my sincere hope that this effort serves as a tribute to those I have chosen to include and that it sparks further reflection and exploration into the many unsung individuals who, through their brilliance and virtue, continue to define the moral and intellectual trajectory of humanity.
I write, with humility, to share my reflections on a few of these extraordinary individuals—as a way to honor the legacy they have left us, and in some cases, continue to bestow upon the world.
Joe Santos
These are some of the personal traits that I personally value most. Hence, persons in this list possess(ed) these virtues, when it comes to the public sphere. Links embedded in their pictures, will lead you to Wikipedia.
- Humanistic Morality:
Morality should be secular and focused on promoting dignity and happiness for all, rather than being tied to religious dogma.
- Pacifism:
Be a pacifist, opposing war and advocating for peace through understanding.
- Anti-authoritarianism:
Be skeptical of authority and institutions, including religious and state power, and championed individual freedom.
- Social Justice:
Be deeply concerned with social justice and actively supported civil rights, including advocating for the rights of Black persons.
- Determinism:
Believe in a deterministic view of the universe, meaning that events are causally determined and that free will is an illusion.
- Rebellious and Independent:
Have a rebellious streak and independence of thought, often questioning traditional norms and authority.
- Warm and Benevolent:
Be friendly and benevolent towards friends.
- Outspoken and Tenacious:
Be of outspoken nature and unwaveringly committed to one’s ideas.
- Empathetic and Compassionate:
Have strong empathy for others and a sense of justice, particularly in regards to civil rights.
- Simple and Direct:
Be direct and have a straightforward manner of communication, often expressing one’s views with clarity and candor.
Avram Noam Chomsky, Ph.D
"We shouldn't be looking for heroes, we should be looking for good ideas."
Dr. Noam Chomsky stands as the father of modern linguistics and a towering exemplar of moral clarity in an age too often clouded by compromise. As a philosopher and public intellectual, his insights into society—its evolution, and at times, its erosion—cut to the core like tempered steel. Yet, within that sharpness lies an urgent call: not to despair, but to awaken. His words compel us to reckon with what we are, and more importantly, to envision what we still might become.
Joe Santos
Albert Einstein, Ph.D
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."
Physics, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry (interdisciplinary interests), Quantum Mechanics, Optics, to mention a few.
Steven Pinker, Ph.D
"We will never have a perfect world, but it's not romatic or naive to work toward a better one."
Cognitive Psychology, Language and Linguistics, Evolutionary Psychology, Human Progress and Violence Decline and Enlightenment Philosophy.
Mark Twain, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)
1. "Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."
2. "I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it."
This man continues to ignite my imagination and deepen my desire to understand and study American culture. I often find myself wishing I had possessed, earlier in life, the motivation, exposure, and ambition to channel my creativity and curiosity more fully.
Joe Santos
Abraham Lincoln
"Half finished work generally proves to be labor lost."
One can only begin to grasp the immense burden and inner torment borne by this extraordinary human being. President Abraham Lincoln stood at the helm of a nation at war—not for conquest or pride, but to uphold the dignity of fellow human beings and to break the chains that still leave a scar upon the soul of America. His moral vision and unwavering resolve set the board for a defining checkmate in history—and he met that moment with a courage and conviction that continue to tower above all who came before and after him. Lincoln's legacy is not merely remembered; it endures, shaping the conscience of a nation.
Joe Santos
Rosa Louise McCauley Parks
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”
Civil Rights Activist. A courageous young woman who challenged the norm, refusing to cede her seat to a white person, on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, in defiance of Jim Crow Law. She is know as the "Mother of the Civil Rights". Parks is portrayed in many accounts as a quiet, dignified heroine whose singular act inspired change.
Dr. Jane Morris Goodall
"If we kill off the wild, then we are killing a part of our souls".
Dr. Goodall’s work has profoundly influenced our understanding of what it means to be human. By demonstrating that other primates are capable of compassion and empathy—traits essential to the survival of their species—she invites us to ask a fundamental question: If such qualities are found in our closest evolutionary relatives, why can’t we, as humans, elevate compassion and empathy to the core of our existence?
Joe Santos