Subjectivity in Ranking World History: Influential Civilizations and Periods
1. Glimpses of Greatness
"Glimpses of Greatness" is a fascinating theme that can be explored across various
historical perspectives. Let's consider this theme from a broader standpoint,
highlighting instances where individuals, societies, or events displayed remarkable
achievements or contributed significantly to human history. Here are a few glimpses of
greatness from different historical perspectives:
Leadership and Statesmanship:
● Winston Churchill during World War II: Churchill's leadership and speeches
played a pivotal role in inspiring and mobilizing the British people during
one of the darkest periods in modern history.
Scientific Advancements:
● The Scientific Revolution: A period between the 16th and 18th centuries
marked by groundbreaking discoveries in physics, astronomy, and biology,
led by figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton.
Cultural Renaissance:
● The Italian Renaissance: A flourishing period of art, literature, and
philosophy in Italy during the 14th to 17th centuries, showcasing the
works of great minds like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante
Alighieri.
Social Movements:
● The Civil Rights Movement: Led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., this
movement in the mid-20th century aimed at ending racial segregation and
discrimination in the United States.
Technological Innovation:
● The Industrial Revolution: A period of profound technological and
economic change in the 18th and 19th centuries, transforming societies
with innovations in manufacturing and transportation.
Exploration and Discovery:
● The Age of Exploration: Marked by explorers like Christopher Columbus,
Ferdinand Magellan, and Zheng He, who expanded the known world
through maritime exploration.
Philosophical Enlightenment:
● The Enlightenment: Intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries,
promoting reason, science, and individual rights, with influential thinkers
like John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant.
2. Humanitarian Achievements:
● The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Adopted by the United
Nations in 1948, setting out fundamental human rights to be universally
protected.
Medical Breakthroughs:
● The Discovery of Penicillin: The accidental discovery of penicillin by
Alexander Fleming in 1928 revolutionized medicine and significantly
improved the treatment of bacterial infections.
Space Exploration:
● The Moon Landing (Apollo 11): In 1969, humans set foot on the moon for
the first time, a monumental achievement in space exploration.
