In April, TIME magazine released its annual list of the 100 most influential people around the world. As always, some choices were highly praised, others heavily criticized. Those making the list this year fall into one of five categories: pioneers, artists, leaders, icons and titans.
Some names I expected to find, others were unfamiliar to me so as I read a bit more I considered how far reaching their presence might be. If they are indeed the most influential people in the world, does their influence extend to me? Have I been impacted by these pioneers, artists, leaders, icons and titans?
The reach of an activist, athlete or actor often extends beyond the work they do on any given project, but too often we allow these individuals to set the pace for cultural expression and societal change. We let someone with a talent for songwriting become a role model to teenagers; or we turn athletes into idols simply because they are skilled at throwing a pass or hitting a ball. And certainly we give those who have made a lot of money a greater stake in the global conversation, but have we questioned the tactics…or ethics…behind some of their agendas?
There’s little doubt the way we entertain ourselves, travel, do business or communicate have been impacted by the individuals who made the list, but the people who have been the greatest influencers in my life aren’t those who are interested in how I make or spend my money, but rather have invested in developing my character and building a set of values.
I started writing down the names of the Top 10 influencers in my life but quite quickly revised that to the Top 25, and I continue to make additions. Several spots belong to members of my family, but beyond that is a collection of people whose imprint on me is unmistakable.
Like the softball coach I have written about before. We were in a championship game, playing on one of the “big diamonds” in our small city—and the game was going well for us. In the 5th inning he pulled me. He knew I had been experiencing knee problems and he didn’t want me taking too much of a risk and causing injury. I was so disappointed, but in that one act of caring he demonstrated there was a bigger picture to think about and he didn’t want me having to pay the price for falling into a win-at-all-cost trap.
There was the university professor who handed out semester-end evaluation forms and told us that although they could certainly be done anonymously he challenged us to be accountable for our speech. In what emerged as a culture of computer trolls cowardly shielding themselves behind a wall of anonymity I am grateful for people who take responsibility for what they say—and those who encouraged us to do so.
There was the high school teacher who used a situation to teach us that refusing to speak up for what was right made us complicit with those doing wrong and we were reminded that staying in the good favour of those who would do something against our character is a shallow way to live.
The list goes on…the parents of a good friend who epitomize hospitality, the piano teacher who allowed me to be unconventional, my grade 4 Sunday School teacher, a Fine Arts professor, a pastor, cherished friends and so many others who taught me about generosity, encouraged creativity, mentored me in my faith, and nurtured my love of learning.
Those named to the Time 100 list were feted at a spectacular gala. Those on my list were lucky if they got so much as a thank you card from me. Most didn’t. Some would be surprised they were on my list. But they aren’t the kind of people who would seek accolades anyway. The best influencers know that the greatest joy is not what they may receive in return, but what they gave out to affect someone’s life.
They may not be the beau or belle of the ball, but they are shaping the character of the culture, and that is the best influence of all. That’s my outlook.
