Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century
The idea for such a list started on the 1st of February 1998, with a debate at a symposium in Hanoi, Vietnam. The panel participants were former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, former New York governor Mario Cuomo, then, Stanford Provost Condoleezza Rice, publisher Irving Kristol, and Time managing editor Walter Isaacson. This gathering marked the beginning of an editorial project that would span five issues across 1998 and 1999. The magazine published its final compilation as a tribute to the twentieth century's most influential figures. The initial discussion set the stage for what became a global conversation about influence and legacy.
Time cited 20 selections in each of five categories: Leaders & Revolutionaries, Artists & Entertainers, Builders & Titans, Scientists & Thinkers, and Heroes & Icons. Each category contained exactly twenty names chosen by editors who applied specific criteria for inclusion. The explicit criterion stated that persons chosen should have the greatest impact on this century, for better or worse. This framework allowed for diverse representation across politics, culture, science, and crime. The structure ensured no single field dominated the entire list without balance from other sectors.
In a separate issue on the 31st of December 1999, Time recognized Albert Einstein as the Person of the Century. Editors believed the 20th century "will be remembered foremost for its science and technology". They argued Einstein served as a symbol of all scientists such as Fermi, Heisenberg, Bohr, and Richard Feynman who built upon his work. The cover featured the famous image taken in 1947 by American portrait photographer Philippe Halsman. Mahatma Gandhi and Franklin D. Roosevelt were named runners-up by the editorial team. Their selection reflected the magazine's focus on scientific dominance during the era.
It was debated whether Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini should have been made Persons of the Century for their influence in politics. Essayist Nancy Gibbs addressed the topic with the article The Necessary Evil? published in the same the 31st of December 1999 issue. She argued that both men went about their carnage with efficiency perfected by modern industry. Critics questioned if evil could ever be more powerful than genius or creativity. New York mayor Rudy Giuliani accused Time of romanticizing gangsters regarding Lucky Luciano's inclusion. He stated that claiming Luciano civilized the Mafia was absurd since he murdered to gain power. Thomas Vitale criticized the decision for perpetuating myths about Italian-Americans.
The list of the top 20 Artists and Entertainers faced criticism for not including Elvis Presley. Time magazine representative Bruce Handy defended the choice by noting Elvis did not write his own material unlike The Beatles or Bob Dylan. He claimed The Beatles pushed the envelope further while Elvis' most original recordings came early. The magazine also included fictional character Bart Simpson from The Simpsons television series among the 100 most influential people. Handy explained cartoons were one of our great contributions along with jazz and film. Early in the running, professional wrestler Ric Flair received over 300,000 votes online but was removed as violating the spirit of the title. Jesus received nearly 900,000 votes before officials deleted them for similar reasons.
Common questions
When did the Time 100 list project begin?
The idea for such a list started on the 1st of February 1998, with a debate at a symposium in Hanoi, Vietnam. The panel participants were former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, former New York governor Mario Cuomo, then Stanford Provost Condoleezza Rice, publisher Irving Kristol, and Time managing editor Walter Isaacson.
Who was named Person of the Century by Time magazine?
Time recognized Albert Einstein as the Person of the Century in an issue published on the 31st of December 1999. Editors believed the 20th century will be remembered foremost for its science and technology and argued Einstein served as a symbol of all scientists who built upon his work.
Why did critics question the inclusion of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini in the Time 100 list?
Essayist Nancy Gibbs addressed the topic with the article The Necessary Evil? published in the same the 31st of December 1999 issue. She argued that both men went about their carnage with efficiency perfected by modern industry while critics questioned if evil could ever be more powerful than genius or creativity.
What criteria did editors use to select the top 20 Artists and Entertainers for the Time 100 list?
Time magazine representative Bruce Handy defended the choice by noting Elvis did not write his own material unlike The Beatles or Bob Dylan. He claimed The Beatles pushed the envelope further while Elvis most original recordings came early.
Which fictional character appeared among the 100 most influential people selected by Time magazine?
The magazine also included fictional character Bart Simpson from The Simpsons television series among the 100 most influential people. Handy explained cartoons were one of our great contributions along with jazz and film.