Doug’s Mouthpiece – Droug.co.uk

21 Smart People You Should Get to Know Today

21 Smart People You Should Get to Know Today

Although it’s infinitely more fun to point out the complete dolts in the world, the smart people are the ones to watch. After all, they get your jokes, most likely share your interest in worldwide current events and probably know that a serf has nothing to do with water.

That being said, there is such a vast number of people from which to choose and so a lot of people have been left off the following list simply because they are just too obvious.

Also, I should say that the public perception of a smart person isn’t objective; we all have our likes, dislikes and opinions. Many people confuse “smart” with “influential”, two words that aren’t always synonymous. For example, US President George W Bush is definitely influential, but is he smart? Opinions aside, here are just a few people who are above reproach when it comes to brain power:

1. Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen – DreamWorks Creative Geniuses:

There are quite a few people involved in the DreamWorks SKG/Animation Empire. No matter how you feel about animation or movies in general, you have to admit that DreamWorks has been a brilliant venture that has led us all into forward creative thinking.

1. Ben Stein – Political Genius/ Seriously Smart Guy:

It was a long time before Ben Stein was recognized for more than his legendary performance in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It was Win Ben Stein’s Money which helped this former Yale valedictorian show the world what he was made of. The fact is, Ben Stein is a political genius.

1. Nelson Mandela – Political Leader/Activist:

Everyone should know Nelson Mandela. He earned his position as one of the most influential people in the world through years of blood, sweat and tears. Serving twenty-seven years in prison for a cause you believe in and spearheading a global change in politics and human rights makes Mandela one of the all time biggest heroes of the world.

1. Al Gore – Politician/Environmentalist:

Whether you think former US Vice President Al Gore should have won a Nobel Peace Prize for “An Inconvenient Truth” or that he was robbed of the Presidency can’t really diminish the fact that the man’s got it going on in the brains department.

1. Michael Moore – Filmmaker/Author:

Michael Moore is one of those names that you think you should know but aren’t really sure why. Moore is an entertaining liberal documentarian who delights in revealing all the whitewashed rhetoric the public is expected to swallow.

1. Dalai Lama – Spiritual/Political Leader:

The Dali Lama is the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. His calm demeanor and well thought out actions prove that the man practices what he preaches and is an inspiration to the entire world; much like fellow spiritual leaders: Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Buddha and Mother Teresa.

1. Steve Ballmer – Microsoft CEO:

Steve Ballmer was smart enough to jump on board a little startup company called Microsoft, launched by old friend and Harvard classmate Bill Gates.

1. John Allen Paulos – Mathematician:

John Allen Paulos is a brilliant bestselling author, professor, columnist and showman in the world of mathematics. Paulos’ life’s work proves that math doesn’t have to be a scary and he can show you why.

1. Youssou N’Dour – Musician/Activist:

Youssou N’Dour knows how to put his money where his mouth is; as a musician, N’Dour’s talent brought his country into the limelight. As a public figure, he uses his celebrity status to work his magic in African politics and through numerous humanitarian efforts.

1. Oprah Winfrey – Talk Show Host/Philanthropist:

Despite what many may say, Oprah Winfrey has changed the face of the world through her wisdom and work as a philanthropist.

1. Alan Greenspan – Financial Genius:

Even though he’s retired as the Chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan still has a stronger grasp on financial markets than most could ever dream of.

1. Warren Buffet – CEO Berkshire Hathaway:

They don’t call him “The Oracle of Omaha” for nothing. Buffet is the world’s most famous investor and all around brilliant rich guy. His business deals outshine even Donald Trump with whom he shares a philanthropic streak. Buffet is the co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, thanks to a $31 billion start up contribution.

1. Dr. Andrew Weil – Weil Foundation:

Doctor, author and medical entrepreneur, Dr. Weil is a guru when it comes to preventive medicine and alternative healing.

1. Neil deGrasse Tyson – Astrophysicist:

Dubbed “the Carl Sagan of the 21^st century”, Tyson regularly appears on PBS Nova Science Now and serves as the Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City.

1. Lisa Randall – Theoretical Physicist:

Every little girl should look up to Lisa Randall, the first female theoretical physicist to gain tenure at Harvard. Randall’s work regarding discovering extra/hidden dimensions is mind boggling.

1. Sir Richard Branson – CEO Virgin Group:

Smart and sassy, this Brit has taught the world to look at things in a new way and ask “why not?” when it comes to building an empire.

1. Katsuaki Watanabe – President of Toyota:

Ever since Watanabe took over in 2005, it’s been nothing but peaches and cream. In Watanabe’s world, no challenge is impossible. The ultimate goal is to create a car that can drive across the US using only one tank of gas.

1. Steve Schwarzman – CEO Blackstone:

Schwarzman is often referred to as the “New King of Wall Street” due to his financial savvy and ability to manage $100 billion in assets.

1. Steve Jobs – Apple Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO:

Without Jobs there would be no Microsoft, no such thing as desktop publishing or laser printers and no PCs. Oh yeah, and he bankrolled Pixar.

1. Steve Wozniak – Apple Co-founder:

Often referred to as “the other Steve”, Wozniak was the other half of the team that revolutionized the computer industry. You can also thank him for your new iPod.

1. Rupert Murdoch – Media God:

If it has anything to do with media, it’s probably owned by this Australian media magnate. The only other person who had the same kind of influence was the legendary newspaper god Randolph Hearst.

Popularity: 2% [?]

other written by Doug Scott