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Top 20 Most Influential Philosophers in History

Friedrich Nietzsche

Philosopher, Writer

One of the most influential and provocative philosophers in the history of Western thought

Niccolo Machiavelli

Philosopher, Statesman, Poet, Political Theorist

Founder of Modern Political Science and Realist Political Thought

Sun Tzu

Military Commander, Philosopher

Ancient Chinese Military Strategist and Philosopher, Author of The Art of War

Aristotle

Philosopher, Scientist

Ayn Rand

Novelist, Philosopher, Screenwriter

Founder of Objectivism and Champion of Radical Individualism

Baruch Spinoza

Philosopher

The Philosopher of God and Nature

Carl Jung

Psychiatrist

Founder of Analytical Psychology

Confucius

Philosopher

The Great Sage and Supreme Teacher of China

Immanuel Kant

Philosopher

Founding Figure of German Philosophy and Pioneer of Critical Philosophy

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Philosopher, Writer, Composer

Pioneer of popular sovereignty and the philosopher of the “general will”

Jean-Paul Sartre

Philosopher, Writer, Journalist

Founder of Modern Existentialism & Influential 20th-Century Intellectual

John Locke

Philosopher, Political Theorist, Writer

The Founder of Enlightenment and the Age of Reason

Karl Marx

Philosopher, Economist, Political Theorist

Michel Foucault

Philosopher, Social Theorist

French philosopher who profoundly transformed modern thought through his analyses of madness, knowledge, and power

Plato

Greek philosopher

Sigmund Freud

Neurologist, Psychoanalyst

The Father of Psychoanalysis

Simone de Beauvoir

Writer

Foundational Figure of Modern Feminism & Existentialist Philosophy

Socrates

Greek philosopher

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher, Political Theorist

The Philosopher of Absolute Sovereignty

Voltaire

Philosopher, Writer, Historian

The Voice of Reason and Satire of the Enlightenment