who is the most legendary living American today?

Question

I asked a similar question but am looking for a legend almost beyond human living person that will be looked upon with awe 500 years from now. Must be American and could cover any field. Someone that will be known 500 years from now.

Answer 1

I would say Stephen Hawking, but he's not American. So, Bill Gates, Bob Dylan and any Americans who contribute to commercial space travel.

Answer 2

Probably Stephen Hawking would be number one on that list. Other then that there is a sad, but good chance it might actually end up being Barry Bonds. That kind of depends on if people slowly start to forget about the steroids. Bill Gates is another person who wouldn't surprise me. He may some day be known as the father of computing. If Barack Obama runs for president in 2008 he'll win. I would almost guarantee that. He would be the first non-white president, the first Muslim president, and after the type of leaders we've had the last 6 years, he would probably be recognized as the leader of a new enlightenment period. The savior that brought us out of the dark ages. That wouldn't surprise me at all, but who knows.

Answer 3

500 years? Geez, now that's legendary. You're talking Joan d'Arc or Arthur Pendragon kind of legends now.

Unfortunately, since we no longer use word of mouth to transmit our histories, legends have a way of becoming known as fact or fiction pretty easily (in most cases) (see link 1).

To pick someone truly legendary, I might have to go with someone recently deceased like Mother Teresa. This is someone who will some day soon be canonized, and sainthood is certainly one way to be remembered for a LONG time.

hmmm, I hesitate to pick a sports legend like Muhammed Ali, since who knows how popular boxing may be in the future... same goes for MJ, or even Jack Nicklaus (who played a sport with some history, after all).

Will Kim Jong Il be legendary as a bad guy? No idea. Probably not, since I doubt he'll be writing the history books, and we tend to downplay the importance of actual crazy individuals who only mess up their own country. (*sorry*, didn't mean to editorialize).

I'm really having trouble with this... There just doesn't seem to be anyone who's done anything TRULY earthshattering yet is still alive. Wait, here's one...

The first astronaut to land on Mars.... I bet she's even been born already. :)

Answer 4

I think Neil Armstrong is still alive. The first man on the moon will be remembered. Not sure anyone else alive will be all that big in the future. Personally I think Mohamed Ali is the giant of our time, but I don't think history will find him that significant.

From 500 years ago we remember Da Vinci with awe and Columbus to a lesser degree.

Answer 5

Muhammad Ali. No other american will come close to being as popular and loved, worldwide. His life is a mirror to American society: humble beginnings and opportunity, the ugly spectre of racism, living the American Dream, and attaining secular sainthood, and through it all, an abiding faith in God and and awe-inspiring talent, and an ability to transcend sport like no other.

Answer 6

I think Maya Angelou will be remebered in 500 years. I believe she is the greatest living author/poet.

Answer 7

Donald Trump.

Answer 8

Henry Kissinger.

Answer 9

I could give you some potentials... but none that have already achieved this status. If you are interested in trying with me, send an email, and I'll give you the details.

Answer 10

Bill Gates. If it weren't for him, we probably wouldn't be doing this right now.