A&E’s Choice: Albert Einstein as the Most Influential Person of the Millennium

Introduction

In the closing days of the 20th century, as the world prepared to welcome a new millennium, a number of organizations and media outlets reflected on the past thousand years. Among these, Arts and Entertainment Television (A&E) launched a major television event:
Biography of the Millennium
. Through this program, A&E sought to identify and rank the individuals who had the greatest impact on human history over the last millennium. Their selection captured the attention of audiences and sparked debate in intellectual and popular circles alike.

Who Did A&E Select as the Most Influential Person of the Millennium?

After a comprehensive review involving historians, scholars, and public participation, Arts and Entertainment Television (A&E) selected Albert Einstein as the most influential person of the millennium. Einstein’s profound impact on science, particularly his theories of relativity, revolutionized our understanding of the universe and reshaped technology, philosophy, and even global politics [2] .

The Selection Process: How Was the Decision Made?

The selection of Einstein was not a whimsical choice. A&E’s
Biography of the Millennium
was a multi-part television documentary aired in 1999. The producers consulted leading historians, scholars, and cultural commentators to create a comprehensive list of 100 individuals whose ideas, inventions, leadership, or creativity shaped the course of modern civilization [3] .

The methodology involved:

Soliciting nominations and rankings from academic experts in history, science, culture, and politics
Integrating feedback from the public through polls and viewer participation
Applying a set of criteria that weighed long-term influence, breadth of impact, and enduring legacy

Einstein’s selection reflected a consensus that his scientific breakthroughs had fundamentally altered humanity’s understanding of nature, and his influence extended beyond physics into technology, philosophy, and world affairs.

Why Was Albert Einstein Chosen?

Albert Einstein’s theories of special and general relativity not only transformed physics, but also paved the way for numerous technological advances, including nuclear energy, GPS, and significant developments in electronics and communications. His equation E = mcÂ² became an icon of modern science and a symbol of human intellectual achievement. Beyond his scientific work, Einstein was an outspoken advocate for peace, civil rights, and humanitarian causes, contributing to his global reputation [2] .

Other notable individuals ranked highly by A&E included figures such as Isaac Newton, Martin Luther, and Charles Darwin, but Einstein’s cultural and scientific legacy set him apart.

Accessing A&E’s Biography of the Millennium and Similar Resources

If you wish to view A&E’s original documentary or explore the full list, here are practical steps:

Check reputable streaming platforms and video libraries, such as YouTube, for segments or full episodes by searching “A&E Biography of the Millennium”. For example, the first part of the documentary is available on YouTube [3] .
Visit the A&E official website and search their archives or contact their customer service for information on purchasing or streaming past documentaries. Note that not all legacy content is available, but customer service can provide guidance.
Major public and university libraries may have DVD or VHS copies of the program. Use your local library’s online catalog or interlibrary loan services, searching for “A&E Biography of the Millennium”.
For a summary or list of the top selections, reference reputable databases or educational sites. For example, some educational resources and user-generated sites list the rankings and discuss the methodology [4] .

If a specific episode or list is not available online, consider contacting A&E directly through their official contact page or social media channels for further assistance.

Understanding the Broader Impact of Such Rankings

Programs like A&E’s
Biography of the Millennium
do more than entertain. They provoke public discourse about history, science, and culture. The process of ranking influential individuals helps highlight the interconnectedness of human achievement and the diverse ways people have shaped society.

These rankings are inherently subjective, often reflecting contemporary values and the perspectives of the panelists and audience. For example, while Einstein was chosen as the most influential by A&E, other lists have selected figures like Johannes Gutenberg (the inventor of movable type printing) or Isaac Newton, underscoring the variety in historical evaluation [5] .

To gain a well-rounded understanding, consider reviewing similar lists from academic publishers or major media outlets. Noteworthy examples include BBC’s “100 Greatest Britons” and TIME’s “Person of the Century”.

How to Investigate and Compare Other Influential Figures Lists

If you are interested in exploring alternative perspectives on influential historical figures:

Search for “most influential people of the millennium” or “top influential people in history” using trusted search engines.
Examine lists published by established media brands, academic institutions, and encyclopedias. Always verify the publisher’s credibility.
Consult recent books on the subject, such as “1000 Years, 1000 People: Ranking the Men and Women Who Shaped the Millennium,” for alternative approaches [5] .
Compare the methodology and criteria used in each ranking to understand the basis of their selections.

Remember, lists like A&E’s are valuable for sparking curiosity and discussion, but no list is definitive. They serve as a starting point for deeper research and personal reflection.

Practical Steps to Conduct Your Own Research

If you’d like to create a list of influential figures or learn more about their historical impact, follow these steps:

Identify the criteria you believe are important (e.g., cultural, scientific, political influence).
Consult a range of sources-encyclopedias, academic journals, documentaries, and scholarly articles.
Engage with educators or historians to gain expert perspectives.
Consider using digital tools or collaborative platforms to gather input from a diverse group of contributors.

This approach can help you appreciate the complexity of historical influence and foster critical thinking.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

One challenge in accessing historical documentaries is that older media may not always be readily available through mainstream streaming services. As a solution, seek out academic libraries, used media marketplaces, or contact the network directly for guidance on legitimate access.

Another challenge is navigating bias in rankings. To address this, compare multiple sources, and be mindful of cultural and disciplinary perspectives that shape such lists.

Key Takeaways

Arts and Entertainment Television’s selection of Albert Einstein as the most influential person of the millennium illustrates the enduring impact of scientific innovation on global society. While lists of this kind are subjective, they provide an engaging entry point for learning about history’s pivotal figures. By using a range of research strategies and consulting credible sources, anyone can deepen their understanding of the forces that have shaped our world.