Atheists and agnostics existed long before these concepts were invented. Some were offended by this “title”; others, on the contrary, considered it a pride to be considered an atheist. Most famous atheists have become famous throughout the world not because of their beliefs or because of their lack of belief in a higher being or anything else. They are distinguished by significant achievements in the field of science, culture and other areas of human activity. Today we will talk about atheists who changed the world.
It is also true that people remember great atheists for the results of their deeds that changed the world for better or worse. In this article we will talk about ten atheists who have made an invaluable contribution to the development of humanity (we hope for the better). By saying “invaluable,” we want to emphasize that the order of listing is just numbers, since it is impossible to determine which of those presented on the list is greater.
Top 10 Great Atheists Who Changed the World:
1
Sigmund Freud (1856–1939)
Sigmund Freud is one of the founding fathers of psychoanalysis, and a man who played a major role in the development of psychology. Although many of his theories are now outdated or refuted, he became one of the most important figures in the development of treatments for mental illness. His method of psychoanalysis involved the treatment of psychopathy through dialogue with the patient.
Freud's works were certainly revolutionary for their time. And given the progress of science, which began to take a more detailed look at the “chemistry” inside the human brain, the work of the Austrian psychoanalyst laid the first brick in the construction of modern psychiatry.
If we talk about Freud’s beliefs, the psychoanalyst decided for himself that he did not believe in the existence of something greater than what can be observed with one’s own eyes. He held the same opinion about life after death. Freud stated that it would be nice if God really existed and created all the goods that people enjoy, including moral order and an afterlife: but the main paradox is that everything turns out too ideally, and exactly the way one wants to believe it.
The scientist ceased to be interested in the nature of the emergence of man, and although he analyzed the complexity of the human mind, he tried to find a rational explanation for the origin of mankind.
2
What do agnostics believe?
Agnosticism is not only a peculiar attitude towards religion, but also a general skeptical position in knowledge, which affects different areas. Let's look at the basic principles and ideas of agnostics:
- A person cannot fully understand the world and its phenomena.
- It is impossible to accurately determine whether God exists or does not exist.
- No religious concept can be completely refuted or completely proven.
- There are no boundaries between good and bad. There is unwanted behavior. The only measure of actions is conscience.
- Good and evil are relative concepts, and therefore arguing about this is ineffective.
- Agnosticism in science states that any experience that was obtained as a result of knowledge is inevitably distorted by the consciousness of the subject. In other words, even something that has been proven (for example, an axiom in geometry) can be a human delusion.
- Any previously confirmed knowledge and paradigms may be refuted in the future. No knowledge is absolute.
- No one can say for sure whether man will ever be able to know the truth of his original origin.
- A person chooses how to act and how to live. Fate and predestination do not exist.
- The presence of a soul and immortality is unprovable, which means it is impossible to talk about their existence.
- The meaning of life lies in life itself, its joys, sorrows and the realization of the goals that a person sets for himself.
For agnostics, there are no authoritative sources in any religion. The Holy Scriptures for them are nothing more than a literary monument.
Each representative of this philosophical movement strives for truth and realizes that the world is much more complex than it seems. But at the same time, knowledge is impossible for him due to the lack of evidence, and any theory is questioned.
By the way, many agnostics do not deny the existence of Jesus Christ and even admire the life of this person. At the same time, they consider him an ordinary person, since the presence of a divine presence or any superpowers cannot be proven.
Stephen Hawking (1942–2018)
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Stephen Hawking is rightfully considered one of the greatest physicists in history, whose work is ranked on par with the work of Einstein. Hawking explained his beliefs several times, but the one that best speaks for him is The Grand Design, in which Stephen wrote: “Because there is a law called gravity, the universe is able and will create itself out of nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason why there is something greater than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist.”
The scientist continues: “Science can explain the universe, and that we do not need God to explain why there is something instead of nothing, and also why the laws of nature are the way they are.”
Speaking about Hawking's contribution to the scientific world, it is worth saying that he was the first to set out the proposed theory for creating a union of General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. His whole life was devoted to the search for the Grand Unification Theory, although it remained unproven.
Financial success came to Hawking thanks to his book “A Brief History of Time,” which explained to all people in simple words the complex nature of the formation and existence of the universe. His work enabled less educated people to understand the most complex mathematical theories associated with quantum mechanics and physics, bringing science to the masses.
Hawking is also known for the fact that for many years he struggled with an incurable disease, which tried to immobilize Stephen every year. His thirst for life and knowledge is admirable.
Atheism in the world
In 2012, the report of the International Humanistic and Ethical Union sent to the UN touched upon a serious topic - the infringement of the human rights of atheists in 7 countries of the world. The report said that it was in these countries that atheism was punishable by law and the punishment for it could be the death penalty. In other countries, atheists faced prison terms or had their political, family or social lives paralyzed. All countries in which the death penalty has been enshrined in law profess Islam.
In Mauritania, based on the Constitution of 1991, only Muslims are recognized as citizens of the country, therefore non-Muslims or atheists cannot claim citizenship, and those who renounce Islam lose it. The legislation of Mauritania even has an article providing for the confiscation of property in favor of the state for apostasy, and before applying it, the law gives 3 days for the possibility of returning to Islam.
Believers sit near a mosque in Nouakchott
In Pakistan, the death penalty can be imposed for blasphemy of Islam and, as a report by the International Humanist and Ethical Union points out, it is often used to eliminate business rivals or simply disliked people. Only adherents of Islam can even obtain a passport, since the submitted application contains a corresponding column and without filling it out, a passport will not be issued. In 1990, all Christian churches in Pakistan's third largest city, Faislamabad, were destroyed.
Afghanistan does not prohibit the practice of another faith, but apostasy from Islam is punishable by death by hanging.
Sudan is home to about 40 million people, of which about 39 million are Muslim and 1 million are Christian. In this country, conversion to Islam is encouraged, and leaving it is punishable by either a long prison term or the death penalty. Blasphemy of other religions is welcomed in Sudan, but Islam is punishable by 100 lashes and a six-month prison sentence. Sudanese men can marry a woman of Christian or Jewish faith, but women can only take a Muslim husband. Atheists are not recognized in Sudan. THIS IS INTERESTING. In 2012, about 0.5 million people in Sudan were deprived of citizenship due to the fact that they did not profess Islam, and they were also required to leave the country before a certain date. In 2014, in Omdurman, Sudan's second largest city, authorities demolished a Christian community building without warning.
Hypatia
Even if Hypatia of Alexandria is not a household name, she stood at the origins of the development of philosophy, mathematics and astronomy. The late Hellenistic philosopher was born between 350–370 in Alexandria, Egypt, and died there in 415.
Hypatia taught philosophy and astronomy, and is considered the first female mathematician. In any case, she was the first about whose activities records have been preserved. For most of her life, she was respected in society and among contemporary scientists. And although Hypatia was not a Christian, she taught, including to Christians, also advising the Roman prefect in Alexandria, Orestes.
Eventually, rumors spread that the mathematician had played an important role in disrupting the reconciliation between the prefect and the Bishop of Alexandria, Cyril. This led to the Christian parabalan community, led by Peter, brutally killing Hypatia. They stripped her and skinned her alive with sharp shards of ceramic utensils. Such atrocity shocked not only Alexandria, but the entire empire.
Hypatia immediately became a martyr of philosophy and remains so even 1,600 years after her death. Many modern feminist movements choose her as their symbol and point to her as an example.
4
Andrei Sakharov (1921–2089)
Andrei Sakharov was a Soviet nuclear physicist who was one of the main developers of the hydrogen bomb in the USSR. Despite the fact that this discovery is not the most pleasant in the history of mankind, it is difficult to deny its impact on the whole world. Moreover, it was precisely this that allowed the Union to dictate its will for several decades.
Today, Sakharov is remembered not only as the inventor of nuclear weapons, but also as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his contributions to human rights. The scientist received the award in 1975 for his activities in protecting civil liberties in the USSR and his initiative in carrying out relevant reforms.
For his views, Sakharov was subjected to serious repression and exile. He criticized the domestic and foreign policies of the Soviet Union, although with his early inventions he personally laid the foundation for the construction and maintenance of this policy.
Sakharov spent the rest of his life working on denuclearization and the development of human rights and freedoms. Today, work in this area is celebrated with the Sakharov Prize, which is awarded annually by the European Parliament to public organizations and people who continue the work of the great scientist.
5
Ayn Rand (1905–1982)
Ayn Rand (Alice Rosenbaum) was born and raised in Russia, but emigrated to the United States a few years after the October Revolution. She became the founder of a philosophical movement called objectivism. Her understanding of society in relation to religion can be described as antagonistic.
Rand was an ardent opponent of both communism, which was atheistic in its organization, and religion. Among her words about God, the most significant is this saying: “If I can summarize my attitude towards the question of God, it is this: from all that I can gather, the definition of God is something that the human mind cannot comprehend. To be a rationalist, a literal thinker and believe that it is my moral responsibility to be accountable for my words. I don’t understand people who take on faith and obey everything they are told from the outside.”
Rand's two most significant literary works, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, not only helped her gain fame, but also helped preserve her ideology, creating the Objectivist movement that is still active today. Ain considered reason the only means of obtaining knowledge.
Her work spanned a variety of political ideologies, including American conservatism and libertarianism, which found fertile ground for growth within the US government promoting ideas about capitalism and individual rights.
6
Percentage of atheists in countries
California researcher Phil Zuckerman states that almost 85% of Sweden's citizens are non-believers. Statistics of atheists in the world demonstrate high numbers of non-believers, characteristic of Japan, France, and Denmark. The number of believers in the United States decreased by 7%. The percentage of non-religious citizens is demonstrated by statistics of atheists in different countries:
| A country | Number of atheists, % |
| China | 47 |
| Czech | 30 |
| Germany | 15 |
| South Korea | 15 |
| Austria | 10 |
| Ireland | 10 |
The researcher believes that the number of unbelievers on earth is increasing. Data taken from Gallup research. The statistics of believers and atheists in the world for the period from 2005 to 2011 were analyzed. More than 50 thousand people from 57 countries participated in the study. According to the results, the number of non-believers in the world increased by 13%. Statistics of atheists and believers are presented in the diagram:
Thomas Edison (1847–1931)
If we evaluate efficiency, then Thomas Edison will occupy a leading position among the inventors of his time. Among his brainchildren are a phonograph, an incandescent lamp, a movie camera and other useful things that became revolutionary yesterday and are in demand today. During his life, Edison received 1,093 patents, which allowed him to become one of the richest and most influential businessmen in the state of New Jersey, where he was known only as “The Wizard of Menlo Park.”
Oh yes, Edison was a rationalist and an obvious opponent of religion. The inventor once said: “As far as religion is concerned, it is a fake. Religion is talk." He argued that all religions were created solely by men, just as “all Bibles were created by man.” He did not try to become the creator of his own religious teaching, but only expressed his opinion towards all religions. At the same time, Edison could believe in some kind of higher intelligence or something supernatural, but he definitely did not have time for blind worship of fictitious religions or belief in life after death.
If we put labels, then Edison was more of a pantheist, who represents a faith that equates all reality with divinity.
Is it worth arguing
Opinion of priest Konstantin Parkhomenko:
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The question here is this: if you feel the strength to conduct such a debate (although it’s better not to argue - it’s not productive, but to have a conversation), then you can talk about faith. If you feel your intellectual weakness and are afraid that you will not only not defend the faith, but also strengthen the positions of your opponents, or even embarrass yourself, it is better not to have such a debate.
In this case, the priest believes, it would not be shameful to humbly admit to a lack of awareness in matters of faith and advise turning to a priest or someone more competent.
Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
Albert Einstein's beliefs have been the subject of debate for decades, leading debaters to cite some of the scientist's statements. Einstein declared himself an agnostic, saying in an interview: “I am not an atheist.” He also repeatedly stated that he does not believe in an afterlife, summing up that “one life is enough” for him.
If we start from Einstein’s deeds, then he accomplished a lot of them in one life. The scientist is best known for his work on the theory of relativity and his detailed analysis of the equivalence of mass and energy, which was expressed in perhaps the most famous equation for mankind, E = mc².
His theories of relativity were repeatedly retested and re-proved, which made it possible to calculate gravitational interactions. If it seems to you that the importance of the theory of relativity is too exaggerated, then remember that it is especially important in determining orientation in space, studying the processes of formation of stars and planets, as well as everything related to space, time and gravity. All these topics are very close to the TopCafe editorial staff.
Einstein's work in physics was of paramount importance as a factor accelerating technological developments throughout the 20th century. The scientist contributed to the creation of the atomic bomb, expressing his thoughts in a letter to US President Franklin Roosevelt.
Einstein and Leo Szilard (an American physicist with Hungarian-Jewish roots) warned the American president in 1939 that Nazi Germany might develop a bomb, and suggested doing everything possible to stay ahead of the Germans. In the end, they succeeded in their plans.
8
Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958)
Rosalind Franklin is an English chemist whose work on the molecular structure of DNA, RNA, graphite, coal and viruses helped revolutionize the world of medicine and biology. Thanks to Franklin, the structure of DNA is no longer a secret.
She died at a young age in 1958, never knowing that her photographs had helped James Watson and Francis Crick determine the double helix of DNA. For this, scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962 in the field of medicine and physiology. Upon receiving the prize, Watson suggested that Rosalind Franklin should also be recognized for her work in chemistry. Crick also gave Franklin credit for his contributions, as he used data (pictures) taken by Rosalind that helped him and Watson discover the structure of DNA.
Although Rosalind Franklin was not appreciated during her lifetime, she received widespread recognition posthumously among the scientific community. Regarding beliefs, she once wrote: “I do not accept your definition of faith, that is, belief in life after death. In my view, all that is necessary for faith is the belief that by doing our best we will get closer to success and that success in our goals (improving the lives of humanity, present and future) is worth achieving.”
9
Karl Marx (1818–1883)
Karl Marx is revered in many parts of the world for his writings, which set out today's tenets of communism, historical materialism, socialism and Marxism. Marx was a thinker whose work on social structures contradicted the ideas of religion and the justification of the existence of social classes.
He declared that a society without social stratification would give freedom to all people, working together for the common human good. Unfortunately, it was not possible to test his thoughts in practice the way the philosopher would have liked, since all of Marx’s followers distorted his desire for a classless society, fitting socialism and communism into their own framework.
Marx not only did not believe in the existence of one or more gods, he was an ardent opponent of their worship. He once wrote that man “is dominated by the product of his own head, and in capitalist production by the product of his own hand.”
Marx considered religion to be as dangerous to society as capitalism, preferring to abandon materialism and superstition for a more tangible experience of humanity. His works influenced the worldview of Lenin, Stalin, Mao and many other dictators of their nations. Although his followers did not always turn out to be "good heroes", Marx's teachings had a lasting impact on people, making him one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century.
How atheistic beliefs are formed
The appearance of certain beliefs is imprinted from the past. Children raised in a religious home will believe in the existence of God. They have been accustomed to going to church since childhood. A person whose upbringing had no place for religious beliefs does not believe in God and will grow up an atheist. If you tell an atheist about the existence of God, he will smile.
Scientists are trying to determine the conditions influencing the increase in the number of non-believers. Religion is attractive because it gives a certain sense of security in a world full of uncertainties. The need for security does not arise in countries with a high level of economic development.
In addition to the above aspects, the reasons for being an atheist lie in the economic situation. As atheist statistics show, in countries with a low standard of living, people are more likely to turn to faith. The following principle is observed: the lower the standard of living, the more religious the population. In developed countries, people turn to God less for help and attend churches less often.
If we take this factor as the basis for our beliefs, then in the richest countries of the world there should be no believers at all. However, in Denmark, where the standard of living and social security of citizens are very high, in 2010 there were almost 83% Christians. Consequently, the previous conclusions of the American psychologist look a little strange.
According to the CIA, in 2007 America was 51.3% Protestant and 23.9% Catholic. However, it is difficult to argue with the fact that in poor countries the number of believers is greater:
| A country | Number of believers, % | GDP per capita, thousand dollars |
| Nigeria | 93 | 2,6 |
| Kenya | 88 | 1,7 |
| Cameroon | 82 | 2,3 |
| Serbia | 77 | 10,6 |
| Belgium | 59 | 37,7 |
| Switzerland | 50 | 43,4 |
Alan Turing (1912–1954)
Today Alan Turing is known as the father of computer science and artificial intelligence. If you are reading our article on a computer, laptop, smartphone or any other electronic device, you should be grateful to Turing for his work. He played a key role in inventing the logic device that helped break the Enigma code used by the Nazis during World War II. This allowed the foundation to be laid for the creation of the first real computer.
Turing's contribution cannot be overstated, as he was one of the most important contributors to the Allied victory in the war, as well as the greatest mind in the field of computer science. After the end of the war, he continued his work, but was eventually charged with "obscenity" as a homosexual, which was then criminalized by the British authorities. He chose chemical castration rather than imprisonment, but this ultimately led to depression and suicide.
After his death, he received public recognition for his work that created the concept of computer science and set the stage for the world in which we live. Turing renounced his faith in 1930 after his friend Christopher Morcom died suddenly of bovine tuberculosis.
This concludes our article. The editors of TopCafe ask you to write which famous atheists who changed the world you would add to our list.
