The Most Influential Intellectuals in the World and Why You Should Care

Who are the cultural and political brainiacs? Who is ushering in ideas that have rippled overseas? Learn about the top intellectuals in the world, and find out the importance of influential people such as Gulen, Gore and Kasparov. Digital Journal

-- One is fighting the police state of Putin's Russia. Another renounces the deplorable conditions Muslim women face. And yet another is the polarizing religious leader causing a raucous in secular Turkey. These are the top intellectuals according to Foreign Policy magazine, which asked readers to vote on the most influential public figures in the world. Around 500,000 votes later, Foreign Policy compiled a top 20 list. The magazine discovered the majority of the idea mavericks were Muslim. Why? The magazine stated: "The ideas for which they are known, particularly concerning Islam, differ significantly. It’s clear that, in this case, identity politics carried the day." Below is a summary of several public intellectuals that will continue to reshape their respective causes. You might not agree with their politics but it's hard to ignore the power they wield. Fethullah Gülen Rising from secular Turkey is Fethullah Gülen, a leader of one of the most dynamic religious movements in Turkey. He preaches a religion filled with moderate Islam practices, an idea countering the secular order dominating the country. Supposedly, he has millions of followers hanging on his every word. But he's a strong polarizing figure; Foreign Policy said he "is both revered and reviled in his native Turkey" and Gülen was forced to flee his homeland in 1999 to settle in the U.S. Last week, he was acquitted of the charge of undermining the secular Republic in Turkey, but it is unclear whether he will return to Turkey.

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http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/256956