Choose Your Mentors
Build your personal board of advisors.
134 mentors found
Winston Churchill
1874-1965
Known for
Prime Minister who led Britain through its darkest hour in World War II, architect of the special relationship with America, Nobel Prize-winning historian and writer, twice Prime Minister
"Never, never, never give up."
From: Historical Figures Collection
156 mentor adoptions
John F. Kennedy
1917-1963
Known for
35th President of the United States, Cold War statesman, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and architect of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
We choose to go to the moon not because it is easy, but because it is hard.
From: United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches: From Washington to George W. Bush
153 mentor adoptions
Abraham Lincoln
1809-1865
Known for
16th President, preserved the Union through the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, redefined American democracy at Gettysburg
From: The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln, Complete
149 mentor adoptions
Plato
428-348 BCE
Known for
Philosopher, founder of the Academy, author of The Republic
Seek truth and justice: Ascend from the shadows with the wisdom of Plato.
From: The Wisdom of Plato
145 mentor adoptions
Eleanor Roosevelt
Known for
First Lady of the World who championed human rights, civil rights, and drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
From: This Troubled World
140 mentor adoptions
Benjamin Franklin
Colonial & Revolutionary America
Known for
Practical wisdom, self-improvement, and diplomacy
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
From: Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
135 mentor adoptions
Jane Austen
Victorian Era
Known for
Author and letter writer
From: The Letters of Jane Austen: Selected from the compilation of her great nephew, Edward, Lord Bradbourne
135 mentor adoptions
Queen Elizabeth
1533–1603
Known for
The Virgin Queen — thirty years on the throne, survivor of plots, defeater of the Armada
From: Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth
134 mentor adoptions
Marcus Aurelius
Ancient Rome
Known for
Stoic philosophy, self-discipline, and ruling with wisdom
Emperor of Rome. Student of Stoic philosophy. Writing private notes to himself on the Danube frontier.
From: Meditations
130 mentor adoptions
Thomas Jefferson
1743-1826
Known for
Third President of the United States, Author of the Declaration of Independence
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time
From: United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches: From Washington to George W. Bush
130 mentor adoptions
Margaret Thatcher
Known for
Britain's first female Prime Minister who transformed the UK through conviction politics and free-market reform
From: Hansard Parliamentary Speeches 1975-1989
120 mentor adoptions
Mark Twain
1835-1910
Known for
America's greatest humorist and satirist, author of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
The truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities
From: Chapters from My Autobiography
119 mentor adoptions
Adam Smith
18th Century Scotland
Known for
The Wealth of Nations and the invisible hand of markets
"It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest."
From: An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
113 mentor adoptions
Leonardo da Vinci
Renaissance Italy, 15th-16th Century
Known for
Embodying the Renaissance ideal through art, science, engineering, and insatiable curiosity
Learning never exhausts the mind.
From: The Renaissance: Studies in Art and Poetry
113 mentor adoptions
Aristotle
Ancient Greece, 4th Century BC
Known for
Systematizing logic, ethics, and the pursuit of human flourishing (eudaimonia)
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
From: The Ethics of Aristotle
111 mentor adoptions
Siddhartha
Ancient India (literary creation)
Known for
Spiritual seeker who found enlightenment through lived experience, not doctrine
Wisdom cannot be taught—it must be lived
From: Siddhartha
110 mentor adoptions
Leo Tolstoy
1828-1910
Known for
Novelist of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, moral philosopher
Seek truth, embrace simplicity, and find meaning through love and service to others.
From: The Wisdom of Leo Tolstoy
109 mentor adoptions
Confucius
Ancient China, 6th-5th Century BC
Known for
Teaching principles of family harmony, respect, self-cultivation, and social order
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
From: The Sayings of Confucius: A New Translation of the Greater Part of the Confucian Analects
109 mentor adoptions
George Washington
Revolutionary America, 18th Century
Known for
Leading the revolution and voluntarily surrendering power, setting the standard for principled leadership
It is better to be alone than in bad company.
From: Hero Tales from American History
108 mentor adoptions
Henry David Thoreau
19th Century America
Known for
Transcendentalist philosopher and civil disobedience advocate
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
From: Walden, and On The Duty Of Civil Disobedience
108 mentor adoptions
Charles Dickens
Victorian Era
Known for
Novelist who championed the poor and transformed English literature
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
From: The Life of Charles Dickens, Vol. I-III, Complete
107 mentor adoptions
Niccolò Machiavelli
Renaissance Italy (15th-16th century)
Known for
Political philosopher whose name became synonymous with cunning statecraft and ruthless pragmatism
It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both
From: Machiavelli, Volume I
107 mentor adoptions
Mary Wollstonecraft
Known for
Virtue requires reason, and reason requires education—for all people equally.
From: Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 13: Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Lovers
105 mentor adoptions
Sun Tzu
The Art of War author
Known for
Strategy, preparation, and winning without fighting
"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."
From: The Art of War
104 mentor adoptions
Socrates
Ancient Greece, 5th Century BC
Known for
Pioneering the Socratic method of inquiry and founding Western philosophy through relentless questioning
The unexamined life is not worth living.
From: Symposium
101 mentor adoptions
Seneca
Known for
Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist, author of the text.
From: Seneca's Morals of a Happy Life, Benefits, Anger and Clemency
100 mentor adoptions
Alexander Hamilton
American Founding Era
Known for
One of the authors of The Federalist Papers, advocating for a strong, centralized federal government.
From: The Federalist Papers
99 mentor adoptions
Friedrich Nietzsche
1844-1900
Known for
Philosopher of the will to power, eternal recurrence, and the Übermensch
Embrace the will to power, transcend the herd, and become your own creator.
From: The Wisdom of Friedrich Nietzsche
98 mentor adoptions
François Marie Arouet de Voltaire
18th Century France
Known for
Enlightenment philosopher who wielded wit against tyranny and intolerance
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
From: The life of Voltaire
97 mentor adoptions
Cleopatra VII
Ancient Egypt/Rome (1st Century BCE)
Known for
Last Pharaoh of Egypt, diplomat, and political survivor
"I will not be triumphed over."
From: Cleopatra — Complete
94 mentor adoptions
Charles Darwin
1809-1882
Known for
Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection
There is grandeur in this view of life
From: On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection: Or, the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life
92 mentor adoptions
Theodore Roosevelt
Known for
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.
From: Etiquette
90 mentor adoptions
Fyodor Dostoevsky
1821-1881
Known for
Novelist exploring the depths of the human psyche — Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov
Delve into the human soul's depths; find redemption amidst suffering and moral turmoil.
From: The Wisdom of Fyodor Dostoevsky
88 mentor adoptions
Frederick Douglass
19th Century America
Known for
Escaping slavery to become the most influential voice for abolition and human dignity
If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
From: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
88 mentor adoptions
Emily Dickinson
1830-1886
Known for
Reclusive poet of death, immortality, and the inner life
The Reclusive Poet: Find solace and insight in the hidden landscapes of the soul.
From: The Wisdom of Emily Dickinson
88 mentor adoptions
Edgar Allan Poe
1809-1849
Known for
Master of Gothic horror, detective fiction, and macabre poetry
Unravel the mysteries of your soul with the master of the macabre mind.
From: The Wisdom of Edgar Allan Poe
82 mentor adoptions
Queen Victoria
Known for
Duty must guide us even when—especially when—grief threatens to overwhelm.
From: Lessons from the life of Florence Nightingale
79 mentor adoptions
William Shakespeare
1564-1616
Known for
Playwright, poet, the greatest writer in the English language
Unlock the wisdom of the ages from the playwright who knew the human heart.
From: The Wisdom of William Shakespeare
78 mentor adoptions
Emily Post
1872-1960
Known for
America's authority on etiquette who made manners accessible and practical
Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others
From: By motor to the Golden Gate
77 mentor adoptions
Michel de Montaigne
16th Century France
Known for
Inventing the personal essay and examining himself with radical honesty
Que sais-je? What do I know?
From: The Wisdom of Friedrich Nietzsche
77 mentor adoptions
Epictetus
50-135 CE
Known for
Stoic philosopher, former slave, author of the Enchiridion
Find freedom and tranquility: master your inner world, accept the outer.
From: The Wisdom of Epictetus
76 mentor adoptions
John Stuart Mill
Victorian Britain
Known for
The harm principle, reformed utilitarianism, and the case for women's equality
The only freedom deserving the name is pursuing our own good without harming others.
From: George Washington, Volume I
75 mentor adoptions
Albert Einstein
20th Century Germany/USA
Known for
Relativity, imagination, and seeing the universe differently
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
From: Einstein, the searcher : $b his work explained from dialogues with Einstein
72 mentor adoptions
Oscar Wilde
19th Century
Known for
Wit and social commentary
From: Oscar Wilde, His Life and Confessions. Volume 2 (of 2)
70 mentor adoptions
Catherine II
Known for
Empress who transformed Russia through Enlightenment reforms while navigating the contradictions of autocratic power
From: Memoirs of the Empress Catherine II.: Written by Herself
70 mentor adoptions
Julius Caesar
100-44 BC
Known for
Roman general and dictator who transformed the Republic into an Empire
Veni, vidi, vici - I came, I saw, I conquered
From: History of Julius Caesar
68 mentor adoptions
Homer
8th century BCE
Known for
Epic poet of the Iliad and Odyssey
Explore the depths of human experience with the poet who shaped Western storytelling.
From: The Wisdom of Homer
68 mentor adoptions
Jesus Christ
Known for
The Divine Savior and central figure of Julian's revelations
From: Revelations of Divine Love
68 mentor adoptions
J.P. Morgan
Late 19th-Early 20th Century America
Known for
Financier who dominated corporate finance, reorganized railroads, and bailed out the U.S. government
A man always has two reasons for what he does—a good one, and the real one
From: High Finance
67 mentor adoptions
Lao Tzu
Ancient China, 6th Century BC
Known for
Writing the Tao Te Ching and founding Taoist philosophy through paradox, simplicity, and the observation of nature
The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.
From: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
67 mentor adoptions
Vincent van Gogh
1853-1890
Known for
Post-Impressionist painter of Starry Night, known for expressive color and emotional intensity
The passionate artist who found beauty in darkness, urging us to feel and create.
From: The Wisdom of Vincent van Gogh
67 mentor adoptions
Abraham Lincoln
Known for
The measure of a leader is not avoiding conflict but navigating it with both principle and pragmatism.
From: Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete
66 mentor adoptions
Ralph Waldo Emerson
19th Century America
Known for
Transcendentalist essayist and philosopher of self-reliance
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
From: Ralph Waldo Emerson
66 mentor adoptions
Michelangelo
1475-1564
Known for
Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect — creator of David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling
The Renaissance master who carved beauty from stone and spirit from the soul.
From: The Wisdom of Michelangelo
65 mentor adoptions
Thomas Edison
19th-20th Century America
Known for
The light bulb, phonograph, and relentless experimentation
"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."
From: Historical Figures Collection
65 mentor adoptions
St. Thomas Aquinas
13th century Europe
Known for
Greatest medieval philosopher-theologian who synthesized faith and reason
Faith and reason are not enemies but partners in the search for truth
From: Moral Theology: A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities
64 mentor adoptions
Carl Gustav Jung
20th Century Switzerland
Known for
Psychiatrist who developed analytical psychology, explored archetypes, the collective unconscious, and individuation
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes
From: Psychology of the Unconscious: A Study of the Transformations and Symbolisms of the Libido. A Contribution to the History of the Evolution of Thought
63 mentor adoptions
James Madison
American Founding Era
Known for
Co-author of The Federalist Papers, emphasizing the importance of checks and balances and the prevention of tyranny.
From: The Federalist Papers
62 mentor adoptions
Gandhi
19th-20th Century India
Known for
Nonviolent resistance, Indian independence, and moral leadership
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
From: Historical Figures Collection
61 mentor adoptions
Margaret Carnegie
Known for
Instill values that will outlast you.
From: Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
60 mentor adoptions
Sigmund Freud
19th-20th Century Vienna
Known for
Founder of psychoanalysis who explored the unconscious mind, dreams, and human motivation
The mind is like an iceberg; it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water
From: The Interpretation of Dreams
59 mentor adoptions
Franklin D. Roosevelt
American Founding Era
Known for
Thirty-second President of the United States, Leader during the Great Depression and World War II
From: United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches: From Washington to George W. Bush
57 mentor adoptions
Florence Nightingale
19th Century England
Known for
Founder of modern nursing — statistician, sanitary reformer, scourge of bureaucratic incompetence
I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.
From: Lessons from the life of Florence Nightingale
53 mentor adoptions
Marco Polo
13th-14th Century Venice/China
Known for
The Silk Road and bridging East and West
"I have not told half of what I saw."
From: The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1
53 mentor adoptions
Mrs. F.L. Gillette
19th Century America
Known for
The Whitehouse Cookbook and comprehensive Victorian home management
"A well-ordered household is the foundation of a happy life."
From: The Whitehouse Cookbook (1887): Cooking, Toilet and Household Recipes, Menus, Dinner-Giving, Table Etiquette, Care of the Sick, Health Suggestions, Facts Worth Knowing, Etc., Etc.; The Whole Comprising a Comprehensive Cyclopedia of Information for the Home
52 mentor adoptions
George Bernard Shaw
Victorian/Edwardian Era
Known for
Playwright, critic, and socialist wit
Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
From: George Bernard Shaw, his life and works : $b a critical biography (authorized)
51 mentor adoptions
James Clerk Maxwell
19th Century Scotland
Known for
Physicist who unified electricity, magnetism, and light into electromagnetic theory
In science, there are no authorities; only evidence and reason
From: James Clerk Maxwell and Modern Physics
51 mentor adoptions
Sir Ernest Shackleton
20th Century Ireland/England
Known for
Antarctic survival and bringing every man home alive
"Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all."
From: Shackleton's Last Voyage: The Story of the Quest
49 mentor adoptions
Susan B. Anthony
Known for
Main character, a tireless advocate for women's rights, temperance, and abolition.
From: Susan B. Anthony: Rebel, Crusader, Humanitarian
49 mentor adoptions
Martin Luther
16th Century Germany
Known for
Theologian and reformer who challenged the Catholic Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation
Here I stand, I can do no other. God help me.
From: Selections from the Table Talk of Martin Luther
48 mentor adoptions
Napoleon Bonaparte
18th-19th Century France
Known for
Military genius, Emperor, and architect of modern Europe
"Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools."
From: Famous leaders among men
46 mentor adoptions
Nellie Bly
19th Century America
Known for
Around the world in 72 days and pioneering investigative journalism
"Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything."
From: Nellie Bly's Book: Around the World in Seventy-Two Days
44 mentor adoptions
Galileo Galilei
1564-1642
Known for
Father of modern science who championed heliocentrism and the scientific method
And yet it moves
From: The Life of Galileo Galilei, with Illustrations of the Advancement of Experimental Philosophy: Life of Kepler
44 mentor adoptions
David Livingstone
19th Century Scotland/Africa
Known for
Exploring Africa and fighting the slave trade
"I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward."
From: How I found Livingstone : $b Travels, adventures, and discoveres in Central Africa, including an account of four months' residence with Dr. Livingstone
43 mentor adoptions
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Known for
Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
From: Winds Of Doctrine: Studies in Contemporary Opinion
43 mentor adoptions
G. Westinghouse
19th-20th Century America
Known for
Air brakes, AC power systems, and ethical business leadership
"If someday they say of me that in my work I have contributed something to the welfare and happiness of my fellow man, I shall be satisfied."
From: Historical Figures Collection
43 mentor adoptions
Columbus
15th-16th Century Spain/Italy
Known for
Discovery of the Americas and opening the Age of Exploration
"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
From: The Life of Columbus: From His Own Letters and Journals and Other Documents of His Time
42 mentor adoptions
Joan of Arc
1412-1431
Known for
French heroine and martyr who led armies at age 17
Find your courage, trust your divine guidance, and fight for what is right.
From: The Wisdom of Joan of Arc
42 mentor adoptions
Auguste Escoffier
19th-20th Century France
Known for
Father of modern French cuisine and kitchen organization
"Good cooking is the foundation of genuine happiness."
From: A guide to modern cookery
42 mentor adoptions
Jesse Livermore
Early 20th Century America
Known for
Legendary stock trader known for making and losing multiple fortunes and his insights on market psychology
There is nothing new in Wall Street. There cannot be because speculation is as old as the hills
From: Reminiscences of a Stock Operator
40 mentor adoptions
Claude Monet
19th Century France
Known for
Master of light and founder of Impressionism
I would like to paint the way a bird sings.
From: The French Impressionists (1860-1900)
40 mentor adoptions
William James
Known for
Act as if what you do makes a difference—it does.
From: Winds Of Doctrine: Studies in Contemporary Opinion
40 mentor adoptions
Brillat-Savarin
18th-19th Century France
Known for
The Physiology of Taste and the philosophy of gastronomy
"Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are."
From: The Physiology of Taste; Or, Transcendental Gastronomy
39 mentor adoptions
Samuel Johnson
18th Century England
Known for
Lexicographer, essayist, and literary critic
The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
From: Boswell's Life of Johnson: Abridged and edited, with an introduction by Charles Grosvenor Osgood
39 mentor adoptions
G. K. Chesterton
Early 20th century England
Known for
Prolific writer and master of paradox who illuminated truth through wit and wonder
The world will never starve for want of wonders, only for want of wonder
From: Gilbert Keith Chesterton
37 mentor adoptions
James Cook
18th Century England
Known for
Three voyages of discovery and mapping the Pacific
"Ambition leads me farther than any other man has been before me."
From: Captain Cook's Journal During His First Voyage Round the World: Made in H. M. Bark "Endeavour", 1768-71
37 mentor adoptions
Abigail Adams
Known for
A strong partnership requires two independent minds united in purpose.
From: Abigail Adams and Her Times
37 mentor adoptions
Rumi
1207-1273
Known for
Sufi mystic poet of divine love
The Sufi poet of divine love, guiding you to the heart of existence.
From: The Wisdom of Rumi
36 mentor adoptions
Audubon
19th century America
Known for
Naturalist and artist who documented American birds with unprecedented beauty and scientific accuracy
A true conservationist knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children
From: Audubon the Naturalist: A History of His Life and Time. Vol. 2 (of 2)
35 mentor adoptions
Immanuel Kant
1724-1804
Known for
Philosopher of the categorical imperative and Critique of Pure Reason
Dare to know! Find moral clarity and universal principles to guide your actions.
From: The Wisdom of Immanuel Kant
35 mentor adoptions
Denis Diderot
Known for
Question everything, especially what you think you know.
From: Voltaire: A Sketch of His Life and Works
34 mentor adoptions
Apicius
Ancient Rome (1st Century CE)
Known for
Ancient Roman gastronome and author of the oldest surviving cookbook
"The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a new star."
From: Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome
34 mentor adoptions
Mozart
18th century Austria
Known for
Musical prodigy and composer of transcendent works including operas, symphonies, and concertos
Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination—the capacity to feel and create beauty is the mark of genius
From: Life of Mozart, Vol. 1 (of 3)
33 mentor adoptions
Marie Curie
Known for
Scientific discovery and persistence against all odds
From: Pierre Curie
33 mentor adoptions
Walt Whitman
1819-1892
Known for
Poet of American democracy and the self — Leaves of Grass
The Poet of Democracy: Discover your own boundless potential and celebrate the human spirit.
From: The Wisdom of Walt Whitman
33 mentor adoptions
J. S. Bach
18th Century Germany
Known for
Composer and musician whose works represent the pinnacle of Baroque music and contrapuntal technique
The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul
From: Johann Sebastian Bach: His Life, Art, and Work
32 mentor adoptions
Otto H. Kahn
Early 20th Century America
Known for
Investment banker and arts patron who helped finance American industry and supported the Metropolitan Opera
The financier who merely knows how to make money is a poor financier indeed
From: High Finance
32 mentor adoptions
John Locke
1632-1704
Known for
Father of liberalism, philosopher of natural rights and the social contract
Reason and rights guide the path to liberty: Unlock your potential with enlightenment.
From: The Wisdom of John Locke
32 mentor adoptions
John Calvin
16th Century Geneva
Known for
Theologian and reformer whose ideas on predestination, work ethic, and discipline shaped Western thought
We are not our own; therefore neither our reason nor our will should predominate in our deliberations
From: Letters of John Calvin, Volume II: Compiled from the Original Manuscripts and Edited with Historical Notes
31 mentor adoptions
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
1712-1778
Known for
Philosopher of the social contract, education, and natural man
Discover your natural self: championing freedom, equality, and the social contract.
From: The Wisdom of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
30 mentor adoptions
Nikola Tesla
19th-20th Century Serbia/America
Known for
Alternating current, wireless power, and visionary genius
"The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine."
From: The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla: With special reference to his work in polyphase currents and high potential lighting
29 mentor adoptions
Johann Goethe
18th-19th century Germany
Known for
Towering literary genius who wrote Faust, shaped Romanticism, and contributed to science and philosophy
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it—boldness has genius, power, and magic in it
From: The Autobiography of Goethe: Truth and Poetry: From My Own Life
28 mentor adoptions
Isaac Newton
1643-1727
Known for
Mathematician and physicist who discovered the laws of motion and gravity
If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants
From: Einstein, the searcher : $b his work explained from dialogues with Einstein
26 mentor adoptions
Marie Antoinette
18th Century France/Austria
Known for
Queen of France and symbol of aristocratic excess
"Let them eat cake." (Though I never actually said this.)
From: Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Complete: Being the Historic Memoirs of Madam Campan, First Lady in Waiting to the Queen
26 mentor adoptions
Henry M. Stanley
19th Century Wales/America/Africa
Known for
Finding Dr. Livingstone and exploring Central Africa
"Dr. Livingstone, I presume?"
From: How I found Livingstone : $b Travels, adventures, and discoveres in Central Africa, including an account of four months' residence with Dr. Livingstone
25 mentor adoptions
Helen Keller
Known for
The main character, a deaf and blind girl who overcomes her disabilities through education.
From: The Story of My Life: With her letters (1887-1901) and a supplementary account of her education, including passages from the reports and letters of her teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan, by John Albert Macy
24 mentor adoptions
Kierkegaard
19th Century Denmark
Known for
Philosopher who pioneered existentialism and explored anxiety, authenticity, and the leap of faith
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards
From: Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard
24 mentor adoptions
Ada Lovelace
1815-1852
Known for
First computer programmer who saw computing's potential for creativity beyond calculation
The Analytical Engine weaves algebraical patterns just as the Jacquard loom weaves flowers and leaves
From: Sketch of the Analytical Engine invented by Charles Babbage, Esq.
23 mentor adoptions
Humboldt
18th-19th Century Germany/Americas
Known for
Father of ecology and scientific exploration of the Americas
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."
From: Letters of Alexander von Humboldt to Varnhagen von Ense.: From 1827 to 1858. With extracts from Varnhagen's diaries, and letters of Varnhagen and others to Humboldt
22 mentor adoptions
George Eliot
Victorian Era
Known for
Novelist and philosopher who challenged Victorian conventions
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
From: George Eliot; a Critical Study of Her Life, Writings and Philosophy
21 mentor adoptions
Archimedes
Known for
The greatest mathematician of antiquity and inventor of ingenious mechanical appliances.
From: Archimedes
20 mentor adoptions
John Marshall
18th-19th Century America
Known for
Fourth Chief Justice of the United States who established judicial review and shaped constitutional interpretation
It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is
From: The Life of John Marshall, Volume 3: Conflict and construction, 1800-1815
20 mentor adoptions
Otto von Bismarck
19th century Prussia/Germany
Known for
Iron Chancellor who unified Germany through Realpolitik and strategic brilliance
Politics is the art of the possible
From: The Life of Bismarck, Private and Political: With Descriptive Notices of His Ancestry
19 mentor adoptions
Ferdinand Magellan
16th Century Portugal/Spain
Known for
First circumnavigation of the Earth and proving the world's true size
"The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore."
From: The Story of Magellan and The Discovery of the Philippines
18 mentor adoptions
Alexander Graham Bell
19th century America/Canada
Known for
Inventor of the telephone and tireless advocate for deaf education
When one door closes, another opens—but we often look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened
From: The Story of My Life: With her letters (1887-1901) and a supplementary account of her education, including passages from the reports and letters of her teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan, by John Albert Macy
18 mentor adoptions
Ulysses S. Grant
Known for
Narrator and Main Character: A soldier and eventual General of the Union Army, later President.
From: Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete
18 mentor adoptions
Krishna
Ancient India (Mahabharata era)
Known for
Divine teacher of the Bhagavad Gita on duty, dharma, and liberation
Do your duty without attachment to the fruits of action
From: The Song Celestial; Or, Bhagavad-Gîtâ (from the Mahâbhârata): Being a discourse between Arjuna, Prince of India, and the Supreme Being under the form of Krishna
17 mentor adoptions
E.H. Harriman
Late 19th-Early 20th Century America
Known for
Railroad magnate who rebuilt the Union Pacific into one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world
The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets
From: High Finance
17 mentor adoptions
James Watt
Known for
The central figure, an inventor and mechanical genius.
From: James Watt
16 mentor adoptions
Alexis de Tocqueville
Early American Republic
Known for
The author and observer of American democracy.
From: Democracy in America — Volume 1
15 mentor adoptions
Hypatia
Ancient Alexandria, 4th-5th Century AD
Known for
Leading mathematician and philosopher of antiquity who taught regardless of religion or background
Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.
From: Hypatia: or, Woman and knowledge
12 mentor adoptions
Michael Faraday
19th century England
Known for
Self-taught scientist who discovered electromagnetic induction and founded the field of electrochemistry
Nothing is too wonderful to be true, if it be consistent with the laws of nature
From: Lord Kelvin: An account of his scientific life and work
11 mentor adoptions
H.G. Wells
Late 19th-Early 20th century England
Known for
Visionary author of The Time Machine, War of the Worlds, and pioneer of social science fiction
History is a race between education and catastrophe
From: Books and Persons; Being Comments on a Past Epoch, 1908-1911
11 mentor adoptions
St. Francis of Assisi
12th-13th century Italy
Known for
Founder of the Franciscan Order who embraced radical poverty and simplicity
In giving we receive, in pardoning we are pardoned
From: Life of St. Francis of Assisi
10 mentor adoptions
Florence Hartley
19th Century
Known for
Victorian etiquette authority
From: The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness: A Complete Hand Book for the Use of the Lady in Polite Society
9 mentor adoptions
Gertrude Stein
Early 20th Century
Known for
Avant-garde writer and Paris salon hostess who shaped modernism
A rose is a rose is a rose.
From: The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas
8 mentor adoptions
Jules Verne
19th century France
Known for
Father of science fiction who envisioned submarines, space travel, and technologies decades before their invention
Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real
From: Nellie Bly's Book: Around the World in Seventy-Two Days
7 mentor adoptions
Richard Wagner
19th century Germany
Known for
Revolutionary opera composer who transformed music into total art
The artwork of the future must unite all the arts
From: My Life — Volume 1
6 mentor adoptions
Harriet Tubman
1822-1913
Known for
Underground Railroad conductor, abolitionist, freedom fighter
The Moses of her people, leading towards freedom with faith, courage, and unwavering resolve.
From: The Wisdom of Harriet Tubman
5 mentor adoptions
James George Frazer
Known for
The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion
From: The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion (Third Edition, Vol. 03 of 12)
3 mentor adoptions
Alexander Hamilton
Revolutionary America
Known for
The immigrant who built America's financial system, co-authored the Federalist Papers, and could not stop fighting
A nation that cannot fund itself is not a nation — it is a confederation pretending.
From: George Washington, Volume I
Patrick Henry
1736-1799
Known for
Fiery orator of the American Revolution, champion of individual liberty
Give me liberty, or give me death!
From: Patrick Henry
Marcus Tullius Cicero
106-43 BCE
Known for
Roman orator, statesman, philosopher, defender of the Roman Republic
The foundation of justice is good faith
From: Cicero's Orations
The Buddha
c. 563–483 BCE
Known for
The Awakened One — teacher of the path beyond suffering through direct observation of the mind
From: The Buddha's Path of Virtue: A Translation of the Dhammapada