101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived
By SaintAnne
@SaintAnne (5453)
United States
September 20, 2008 8:49pm CST
I was looking online for more interesting books that I may want to read. I came upon "101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived". It's a book with short essays about fictional characters that the authors thought influenced the social and cultural history of the US.
I looked at the list at this site: www.101influential.com. From that list, I would say Nancy Drew (#62) and Santa Claus (#4) were the most influential in my life. I used to read Nancy Drew a lot growing up and her character made me believe that I, as a girl, could do whatever I want and being smart was good. I've always had a "fear" of Santa Claus but his "existence" when I was younger made me strive to be a good girl... to get gifts, of course.
Who among the characters in the list do you think influenced you growing up? Are there other characters you'd like to add to this list?
I also would like to know of characters from other countries that may have influenced you. In the Philippines, they have this Juan Tamad character. It's this Filipino guy who is lazy and does not do anything at all and growing up, I was always told to not be like him.
4 people like this
6 responses
@SaintAnne (5453)
• United States
25 Sep 08
Thanks laglen for sharing your list.
I haven't read any Judy Blume books and watched any Laverne and Shirley shows.
The first time I watched Gone with the Wind, we lost power at the very last minute... you know after Rhett Butler says "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." I thought there was going to be more to the movie and I was upset that I didn't get to see what was going to happen after that... Not a whole lot, after I finally got to see it again. Lol. But I liked the movie!
1 person likes this
@divinegwapa (914)
• Philippines
21 Sep 08
This is really interesting. Some of the people I admired from the list would include Sherlock Holmes. I love how smart he is. When I was a little girl I wanted to become a detective when I grow up because of him. I love Peter Pan too. He's a guy full of fun and adventures and I always wanted to live life that way.
2 people like this
@SaintAnne (5453)
• United States
21 Sep 08
It's elementary, my dear Watson. I think they're going to be making a couple movies based on Sherlock Holmes soon.
I like Peter Pan when I was younger. It would be nice to just stay young and without worries. And I did wish that I was going with them in their adventures too. Thanks divinegwapa!
2 people like this
@myliezl0903 (2726)
• Philippines
25 Sep 08
hi there! this is really a nice topic., anyway, most of us here has something on my mind that made us realized that there is really one or two guy who influenced us for who and what we are now., but for me it is someone who live with me and that is my granny., i really really like her style when it comes to our house wherein she is really good in taking care of everything and she is really meticulous and i like being that., Ü i know its kinda weird sometimes but i guess it would be better to have that attitude than to be someone who is not good enough to idolize.,Ü 
1 person likes this
@SaintAnne (5453)
• United States
25 Sep 08
Thanks myliezl for sharing your thoughts and I'm sure your grandmother has influenced you in so many ways. And I'm sure she'll be glad to know that you feel this way.
1 person likes this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
21 Sep 08
A very interesting topic. I was influenced by a guy I started a discussion about already, but I can put a picture up again as long as I use different colors as below.
I think this Kilroy guy influenced a whole generation or two (maybe three!) to use common sense and know how to find a simple solution to a complex problem. It also inspired many youngsters with a curiosity about different places around the world, as sightings of this imaginary Kilroy fellow where being made almost everywhere.
2 people like this
@SaintAnne (5453)
• United States
21 Sep 08
You introduced me to Kilroy, drannhh. And thanks for sharing why you were influenced by this character. SaintAnne was here.
2 people like this
@shiloh_222 (5479)
• Philippines
27 Sep 08
very interesting.... hehehehe... let me go and check if the hardy boys are on the list too...the hardy boys series sparked my love for books...
1 person likes this
@SaintAnne (5453)
• United States
27 Sep 08
They're not on the list but since they sparked your love for books, then they should be added!
1 person likes this
@SaintAnne (5453)
• United States
27 Sep 08
Don't be sad that they're not included. I'm sure if it was 201 Influential People who Never Lived, they'd be there.
1 person likes this
@SaintAnne (5453)
• United States
27 Sep 08
I don't know who Eddie is. Is that the same book from the guy who did Tuesdays with Morrie? I hope you enjoyed the site and got something out of it. Thanks ShellyB.
