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Mark of a Giant: Seven People Who Changed the World
Ted Stewart, with a foreword by Chris Stewart Throughout the course of history, civilization has been blessed by strong-minded men and women who have impacted our world in extraordinary ways. Their imprint upon humanity is beyond dispute. And many would contend that they were no less than the result of Divine Providence a gift of God to the human race. Who are these individuals? What is it about these few that make them different? Were they merely in the right place at the right time? Or were they somehow chosen? Mark of a Giant examines the lives and contributions of seven men and women who changed the Abraham of Ur, Pericles, the Apostle Paul, Sir Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 25, 2013
To the reader who likes to sit down and digest small bits of history, this is the perfect introduction to seven people who left a huge footprint. The author chooses Abraham of Ur, Pericles, the Apostle Paul, Sir Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa and gives a biography as well as turning points in their lives. He opens us up to the philosophies they held that changed society.
In particular, I enjoyed the chapter on Abraham of Ur who rejected the teachings of his father and adopted monotheism as opposed to idolatry. Who had enough faith in his God that he was willing to sacrifice all he held dear, and who was given the opportunity to be a father of many nations.
I've always been a follower of Mother Theresa. I had no idea she was born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Serbia, or that her Catholic faith was a minority religion in her country. Hearing how she was raised by a mother of greatness and some of the teachings in her childhood home really filled in the gaps of how she became such a world force.
"When you do good, do it quietly, as if you were throwing a stone into the sea." p.209
Mother Theresa's own mother, no doubt, had a great role in molding her into the selfless woman of God she became.
I learned a great deal about the giants Ted Stewart picked! I would recommend reading this book a little at a time and pondering how the lessons these giants taught can be folded into our own life.
This book is about history. More specifically,it is a book about how strong-minded men and women have changed the course of history." - introduction, page 1
In particular, I enjoyed the chapter on Abraham of Ur who rejected the teachings of his father and adopted monotheism as opposed to idolatry. Who had enough faith in his God that he was willing to sacrifice all he held dear, and who was given the opportunity to be a father of many nations.
I've always been a follower of Mother Theresa. I had no idea she was born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Serbia, or that her Catholic faith was a minority religion in her country. Hearing how she was raised by a mother of greatness and some of the teachings in her childhood home really filled in the gaps of how she became such a world force.
"When you do good, do it quietly, as if you were throwing a stone into the sea." p.209
Mother Theresa's own mother, no doubt, had a great role in molding her into the selfless woman of God she became.
I learned a great deal about the giants Ted Stewart picked! I would recommend reading this book a little at a time and pondering how the lessons these giants taught can be folded into our own life.
This book is about history. More specifically,it is a book about how strong-minded men and women have changed the course of history." - introduction, page 1
November 8, 2017
I had to stop after each person mentioned to absorb the magnitude of their contributions to the world I live in today! I am so thankful for each of these giants. Their stories were remarkable and inspiring! I do want to be a better person because of reading about these amazing people! It’s also caused me to reflect on the giants in my personal life! I see better because I sit on their shoulders!! I would recommend this to everyone!
December 9, 2021
There are some amazing people out there! I am inspired by each mentioned in this book. However, Mother Teresa is my hero!!!! 🙌🙌🙌
February 10, 2024
Good, short biographies about some amazing people. I wish the author would have shared more details about MLK Jr's actual life, instead of spending so many pages recounting Civil Rights history. My favorite bios were of Newton and Mother Teresa.
July 26, 2013
On the Shoulders of Giants examines the lives and contributions of seven men and women who changed the world: Abraham of Ur, Pericles, the Apostle Paul, Sir Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa.
My thoughts: As a self-declared nerd, I will admit that I read history books for fun. That said, I do find myself yawning after so much time as the author of a history book gives way. Too. Much. Information. I realize it's to give the reader a well rounded education on any given topic and there are bibliographies to back it all up which the responsible thing to do when you are a student in a history class. But sometimes I just want a good story in the history book. That is what I found with this book.
The author devotes one chapter per historical giant. The information on that particular person is immense and surprising. Everything is referenced at the end of the chapter but I forgot I was reading a book that was, essentially, a history book. It was fascinating and not necessarily well rounded although it was very well researched. The author clearly chose each giant with great care, studied their lives and accomplishments, and found at least one or two qualities to concentrate on and led the reader to this conclusion evidenced by their life. This is not to say that the author ignored other aspects of the giants' lives but merely brushed upon it and moved it.
An example would be the chapter on Martin Luther King Jr. The greatest achievement of Martin Luther King Jr. was the act of becoming a peaceful figurehead for the Civil Rights Movement. He was not a southern African American and did not know all the ins and outs of being completely and utterly oppressed. He grew up in a home where his parents taught him well, a son of a son of a Christian minister, he made the choice to follow the footsteps with the huge bonus of earning a Doctorate in Theology. He was an unlikely candidate to lead the Movement because of his Northern heritage, his education level, and his young age. He had also dabbled and publicly rejected communism and dabbled in an eye for an eye mentality only recently being moved by Ghandi's life and example of non-violence. This is the man, with the oratory gift, that made the argument then led the Black community to boycott the city buses for over a year which turned the tides of rights being recognized by the federal government.
Under great pressure from both sides, Martin Luther King Jr. did not budge from his stance. He received death threats, his house was bombed with explosives. The white community did not adhere to non-violence and there were still physical altercations at times yet continued to preach peace and turn the other cheek. The author briefly touches on titles of other events in the Civil Rights Movement and admits there is too much to write into one chapter. He also admits that MLK, Jr. decided to jump on a different bandwagon the last couple of years of his life that may be distracting to his original greatness, yet he consistently preached and practiced non-violent means to conflict.
It was fascinating. I was disappointed that the chapter ended. This was how all of the chapters were for me. I was completely enveloped in the life of Marie Curie and her perseverance under horrific conditions while testing and isolating radium. Far too little was written on Mother Theresa but enough that the reader understood the depth and breadth of her love of God's children. It is a book to be read slowly and then digested a few days before continuing on. Very well written. Very well researched.
My thoughts: As a self-declared nerd, I will admit that I read history books for fun. That said, I do find myself yawning after so much time as the author of a history book gives way. Too. Much. Information. I realize it's to give the reader a well rounded education on any given topic and there are bibliographies to back it all up which the responsible thing to do when you are a student in a history class. But sometimes I just want a good story in the history book. That is what I found with this book.
The author devotes one chapter per historical giant. The information on that particular person is immense and surprising. Everything is referenced at the end of the chapter but I forgot I was reading a book that was, essentially, a history book. It was fascinating and not necessarily well rounded although it was very well researched. The author clearly chose each giant with great care, studied their lives and accomplishments, and found at least one or two qualities to concentrate on and led the reader to this conclusion evidenced by their life. This is not to say that the author ignored other aspects of the giants' lives but merely brushed upon it and moved it.
An example would be the chapter on Martin Luther King Jr. The greatest achievement of Martin Luther King Jr. was the act of becoming a peaceful figurehead for the Civil Rights Movement. He was not a southern African American and did not know all the ins and outs of being completely and utterly oppressed. He grew up in a home where his parents taught him well, a son of a son of a Christian minister, he made the choice to follow the footsteps with the huge bonus of earning a Doctorate in Theology. He was an unlikely candidate to lead the Movement because of his Northern heritage, his education level, and his young age. He had also dabbled and publicly rejected communism and dabbled in an eye for an eye mentality only recently being moved by Ghandi's life and example of non-violence. This is the man, with the oratory gift, that made the argument then led the Black community to boycott the city buses for over a year which turned the tides of rights being recognized by the federal government.
Under great pressure from both sides, Martin Luther King Jr. did not budge from his stance. He received death threats, his house was bombed with explosives. The white community did not adhere to non-violence and there were still physical altercations at times yet continued to preach peace and turn the other cheek. The author briefly touches on titles of other events in the Civil Rights Movement and admits there is too much to write into one chapter. He also admits that MLK, Jr. decided to jump on a different bandwagon the last couple of years of his life that may be distracting to his original greatness, yet he consistently preached and practiced non-violent means to conflict.
It was fascinating. I was disappointed that the chapter ended. This was how all of the chapters were for me. I was completely enveloped in the life of Marie Curie and her perseverance under horrific conditions while testing and isolating radium. Far too little was written on Mother Theresa but enough that the reader understood the depth and breadth of her love of God's children. It is a book to be read slowly and then digested a few days before continuing on. Very well written. Very well researched.
May 24, 2013
"All those who read these words can summon to mind their own examples of giants in their own lives. It might be a family member, a friend, someone from their faith group, a fellow employee, a neighbor. they are out there, and this world is a better place because of them....We need more dwarfs to become giants! There truly are giants among us!" -Ted Stewart
This book was awesome! I think that it's super important to learn from the great people in history on how to live because they obviously did something right! This book covers the lives of Abraham of Ur, Pericles, The Apostle Paul, Sir Isaac Newton, Madame Marie Curie, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. These were interesting choices to me and can see now why the author chose them. I thought it was interesting that Isaac Newton always had his list of questions about nature and God. He described himself as occasionally picking up seashells while looking out at a sea of unknown truths. The Apostle Paul was an amazing missionary and was, I think, the epitome of a repentant sinner. Madame Curie not only was an amazing scientist that stood out in a world of men, but also a mother and a devoted wife to her husband Pierre. Mother Teresa literally gave her heart over to God and loved everyone through his eyes. I loved that she said, "We all have the duty to serve God where we feel called." My all time favorite chapter in the book though was Martin Luther King Jr. I was literally in tears when I read that chapter. It also had my favorite quotes because I loved his feelings on God and peace in a truly terrifying circumstance.
"As a young man with most of my life ahead of me, I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute. Not to these little gods that are here today and gone tomorrow. But to God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I'm not going to put my ultimate faith in the little gods that can be destroyed in an atomic age, but the God who has been our help in ages past, and our hope for years to come, and our shelter in the time of storm, and our eternal home. That's the God that I'm putting my ultimate faith in."-pg. 180
"In recent months, I have also become more and more convinced of the reality of a personal God...Now it is a living reality that has been validated in the experiences of everyday life. Perhaps the suffering, frustration and agonizing moments which I have had to undergo occasionally as a result of my involvement in a difficult struggle have drawn me closer to God. Whatever the cause, God has been profoundly real to me in recent months. In the midst of outer dangers, I have felt an inner calm and known resources of strength that only God could give. In many instances I have felt the power of God transforming the fatigue of despair into the buoyancy of hope. I am convinced that the universe is under the control of a loving purpose and that in the struggle for righteousness man has cosmic companionship."-pg. 196
This book was awesome! I think that it's super important to learn from the great people in history on how to live because they obviously did something right! This book covers the lives of Abraham of Ur, Pericles, The Apostle Paul, Sir Isaac Newton, Madame Marie Curie, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. These were interesting choices to me and can see now why the author chose them. I thought it was interesting that Isaac Newton always had his list of questions about nature and God. He described himself as occasionally picking up seashells while looking out at a sea of unknown truths. The Apostle Paul was an amazing missionary and was, I think, the epitome of a repentant sinner. Madame Curie not only was an amazing scientist that stood out in a world of men, but also a mother and a devoted wife to her husband Pierre. Mother Teresa literally gave her heart over to God and loved everyone through his eyes. I loved that she said, "We all have the duty to serve God where we feel called." My all time favorite chapter in the book though was Martin Luther King Jr. I was literally in tears when I read that chapter. It also had my favorite quotes because I loved his feelings on God and peace in a truly terrifying circumstance.
"As a young man with most of my life ahead of me, I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute. Not to these little gods that are here today and gone tomorrow. But to God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I'm not going to put my ultimate faith in the little gods that can be destroyed in an atomic age, but the God who has been our help in ages past, and our hope for years to come, and our shelter in the time of storm, and our eternal home. That's the God that I'm putting my ultimate faith in."-pg. 180
"In recent months, I have also become more and more convinced of the reality of a personal God...Now it is a living reality that has been validated in the experiences of everyday life. Perhaps the suffering, frustration and agonizing moments which I have had to undergo occasionally as a result of my involvement in a difficult struggle have drawn me closer to God. Whatever the cause, God has been profoundly real to me in recent months. In the midst of outer dangers, I have felt an inner calm and known resources of strength that only God could give. In many instances I have felt the power of God transforming the fatigue of despair into the buoyancy of hope. I am convinced that the universe is under the control of a loving purpose and that in the struggle for righteousness man has cosmic companionship."-pg. 196
September 4, 2015
Similar to the previous books by Ted Stewart, this book brings history to life by showing the impact of great people from history and how their lives changed the future for most, if not all, of the world.
I was quite impressed by the contributions of Isaac Newton. The contrast between what came before and what came after was very striking in all cases, but especially Newton’s, and so much of what he found impacts all of the innovations and inventions that came after.
I similarly learned a lot about Marie Curie and her inspiring story (and how hard she worked to make the discoveries she did!), and was fascinated by all that she contributed.
Finally, the chapter on Mother Theresa is simply inspiring, and the chapters on Pericles, Abraham, the Apostle Paul, and Martin Luther King, Jr., were all good, too. I highly recommend this book!
I was quite impressed by the contributions of Isaac Newton. The contrast between what came before and what came after was very striking in all cases, but especially Newton’s, and so much of what he found impacts all of the innovations and inventions that came after.
I similarly learned a lot about Marie Curie and her inspiring story (and how hard she worked to make the discoveries she did!), and was fascinated by all that she contributed.
Finally, the chapter on Mother Theresa is simply inspiring, and the chapters on Pericles, Abraham, the Apostle Paul, and Martin Luther King, Jr., were all good, too. I highly recommend this book!
March 2, 2019
When I first started this book, I almost stopped entirely because I didn’t respect his list of seven people. Not because of the people on the list, but because of the people who are not on the list. However, if you read the last chapter of the book 1st, he will give you a better understanding of why he picked his list and how there are many other giants that could have been included. That being said, this book was amazing! I love getting more in depth detail about every single one of his Giants. I would recommend to everyone.
February 19, 2014
Great insight into 7 of the great historical figures in world history. Interesting read. Makes you want to know more about the historical figures that are not as familiar to the reader.
January 20, 2018
I have read the other books by the Stewart brothers. This one is probably my least favorite. Maybe it is because I am not convinced that his list is very good. Admittedly, this would be a very tough activity for anyone to undertake. But maybe that's the point--I am not sure it should be done at all. The field is far too vast. Don't get me wrong; the people he picked to write about are all great people who had a significant impact on the world. And they are all great role models and exemplify attributes of true leadership, etc. But I just couldn't escape the notion that the list was woefully incomplete. And there are some other things that are questionable about the book's research. For example, Stewart posits that Isaac Newton was a spiritual man (which is true), and that he had a somewhat prophetic streak. He lists a few of Newton's predictions that came true (or at least reasonably so). Then he says that Newton predicted that Jesus Christ would return to earth in the 21st century. After doing a little research of my own into this, I found that what Newton actually said was that he didn't think Christ would return to earth before 2016 or 2060, depending on which of Newton's predictions at which period of his life you want to look at. That's not exactly the same thing as saying that Newton believed that Jesus would return to earth in the 21st century. Misrepresentations like this always reduce the author's credibility in my estimation and I am constantly asking myself what else might not be quite right throughout the rest of the book. Another problem with the book is that the author had to spend so much time in some chapters explaining the background for why the person's contributions were significant that you didn't get as much about the actual person sometimes. I know the book wasn't supposed to be a biography, but this was frequently an unsatisfying aspect of the book for me. The last chapter had me debating between giving this book three or four stars, but in the end one pretty good chapter didn't dissuade me from giving the book the stars overall. It's ok, but I wouldn't rely on its historical accuracy.
September 16, 2024
I struggled a bit with the first three chapters of this book. The Abraham chapter was just waaaay too long. Had I been reading instead of listening, I definitely would have skimmed it. There wasn't anything really new for me in that. The chapter on Pericles was a little hard for me to follow. I think maybe because there were a lot of names that were unfamiliar, and since I was listening, I got lost a little and couldn't go back and refresh my memory. I enjoyed the chapter on Paul more than the one on Abraham, but it was still basic. I'm not questioning his choice in including those three, I just didn't get as much out of those chapters.
The rest of the book was fabulous. I learned so much about each one of the individuals highlighted. They were phenomenal people who did some truly amazing things. What they overcame to become who they were was awe-inspiring. Very enjoyable!
The rest of the book was fabulous. I learned so much about each one of the individuals highlighted. They were phenomenal people who did some truly amazing things. What they overcame to become who they were was awe-inspiring. Very enjoyable!
May 27, 2018
I loved this book. What a great look into how Abraham helped resurrect monotheism vs. worshipping several idols and Gods, why Paul made such a difference in the world in spreading Christendom outside the realm of Jewish people, how Pericles of Athens proved the a self governed government can work, Newton assured that we would never have a hypothesis without probable experimentation, how Martin Luther King Jr. showed that change can be brought about by peaceable means, and the woman I look up to most...Mother Teresa was a great example to us in showing us the importance of performing unselfish acts of service. They all had personal courage, they weren’t easily discouraged, and they had Faith. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2017
It was interesting to read about these people and their lives. I'm not big on reading biographies so I really didn't know much about Madame Curie, Mother Teresa or Isaac Newton. I had never heard of Pericles. I was familiar with Martin Luther King but not aware of all he did. I knew some about Abraham but still learned even more. Same with Paul. Very interesting perspective. And then to think about people who are giants today in my life. Really liked the book.
February 1, 2019
This relatively short book provides an engaging, informative history of seven remarkable people, termed "giants" by Stewart, who were instrumental in promoting ideas that changed the world. Using this unusual lens, he puts forth some thoughtful observations and insights. He challenges us to find giants in our world--and to become giants of a sort ourselves within our own communities. I found this book to be hopeful in a time of cynicism and division.
June 5, 2017
This book was an excellent overview of the lives of 7 great people. The information was very interesting-- though the first 3 chapters very very dry, like reading a textbook, and took me a while to get through. I learned many things I didn't know about each of these individuals and would like to study some of them in more depth.
October 4, 2017
This is a fantastic lesson in history in one of the most interesting ways I've ever experienced. I hadn't realized the far reaching effects of most of these people .It was interesting to learn how much influence they still have in the world today. I especially love the section on Marie Curie. I would recommend this to everyone !!
July 15, 2017
A touching book. Though it's written to what is probably a middle school reading level, it is a great introduction to the lives of seven giants in world history. I was especially moved by the story of Mother Teresa. My kids will read this!
May 19, 2018
I loved this book! It is about 7 people in our history who have been influential. It was so interesting learning the background of the world and what helped shape these people. I wasn't planning on liking it so much, so it was a pleasant surprise!
September 28, 2018
Wow such an inspiring book! I loved it both times I read it. Mini biographies of 7 people who dramatically altered the course of human history. The amazing thing is that most of them were just living their lives unaware of the impact their lives were making or would make.
October 19, 2018
Very good read.
I learned sooo much about people that I had merely come in contact with their names. I feel like i am awestruck at how people sacrifice their own comfort for the good of all mankind. Highly recommend it.
I learned sooo much about people that I had merely come in contact with their names. I feel like i am awestruck at how people sacrifice their own comfort for the good of all mankind. Highly recommend it.
May 23, 2017
This is an inspirational and interesting read! I highly recommend it. The entire I was reading it, I was talking about it to everyone.
March 11, 2018
A little let down as the Stewart Brothers are among my favorite authors.
May 1, 2018
I learned much from this book. I especially enjoyed the insights into Paul, Newton, Madam Curie, Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King jr.
February 27, 2019
I skimmed the first part of this book but became interested in the stories later on. The history of these people was interesting and enjoyable to read.
May 6, 2019
This book offers a look at several individuals, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa who have changed the world that we live in. It is excellent.
June 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was fascinating to learn about these amazing people and the circumstances that led them to be the people they became.
August 27, 2019
Another very interesting book by Stewart. Enjoyed learning more about some of the great in human history including Abraham, Paul, Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, Marie Curie, and others!
September 13, 2019
What a neat book. The idea that there are people in the world that simply leave a mark so large that the world and it's events, especially history are forced to change their course is beautiful. I loved this book.
December 24, 2020
Provides interesting, brief, descriptions of 7 people who shaped the history of the world we live in.
April 16, 2021
Truly amazing of how people can be so driven to accomplish so much
in their short life spans. There is a greater influence from above which was
instilled in each of these 7 great giants.
in their short life spans. There is a greater influence from above which was
instilled in each of these 7 great giants.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews