“Time” just released their 100 Most Influential People list, and there were definitely some surprises
It’s that time of year again. Time revealed their 100 Most Influential People in the World list, and it always gets us thinking about the people shaping our world, our tastes, and our realities. Among just some of the names on the (unranked) list were Pope Francis, Donald Trump, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, philanthropist Melinda Gates, Ed Sheeran, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Riz Ahmed, Simone Biles, Viola Davis, James Corden, Leslie Jones, and more.
Accompanying the name of each nominee was an essay written by a friend about them — usually another super famous person.
One that immediately caught our attention was Taylor Swift’s essay on her friend Ed Sheeran.
"[...]Whether by choice or an unconscious evolution, when he decided on his musical ambitions, Ed became less of a boy and more of a tank. He is protected by an impenetrable and ever-present armor of enthusiasm that has helped him endure any setback, letdown or underestimation. His reaction to any idea that fails is to almost immediately come up with a new one. He’s like a fighter who pops back up on his feet before you even noticed he’d been knocked down."
Should we relive Sheeran’s electrifying performance from the recent Grammy Awards? OKAY.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPvARJW_iVI?feature=oembed
Emma Stone’s essay was written by her pal Brie Larson.
"But Emma takes on significant roles off-screen as well. The selfless friend. The wise psychiatrist. The fearless leader. The coolest girl at the party. (She's even the intense soccer mom, cheering you on, no matter what, at the top of her lungs.) I know that she has played all of these roles in my life. And for that I'm lucky to call her my friend."
Russell Crowe wrote the essay for Leslie Jones, and here are some of his kind words:
"It wasn't just the comedy that drew me close to Leslie Jones. Although her brand — edgy, insightful and honest — is the kind I lean to. It wasn't just the bonhomie, the easy friendship and the shared sense of gratitude. It wasn't just the beauty, though it radiates from her unchecked. It was, in fact, the kindness, the thoughtfulness and the way she owns all of who she is."
via giphy The youngest person on the list is 17-year-old LGBTQ activist Gavin Grimm, who transitioned from female to male in high school and has been fighting to use the boys bathroom at his school in Virginia. His essay was written by Janet Mock, and she highlights the importance of his “refusal to be treated unjustly.” We’re so glad to see Grimm on this important list!
You can see the whole list here. Many of the essays are worth reading, so dive in!
