Persons who made a distinct imprint on the development of history had an outstanding influence on the development of the history of society in their action. Man is the subject of society, and in the process of development of the history of human society, each person plays a greater or lesser, good or bad part. Individuals can be distinguished into ordinary individuals and historical figures according to the magnitude of the part they play in influencing history. Historical figures are parties to historical events; they leave a distinct imprint of their will on the course of history and can influence the external feature of historical events. Depending on the nature of their influence on history, historical figures can be distinguished into progressive or outstanding historical figures and reactionary historical figures. Outstanding figures are historical figures who are capable to reflect the requirements of the development of the epoch, represent the fundamental interests of progressive classes, and play a significant role as levers for the development of the history of society. Among outstanding figures, there are not only outstanding statesmen, economists, military officials and social activists, but also outstanding thinkers, scientists, writers and artists. Outstanding politicians are generally referred to as leaders. According to Lenin, the leaders of the proletariat are a more or less stable group composed of the most authoritative, influential and experienced members, who are elected to the most responsible positions, and are called leaders. Reactionary figures are historical figures who represent the interests of the decadent and declining classes and act as a fetter upon the development of the history of society…
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