Teachers across cultures and centuries.

Jesus of Nazareth

Christianity · Middle East · c. 4 BCE – 30 CE

Often remembered for teaching love of neighbor, care for the vulnerable, and forgiveness.

Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)

Buddhism · South Asia · c. 5th–4th century BCE

Traditionally understood as teaching a path of compassion, mindfulness, and the easing of suffering.

Muhammad

Islam · Middle East · c. 570 – 632 CE

Central themes include mercy, charity, care for the poor, and the oneness of humanity before God.

Moses

Judaism · Middle East · Traditionally c. 13th century BCE

Associated with liberation from oppression and a moral law centered on justice and dignity.

Krishna

Hinduism · South Asia · Traditional figure of ancient India

Traditionally understood as teaching selfless action, devotion, and inner steadiness.

Laozi

Taoism · East Asia · Traditionally c. 6th century BCE

Associated with teachings on humility, simplicity, and harmony with the natural way of things.

Confucius

Confucianism · East Asia · 551 – 479 BCE

Often remembered for teaching ethical relationships, integrity, and a kind of golden rule.

Guru Nanak

Sikhism · South Asia · 1469 – 1539 CE

Central themes include equality, honest work, shared meals, and remembrance of the divine.

Mahavira

Jainism · South Asia · c. 599 – 527 BCE

Associated with radical nonviolence and reverence for the life of every being.

St. Francis of Assisi

Christianity · Europe · c. 1181 – 1226 CE

Often remembered for simplicity, care for the poor, peacemaking, and reverence for creation.

Jalal ad-Din Rumi

Sufism (Islamic mysticism) · Middle East · 1207 – 1273 CE

Associated with poetry on love, longing, and the unity beneath apparent differences.

Mother Teresa

Christianity · Europe · 1910 – 1997 CE

Often remembered for serving the dying and destitute on the streets of Kolkata.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Christianity / civil rights · Americas · 1929 – 1968 CE

Central themes include nonviolent justice, the dignity of every person, and the beloved community.

Mohandas K. Gandhi

Hindu-inspired ethics · South Asia · 1869 – 1948 CE

Associated with nonviolence, truth-telling, and dignified resistance to injustice.