Micah Roble

History 134 Ancient World

Kimberly Lark

8/08/18

Reflection

Throughout history there have been many individuals to admire for their work to better

society. Many have improved society through the way of medicine, philosophy, war and

conquest. However, I would say that the most critical component that has influenced our society

would be the spread and creation of religion. I believe that figures like Jesus of Nazareth,

Muhammed, and Ashoka most effectively helped advance society in a responsible and positive

way.

First, one of the most important figures in Buddhism was Ashoka, one of the first

emperors of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka did not begin his life as an adherent of Buddhism and

began his rule with a bloody battle with the Kalinga Empire. After he was victories in the battle,

he was disgusted and distraught by the act of war and sought recollection. During his journey, he

discovered Buddhism and quickly converted to it. Ashoka sent missionaries to help spread the

religion which had an incredible effect on his kingdom. Due to Buddhism’s peaceful tenants, the

empire knew much peace during Asoka’s life and warfare was heavily criticized. The ideas of

Karma and being treated in a way that one would like to be treated themselves was a very

important idea in the Buddhist Mauryan Empire (The Mauryan Empire). This spread of

Buddhism and its peace would have an effect on the world that is still apparent to today. Much of

the success of Buddhism and peace can be attributed to Ashoka.

 Next, Jesus of Nazareth is probably the most important religious figure in the entire

history of the world. Jesus was the founder of Christianity, which has become the most popular

religion on the entire planet. A very important tenant of Christianity is the idea of how everyone

is equal. Jesus preached that when people died, the first would be last and the last would be first.

This essentially meant that those who were poor and righteous would be awarded the kingdom of

heaven, while those who were rich, greedy, and sinners would never reach said kingdom. His

religion also preached social justice and kindness. The religions appeal to the poor and its

affectionate characteristics made many flock to Christianity (crashcourse). Christianity created a

moral standard that is still heavily followed to this day and its teaching have helped millions

across the entire world. Christianity has greatly bettered the society of our planet

Lastly, Islam and its founder Mohammed have greatly helped society. Mohammed spread

Islam throughout the Middle East and is seen as an incredibly benevolent man in the Muslim

community. There are countless verses in the Koran in relation to peace and harmony and Islam

is seen as a book of peace to many in the religion. One incredibly critical part of Islam would be

the idea of Zakat. Zakat is donations to the poor and to organizations that help the spread of

Islam (“Islam). Helping the poor is seen as a very crucial part of Muslim identify. Because of

Islam’s teaching of peace and helping the poor. Many of the early Islamic societies were very

peaceful and effectively helped the underprivileged in their communities.

There is much that I can personally learn from studying the ways of these three men from

history. Ashoka and his spread of Buddhism helps teach that one should never sue for war and

should always try to find peace. Jesus of Nazareth teaches that one should be humble and that in

the eyes of the lord, we are all equal. The Prophet Muhammed taught that one should help the

poor and do their best to help one another. These men helped shape the world as we see it today
and because of these men the world has become a much more peaceful, kind, humble,

benevolent, and overall better place.

 Bibliography

crashcourse. “Christianity from Judaism to Constantine: Crash Course World History

#11.” YouTube, YouTube, 5 Apr. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG55ErfdaeY.

“Islam, The Islamic Faith And Law.” Greece, A History of Ancient Greece, Mythology, history-

world.org/islam3.htm.

“The Mauryan Empire of Ancient India.” TimeMaps, www.timemaps.com/civilizations/the-

mauryan-empire/.