Norman Borlaug is the greatest man you’ve never heard of. Winner of a Nobel Peace Prize, Borlaug completely changed the agricultural industry.
Originally commencing his studies at the University of Minnesota with a strong interest in wrestling, he soon developed an enthusiasm for plant pathology and genetics. His agricultural research lead him into understanding plant genetics and the different strains of various plants.
After applying this knowledge to wheat strains in Asia and Africa, he was able to create new wheat varieties and improved crop management for those struggling to provide food for their families on a daily basis. His ability to improve wheat crops has helped impoverished countries who were unable to find ways to counter the diseases destroying their crops.
In the 1940s to 1950s he would teach farmers in impoverished countries how to cultivate their crops properly and how to cultivate the new strains. His work on agriculture sparked what was known as the “Green Revolution,” saving more lives than any other person in history. It is estimated that he has saved the lives of over 1 billion people, giving merit to his title as a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. To add even more appellations to his repertoire, Borlaug is also a Biologist.
This humanitarian embodies the idea of letting your work speak for itself, as he quietly established one of the largest positive movements to humankind. He considered his work “A temporary success in man’s war against hunger and deprivation.” With so many accomplishments under his belt, it is no wonder that many have deemed him one the most impactful people to ever live. With a strict focus on the impoverished and low income, Borlaug created a simple solution to what was a detrimental problem in the lives of so many.
