It is easy to underestimate the power of one. One is such a small number, yet, even mathematically, one is infinitely more than zero. An independent individual can revolutionize the human race with nothing more than his or her own determination and conviction. As John Stuart Mill said, "One person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests." (Mill as quoted by Moncur). From the terrror that Attila the Hun brought, to the nonviolent power that Mohandas Gandhi taught, a single person has often changed all of humanity in one time. A single individual has the potential to change the world.

The religions of the world reflect the importance of the individual. Most religions are built upon the life of one person. Buddhism is based solely on the life of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Christians strive to emulate Jesus Christ. In addition, many faiths include one supreme god. Both Islam and Judaism are monotheistic. Above all this, faith itself is one person's personal and individual beliefs. This makes the very idea of religion a singular concept.

History is defined by one person who chooses to make a difference. Johannes Gutenberg invented the moveable type printing press in the 1400s, causing a revolution in the written word and generating new interest in exploration. In the sixteenth century, Martin Luther, a timid priest, broke away from the Catholic Church, changing religion and government forever. In more recent times, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired an entire generation with his nonviolent approach to protesting. The story of the human race is filled with individuals who were willing to change their world.

Even the most ordinary actions can have extraordinary consequences. A woman sitting on a bus seat seems such an ordinary occurrence. When the woman is Rosa Parks and the seat is in the whites-only section of the bus, this everyday event becomes very important. Her refusal to give up her seat sparked off the Civil Rights movement. During World War II, many people sheltered their friends and neighbors, and, in doing so, saved thousands of Jews. Even ordinary people can make a great difference.

An individual cannot possibly have any idea of the great consequences of his or her actions. It is doubtful that Johannes Gutenberg even suspected the effect of his invention or that Siddhartha Gautama knew his eventual influence; however, they both changed the world. One person's life and actions can totally alter the whole world.