5 People Who Will Inspire You to Change History (They Did!)
A tour of the people, places and things behind a few of history's biggest breakthroughs.
1666
Physicist Isaac Newton sees apple plummet to earth while relaxing in English garden, according to legend. Newton begins pondering crazy theorem he calls gravity; nearly 350 years later, it's still the most important scientific discovery involving fruit.
1816
Mary Godwin (soon to be Shelley) chums around with Lord Byron in Switzerland, reading ghost stories aloud. He suggests spooky writing contest; she dreams of
Frankenstein, helping usher in science fiction genre. It's aliiiive!
1925
Young Frida Kahlo heals at home after bus accident, passes time painting. Mother fastens mirror above bed; Kahlo discovers love of self-portraits. Iconic stare and alluring unibrow still beguile today.
1948
Julia Child dines in Rouen, France; helpings of oysters, rye bread, sole meunière, fromage blanc and wine blow her mind, set her on path to culinary school—and pave the way for delicious meals in kitchens the world over.
2011
British chanteuse Adele turns breakup into musical gold with second album,
21; while heartbreaker remains unnamed, Adele wins six Grammys, declares victory on behalf of scorned lovers everywhere.
From the
August 2014 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
