The TIME 100.

Nancy Pelosi The first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives and a member of Congress since 1987

His Holiness the Dalai Lama describes himself as a "simple monk," but he represents so much more to so many. He is a source of spiritual refuge, and has used his position to promote wisdom, compassion and nonviolence as a solution to world conflicts.

Katie Couric First solo female anchor of the weekday evening news on CBS and a former co-host of NBC's Today show for 15 years

What would you tell the world if you had one last chance to share what you've learned? The final lecture of Professor Randy Pausch, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, has immortality on the Internet and provides an object lesson on how to live and how to die.

Bill Gates Chairman of Microsoft; co-founder, with his wife, of a self-titled foundation that promotes global health and education

The information revolution has almost as much to do with business innovation as it does with technological breakthroughs. No one has played a bigger role in transforming the business side of the computer industry than Steve Ballmer.

Wesley Autrey A savior, known as the subway hero, who jumped in front of a train to save a man who had fallen onto the tracks

I nominate Barack Obama. His challenge to mankind is the tool for a great America--a great message that calls for all to rise and move forward with one another. America is in dying need of a change. I am confident Obama is fit for the challenge.

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