Some of the Most Influential Babies in History

From ancient times to the modern era, some babies have left indelible marks on the course of history. This article explores a few of these significant infants, focusing on how their lives and legacies continue to shape our world today. From the revered religious figures of Moses and Jesus to the more contemporary icon Gerber baby, each has left an enduring impact.

The Most Influential Babies in History

In terms of influence and impact, the list of influential babies is surprisingly short. At the very top, two names stand out: Moses and Jesus. Their early lives are deeply intertwined with some of the most pivotal events in human history, and their stories have been retold and revered for millennia.

Moses

Moses, who lived around the 13th century BCE, is perhaps one of the most influential figures in history. According to religious texts, he was a prophet and lawgiver who wrote the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Born to a Hebrew family in Egypt, Moses was kept safe by his mother, who placed him in a basket on the Nile river to protect him from Pharaoh's orders to kill all Hebrew baby boys. Eventually adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, Moses grew up in the Egyptian royal household before escaping and leading the Israelites out of slavery. His leadership, wisdom, and the divine revelations attributed to him have cemented his place as a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Jesus

Jesus of Nazareth, who lived around the 1st century CE, is arguably the most influential figure in recorded history. He is a central figure in Christianity and is believed by many to be the Son of God, a prophet, and the Messiah foretold in the Hebrew Bible. According to the New Testament, Jesus was the son of Mary and a carpenter named Joseph. His teachings, miracles, and crucifixion by the Romans are central to Christian beliefs and practices. Jesus' message of love, forgiveness, and spiritual resurrection has profoundly influenced not only religion but also culture, art, and morality throughout the world.

The Gerber Baby

While Moses and Jesus undoubtedly have the most profound impact, there are also other babies whose images have become icons in their own right. One such baby is the Gerber baby, a baby who has been a familiar face on American baby food products since the early 20th century. Gerber began using the image of Ann Turner Cook, a baby from Connecticut, in their advertisements in 1928. The image was so well received that the Gerber baby became the company's trademark in 1931.

Ann Turner Cook, who was only four months old when the sketch was drawn, grew up to have an intriguing life. She became an English teacher and later a mystery novelist, providing a striking contrast to the image on Gerber's baby food cans that were consumed by children around the world.

Why the Gerber Baby Is So Influential

While Moses and Jesus undoubtedly have the most profound impact, the Gerber baby also has a unique form of influence. The Gerber baby image has been on products for nearly a century, and it has come to represent a widely recognized symbol of trust and quality in baby food. The fact that it has persisted for so long, without needing to change, speaks to the power of the image and the brand.

Much of the Gerber baby's influence can be attributed to the fact that the image has been consistent for so long. Unlike other forms of advertising, where images and messaging can change rapidly, the Gerber baby has maintained a consistent image, which has helped build a strong brand presence in the minds of consumers.

Other Examples of Influential Babies

While the Gerber baby is a well-known image, there are other instances where baby images have had a significant influence. For example, during World War II, baby images were a common sight on posters used to promote various causes. These posters often depicted smiling, healthy babies with captions like "Eat war foods to make babies strong" or "Buy war bonds to help babies and cripples." These images were a powerful way to appeal to the public's sense of duty and patriotism, and they played a role in shaping public opinion and behavior.

Another example is the miseducation and misinformation that can result from the use of baby images. For instance, some advertisements for baby products might exaggerate the benefits or create unrealistic expectations. This can be particularly damaging when it comes to issues like nutritional claims, as parents might be misled into purchasing products that are not as beneficial as advertised.

Therefore, while the Gerber baby is not as influential as Moses and Jesus, its consistent and recognizable image has made it a highly influential and recognizable symbol in the baby food industry.

Conclusion

The lives and legacies of Moses, Jesus, and the Gerber baby showcase the enduring impact that babies can have on the world, whether through historical, religious, or commercial contexts. Their stories continue to be retold, and their images have become ingrained in our cultural consciousness. Whether through divine revelation, commercial imagery, or public health campaigns, the story of a baby can have a profound and lasting effect on humanity.