Choices that no one saw coming

When Time shocked us: 10 surprising "Person of the Year" choices

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Since 1927, TIME magazine has featured the "Person of the Year" on its cover, someone who, "for better or for worse...has done the most to influence the events of the year." There have been all kinds of "Persons of the Year," and some of them weren't even people! From groups to abstract concepts and even inanimate objects, we’re looking back at those surprising moments when TIME made unexpected choices. Join us!

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In 1982, TIME broke with tradition by naming the first inanimate object as its "Person of the Year," though in this case, "Machine of the Year": The computer. Featuring a PC on the cover, the issue symbolized the rise of computing in the US and around the world.

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In 1988, the "Person of the Year" was none other than "The Endangered Earth." With this bold shift in focus and striking choice, TIME aimed to raise awareness about the planet's condition and the growing threat of pollution and climate change. The cover featured the Earth wrapped in plastic, a shocking image at the time!

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In 2006, TIME delivered another total surprise: The "Person of the Year" was you!

That's right! With the word "You" on the cover, it was a recognition to all of us: internet users who anonymously contributed content to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, and more. Do you feel recognized? We do!

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In 1966, TIME featured "The Inheritor" on its cover to represent an entire generation: the young baby boomers, who, at the time, made up nearly half the US population. Comparing them to the prior "Silent Generation," the editors said, "Today, the young are anything but silent (...) they make many statements and appear more deeply committed."

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In 2005, TIME chose to highlight goodwill by naming "The Good Samaritans" as its "Person of the Year." While the recognition wasn't limited to just a few individuals, the magazine featured Bono, lead singer of U2, for helping organize the 2005 Live 8 concerts benefiting African families, and also Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, recognized for their work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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Although we're used to seeing a single person on the cover, TIME has sometimes chosen groups of people instead. That was the case in 1950, when the magazine chose "The American Fighting Man" as its "Man of the Year," the title used at the time. This symbolic cover recognized the contributions of every person serving in the US military during the Korean War.

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In 1960, the "Man of the Year" wasn't a single person either: TIME honored US scientists as a group. The cover featured 15 scientists, highlighting the year's major advancements in fields like genetic research, space exploration, and atomic physics.

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In 1975, the magazine once again chose not an individual but an idea: the feminist movement of the time. Ten influential American women were featured on the cover, including writers, military personnel, intellectuals, politicians, athletes, and even then–First Lady Betty Ford. Ironically, TIME kept the title "Man of the Year" until 1999.

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In 1993, the "Man of the Year" were actually four men, collectively called "The Peacemakers": Nelson Mandela, Yitzhak Rabin, Yasser Arafat, and F.W. de Klerk. TIME recognized them for their contributions to peace negotiations in the Middle East and South Africa.

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In 2002, TIME chose a group of three people: The Whistleblowers. Who were they? Cynthia Cooper, Sherron Watkins, and Coleen Rowley, three women who denounced irregularities committed by powerful institutions. Their bold and courageous actions had a powerful impact, leading to far-reaching reforms.

Steady as she goes!

Sail away with these 10 timeless fictional captains!

Ahoy, matey! There’s something so alluring about sailing into the open seas. We’ve all daydreamed about the freedom and excitement that only a life aboard a ship can offer. But that doesn’t mean this life comes without responsibilities—especially if you’re bestowed the great honor of being the captain of your ship. One must always be aware of the weather, the ship’s condition, and, above all, maintain the morale of the crew.

With that in mind, we’ve decided to pay homage to some of the most iconic fictional captains out there. These 10 commanders have, on numerous occasions, proved themselves and their leadership skills, often risking their lives to keep their crews safe. So, without further ado, here’s our pick!

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There’s a reason why Herman Melville’s 1851 novel Moby-Dick is considered a jewel of American literature: it’s not only an exciting retelling of 19th-century sailing, but also a powerful exploration of mankind’s inherent—and ultimately futile—struggle against nature. In that sense, Captain Ahab embodies many of the traits that make a great captain: his sailing prowess and determination are unmatched. Unfortunately, Ahab becomes consumed by vengeance and madness in his desperate quest to hunt the mythical white whale, Moby-Dick.

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As we mentioned before, some of the traits that make a good captain are courage and a stern nature in the face of danger. That said, who’s to say they can’t also be a happy and jovial companion? Created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé, Captain Archibald Haddock is the trusted ally of amateur detective Tintin. While slightly bullheaded and hot-tempered, Haddock has proven time and again to be a wonderful friend and a brave adventurer.

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Created by cartoonist Hugo Pratt in the 1960s, Corto Maltese is a seafaring wanderer who travels the world in search of fortune, friendship, or adventure. Born the son of a fortune-teller and a British sailor, Corto was influenced by the magical arts from a young age. As an adult, his journeys often take him to mystical and lost continents like Atlantis or Mu.

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Who is more trustworthy than a captain you can see every day at the breakfast table? The mascot of the eponymous cereal, Cap’n Crunch is a smiling, elderly naval captain who sports a spectacular mustache and an impeccable Revolutionary War–style maritime uniform. TV commercials depict him commanding the ship Guppy, transporting a cargo of Cap’n Crunch cereal across the world. Fun fact: his full name is Captain Horatio Magellan Crunch.

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It was about time we came across the first pirate on our list—after all, what’s a good pirate ship without its captain? With that in mind, allow us to introduce one of the most terrifying fictional pirates out there: Peter Pan’s nemesis, the dreaded Captain Hook. Well, actually, one of his two nemeses—the other being the crocodile that ate his hand, forcing him to replace it with the metal hook that gave him his famous nickname.

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One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the hit science-fiction show Star Trek was how it highlighted the similarities between space travel and seafaring: both involve traversing the great unknown and discovering new and exciting frontiers. In that sense, the original Star Trek series followed the voyages of the U.S.S. Enterprise, helmed by the daring and brave Captain James Tiberius Kirk. Portrayed by William Shatner, Captain Kirk’s daredevil instincts often proved to be what saved the Enterprise and its crew from certain doom.

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Jules Verne’s groundbreaking novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas introduced us to Captain Nemo, an intrepid adventurer who dared to take his pioneering ship, the Nautilus, where no captain had ever gone before: beneath the waves. Driven by his desire to conduct marine research and expand human knowledge, Captain Nemo leads the Nautilus into the unexplored depths of the ocean.

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As we mentioned before, any pirate worth their salt has to prove their skills as a seafaring captain. With that in mind, Captain Jack Sparrow has shown time and again why he is the stuff of legends. Portrayed by actor Johnny Depp in all Pirates of the Caribbean movies since 2001, Jack Sparrow has taken his trusted ship, the Black Pearl, to the edge of the world.

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Han Solo is many things: a smuggler, a rebel fighter, and a charming rogue. However, above all, he is the captain of the iconic spaceship, the Millennium Falcon. Joined by his best friend and trusted first mate, Chewbacca, Han Solo has commanded the Millennium Falcon across the entire galaxy, hopping from adventure to adventure.

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We'll finish this article with a captain no sailor ever wants to meet. Davy Jones is the name given to the sailor's very own boogeyman, a sinister presence responsible for dragging ships to the depths of the ocean (colloquially known as "Davy Jones' Locker"). Commanding his ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman, Davy Jones sails the Seven Seas in search of the souls of damned sailors.