Indian Emperor Ashoka lived some 2300 years ago. He's remembered for his wisdom, his efforts to promote peace, and his edicts on right behavior & respect for others. He reached out to the far corners of the then-known world to dig wells and to plant trees. Ashoka supported education and made provision for minority peoples.
From our own time, the name Obama might have become great. He promised much. He ruled a great nation, and pledged change & hope. But he fizzled, and failed without really trying. Anti-democratic, militaristic, champion of a dangerous secret police, Obama will be remembered, if at all, as just another shallow bum.