AGE: 72
OCCUPATION: Buddhist monk, exiled leader of Tibet
NUMBER OF TIME COVERS: 2
PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ON THE TIME 100: 2
PRO: A self-described "simple Buddhist monk," the 14th incarnation of the Dalai Lama certainly hasn't had a simple life. After fleeing his homeland in 1959 in fear of his life, the Tibetan figurehead has spent his life advocating for tolerance and compassion, earning a Nobel Peace Prize in the process.
CON: Criticized for going easy on China, yet also criticized for not stepping in to stop the violent anti-China protests in Tibet organized ahead of the Beijing Olympics. Seen by some as nothing more than a humanitarian accoutrement for celebrities.