Lao-Tzu: Considered by some as the wisest man who ever lived (500 years before Jesus), he taught me about the perfect harmony of Nature. Through observing The Tao (or Ultimate Creative Force), we could better understand how to conduct the affairs of our own lives.

Jesus: His story taught me the importance of forgiveness, empathy, unconditional love, and tolerance.

Bruce Lee: His philosophy is similar to that of Lao-Tzu (one of his inspirations). Lee helped me understand the importance of the Yin and Yang forces and inspired me to create balance between the Body, Spirit, and Mind.

Eckhart Tolle: Modern day author of the book The Power of Now. Tolle taught me that the past and future are merely figments of our imaginations; they're not real. It makes no sense to dwell there. NOW is the most powerful moment we have. Stay there.

Don Miguel Ruiz: Modern day author of the book The Four Agreements. Ruiz helped me understand that nothing anyone says or does to you is about you. They're just doing the best they can to make sense of their own dream; so you should never take things personally.

Albert Einstein: His huge picture hangs on my wall and reminds me about the unlimited potential of the human brain. He taught me the importance of thinking outside-the-box and cultivating a healthy imagination.

Thomas Edison: He taught me the importance of persistence and creativity. When asked how it felt to have failed in his attempts to create a light-bulb, he responded, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Krishna: The "Jesus" figure of the Hindu faith. Krishna helped me increase my level of empathy for the animal kingdom, understanding that one species is no better than the other -- and are "loved" equally by the "Creator."

Martin Luther King, Jr: He taught me the importance of equality, and standing up for what's right in the face of adversity.

Mark Zuckerberg: Founder of Facebook. I love that he wears flip-flops and hoodies to important business meetings. I love the way he used his intellect and smart-assed disposition to destroy his foes. "If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you would've invented Facebook."

Neale Donald Walsch: Modern day author of Conversations With God. Walsch helped me understand that there's a "voice" of clarity and wisdom that lives inside us all. The highest thought (one based in truth, love, and forgiveness) is always available to be called upon.

Dr. Wayne Dyer: Modern day author of The Power of Intention. Dyer helped me see that within each acorn lives a mighty oak tree. Within each caterpillar exists the potential of a beautiful butterfly. Staying aligned with this power helps us maximize our potential.

Tony Robbins: Modern day motivational speaker, who taught me the importance of taking action. Power is the ability to take action. Nothing happens until something moves.

Tim Ferriss: Modern day human guinea pig. Ferriss helped me make sense of the rapidly changing digital world. He's helped me understand how to maximize my quality of life in the most efficient manner, utilizing technology and self-experimentation.

Richard Dawkins: Modern day scientist and author of The God Delusion. Dawkins helped me become comfortable with the conflicting thoughts I was having regarding religion, and how a lot of religious things just didn't add up. He helped me feel comfortable with calling "delusion" ... "delusion."

Mark Twain: One of America's original smart-asses. Twain's sharp wit and no-nonsense way of observing and describing society helped me shape my own.

Charles Darwin: Father of the theory of evolution. Darwin observed the world as it really was, methodically analyzing the data and intelligently trying to determine how things really came to be, instead of following the religious herd.