As you probably know by now, I exercise extreme scepticism when it comes to opinion polls. But that doesn't mean that they can't be a lot of fun to read. YouGov carried out a worldwide poll sponsored by The Times to find out who the world's most admired living person is. You can find the results on their website, both worldwide and divided by each country. Unsurprisingly, Bill Gates tops the list, with Barack Obama & Pope Francis in the top 5. But I must admit I was surprised to see a certain Russian president Vladimir Putin at #3 on the worldwide list. I'm sure some people will have things to say about that.

 

Be sure to read through the whole thing, it makes for interesting reading. It's rather surprisingly to see George W Bush at #4 on the USA's list, and slightly distressing to see National Front leader Marie La Pen at #5 on France's list.

It's a bit flawed given it's on the basis of most preferred, especially if it's concentrated in Russia - and surveying thirteen countries isn't really grounds for 'the world's most admired' given how skewed to the G20 it is! Plus, 3% is hardly remit for 'third most admired'. If you asked people to select people who they admired from a list of selected people however...

Hahah say what, that weirdo! Never :D