The Bloomsbury Group

I just like this piece (because of the hands!), but of course the man is also worth discussing.

Lytton Strachey by Dora Carrington (they were friends)

Watch this Man

Well, he's been around for a while... but I still mention him.

Takashi Murakami.

Is he the Japanese Warhol? Well at least in his business model: http://english.kaikaikiki.co.jp/whatskaikaikiki/

The Few

There are always a few definitive individuals in any given era. 

That is to say, these individuals define the era. 

John Cage is one of them.

They question all authorities (sources of normalcy, institutions) (though not for contemptible reasons) and pursue items that intrigue them for their own intrinsic value... They don't do this for anything but their own personal benefit; however, they are consequently working for general welfare of all people.

Others who do this? Andrew Carnegie; Leonardo DaVinci; etc.

This, I believe, is one key to success. 

Yes, I love Ayn Rand's novels.