With the support of ChatGPT, let’s begin by looking at what my three role models did at the age of 48: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Then, we’ll review what other important figures did at these ages. Finally, I’ll share my own thoughts and feelings.
My Role Models
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (around 48, 1929–1930)
- He led major transformations during the Republic’s institutionalization process, including the economic statism model, industrial initiatives, and the deepening of education and legal reforms.
- The alphabet revolution and educational mobilization that began in 1928 spread and took root throughout the country by the time he was 48.
Albert Einstein (around 48, 1927)
- During this period, Einstein systematized his profound critiques and thought experiments against the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics; in particular, he brought discussions on uncertainty, measurement, and reality to the center of the scientific agenda.
- During the same years, he was working intensively on unified field theory (uniting gravity and electromagnetism); this line became the main focus of his research in the following decade.
- He also coincided with the age of 48, when Einstein’s “fundamental objections” to quantum physics matured and major debates (especially around the Solvay Conferences) reached their peak.
Leonardo da Vinci (around 48, 1500)
- At the age of 48, Leonardo returned to Florence after the fall of Milan and revitalized his work, which combined art and engineering.
- During these years, he undertook important projects in military engineering and urban/map design; he also significantly expanded his notebooks, which included observations on anatomy, mechanics, and materials.
- In short, the age of 48 marked the period when he brought his synthesis of art, science, and engineering to its most mature level and laid the groundwork for his later masterpieces.
Other important figures in history that come to mind first:
Science, technology, and industry:
Marie Curie (aged around 48, 1915)
- Developed and popularized mobile X-ray (petit Curie) devices for use in diagnosing wounded on the front lines during World War I. This revolutionized combat medicine and saved thousands of lives.
James Watt (aged around 48, 1784)
- Completed critical improvements (the double-acting engine and the rotary motion patent) that made the steam engine rotary-powered and adaptable to industry.
- This breakthrough played a key role in accelerating the Industrial Revolution.
Social change and politics:
Mahatma Gandhi (aged around 48, 1917)
- Initiated the Champaran Satyagraha, the first major mass movement in India.
- This movement became a turning point in Gandhi’s rise as a national leader of the Indian independence struggle.
Winston Churchill (age 48, 1922)
- He became Colonial Secretary in the UK and was involved in critical decisions shaping the post-war order (Middle East policies, mandates, the Irish issue, etc.).
- His role during this period laid the groundwork for his later leadership.
Culture and arts:
Ludwig van Beethoven (age 48, 1818)
- He worked on/published the Hammerklavier Sonata (Op. 106), one of the greatest works of his late period.
- This work is considered a turning point in classical music, pushing the structural boundaries.
Modern technology and entrepreneurship:
Steve Jobs (age 48, 2003)
- He launched the iTunes Music Store and iPod-centric strategy, transforming the digital ecosystem at Apple.
- This move was a critical step in moving the digital music industry and launching Apple’s resurgence.
Extended list (table of key figures)
| The Person | Field | Year Around 48 Years Old | His/Her Significant Work At 48 Years Old | Impact |
| James Watt
|
Engineering | 1784 | He completed critical improvements that made the steam engine fully compatible with industrial rotary motion, | He accelerated the Industrial Revolution. |
| Charles Darwin
|
Science | 1857 | He put the idea of natural selection into writing and developed the draft that led to On the Origin of Species. | The foundation of modern biology became clear. |
| Louis Pasteur
|
Science | 1870s: | Systematized germ theory and vaccine studies. | Modern medicine, microbiology, and vaccinology strengthened. |
| Nikola Tesla
|
Engineering
|
1904
|
He continued his patents/experiments that developed high-frequency, wireless energy, and radio vision. | He influenced the era of wireless communication. |
| Thomas Edison
|
Industry/Invention | 1895 | He institutionalized electrification and industrial R&D on a large scale. | The modern innovation laboratory model was born. |
| Sigmund Freud
|
Psychology | 1904 | Institutionalized psychoanalysis internationally; expanded its theory. | Long-lasting influence on modern psychotherapy. |
| Pablo Picasso | Art | 1929 | He entered a new formal period, making breakthroughs in sculpture and ceramics. | He determined the direction of 20th-century art. |
| Oprah Winfrey
|
Media/Society | 2002 | She expanded global impact media-education projects. | Social impact and social entrepreneurship. |
| Nelson Mandela | Human rights | 1966 | While in prison, he strengthened the ANC’s strategic direction and global solidarity. | Global mobilization against apartheid. |
Having shared these, I’m also adding three more individuals in the modern technology and entrepreneurship category who are around 48 years old (roughly in their late 40s) and are working on critical projects. I’m noting “around 48” because some sources can vary in age from 47 to 49 depending on the month and day.
Jack Ma (around 48, 2012)
- He expanded Alibaba to expand beyond China; he scaled e-commerce, payments (the Alipay ecosystem), and logistics, and solidified the foundation for global IPO preparations during this period.
- His impact: He laid the groundwork for Alibaba’s massive IPO a few years later and its transformation into a global platform.
Satya Nadella (around 48, 2015)
- As head of Microsoft’s cloud business, he aggressively accelerated the Azure-focused transformation and matured the strategy of moving enterprise software to a cloud subscription model.
- Impact: The main driver of Microsoft’s resurgence in the second half of the 2010s (cloud leadership + AI infrastructure).
Jensen Huang (around 48, 2011)
- Transformed NVIDIA from a mere graphics card company to a larger AI-HPC ecosystem by investing heavily in the GPU’s role in general-purpose computing (CUDA); and strengthened its focus on the data center with the Kepler era.
- Impact: An early, critical step in the strategy that transformed the hardware infrastructure of the AI revolution over the next decade.
Having said all this, I won’t share my expectations for 48 and what I’m planning this year to avoid being overlooked. However, I want to point out that some of my defining moments in life are likely to occur at this age.
My invariable principles will remain in effect.
Those who follow me can predict the path I will follow in terms of my mindset. For example, in the line I have always followed:
1) I will continue to unite rather than divide.
2) I will lead with love and respect rather than fear or intimidation.
3) I will continue to fight against extremists, enemies of humanity, and those who systematically harm other living beings on Earth.
4) I will continue to do my utmost to develop different technologies and models for the advancement of humanity.
5) I will continue to transform my love for my country into actions that benefit my country to the best of my ability.
6) As a global citizen, I shall continue along my way with a mindset that supports peace among nations and countries and does everything in my power to ensure prosperity.
Having said all this, I will, of course, continue to take care of my health. Because I understand without health, everything else is insignificant.
I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank my mother who gave birth to me, my parents who raised me, my grandmother and Aunt Gülten, my friends and colleagues who have always been there for me, all my colleagues who have supported me in my professional life, and my business partners who have believed in me and trusted me.
We will continue to achieve great things together. Stay well and with love.
