Mao and such

After watching that film on Mao last week and reading about him in the book I've decided that he is without a doubt the most interesting and probably influential character in Chinese culture. When you ask anyone about Chinese history they probably don't know much about ancient culture or common practices or even old leaders, but they have always at least heard of Mao. Although he didn't always have the most positive influence on the Chinese people he was still incredibly profound in all that he did and I don't think that his image should be so marred, especially since he didn't really mess anything up until the end of his reign.
I know that he is the topic of many a Chinese discussion and his story is becoming somewhat trite even amongst our class but I would ask anyone to find someone who had more of an impact on a group of people that are so closely tied to their past.