In reply to Veri Tas.
If it were only that simple. But too often considerations other than merit cloud the issue. There’s a YouTube channel I’ve grown fond of – wise daily reflections – which gives thumbnails on philosophical thinkers throughout the ages. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable though not necessarily well read; but many of the thinkers profiled, I’ve never heard of. And I’m sure most haven’t.
Societies it seems have always limited how many would be given wide recognition and who they would be. So those who stand head and shoulders above the rest may be dwarfed by yet others never heard of.