Famous Historical Figures with Dyslexia Who Changed the World

How these five visionaries with learning differences shaped history.

At Eagle Hill School, a private co-educational preparatory boarding school for students with diverse learning profiles, we believe dyslexia is not a limitation. Some of history’s most influential leaders, scientists, and writers who are believed to have lived with dyslexia. Their stories show how students can thrive with the right dyslexia support, strategies, and encouragement. By celebrating these figures, we highlight the potential that every student has when given the opportunity to learn in an environment that values their strengths.

Albert Einstein

One of the most renowned physicists in history, Albert Einstein is often cited as having exhibited signs of dyslexia. Despite his challenges with traditional schooling and language, Einstein’s innovative thinking helped revolutionize physics with the theory of relativity. His life demonstrates how creative problem-solving and unconventional thought processes can change the world (Weinstein 2012).

George Washington

The first president of the United States, George Washington, is believed by some historians to have shown characteristics of dyslexia. Despite difficulties with spelling and writing, Washington’s leadership, perseverance, and determination helped shape the foundation of a new nation (Chernow 2010).

Leonardo da Vinci

The celebrated artist, engineer, and inventor Leonardo da Vinci is thought to have experienced dyslexia, based on his unusual writing style and mirrored handwriting. Far from holding him back, his unique way of processing information fueled extraordinary creativity, leading to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and groundbreaking scientific sketches that were centuries ahead of their time (WebMD 2020).

Muhammad Ali

World champion boxer Muhammad Ali, often described as one of the greatest athletes of all time, lived with dyslexia. Ali openly discussed his struggles with reading and academics, yet his confidence, charisma, and unmatched skill in the boxing ring made him a global icon (Dyslexia Help, University of Michigan 2025). His story reminds students that greatness comes in many forms and that learning differences do not define one’s potential.

Agatha Christie

Best-selling mystery writer Agatha Christie reportedly dealt with lifelong challenges tied to dyslexia. Despite struggling with spelling and grammar, she became the creator of some of the world’s most beloved detective characters, including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple (Christie 1977; University of Michigan 2025). Christie’s success demonstrates how persistence and imagination can overcome barriers, leading to extraordinary achievement.

Empowering Students with Dyslexia

These stories illustrate what we see every day at Eagle Hill School: with the right support, students with dyslexia can thrive academically and personally. Our structured yet flexible learning environment allows students to discover their strengths and unlock their potential.  Students with dyslexia can take one-to-one reading tutorials with reading teachers who are trained in Orton Gilligham and a host of additional reading approaches. Students can also take reading classes in comprehension, fluency, and reading for academic purposes.

Eagle Hill School is proud to be a world class school for dyslexia in New England, providing a nurturing and empowering setting where differences are celebrated. For families seeking a boarding school for learning differences or a dyslexia boarding school in Massachusetts, Eagle Hill offers academic support and community students need to succeed.

Interested in how Eagle Hill School supports students with dyslexia? Explore our Reading Approach to see how we help students thrive academically, socially, and creatively to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, and Steven Spielberg, who have proven dyslexia is more than just a diagnosis—it’s a superpower!

Celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month

Each October, Dyslexia Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the strengths, achievements, and unique perspectives of individuals with dyslexia. At Eagle Hill School, we join this national effort by celebrating our students’ creativity, resilience, and accomplishments. It’s a time to raise awareness, share resources, and inspire confidence in students with learning differences, showing that dyslexia is not a limitation—it’s a different way of thinking that can lead to extraordinary success.

 

References (Chicago Style)

• Chernow, Ron. Washington: A Life. New York: Penguin Press, 2010.
• Christie, Agatha. Agatha Christie: An Autobiography. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1977.
• University of Michigan. “Agatha Christie.” DyslexiaHelp. Last modified July 17, 2025. https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/success-story/agatha-christie/.
• Dyslexia Help, University of Michigan. “Success Stories: Muhammad Ali.” Last modified 2025. https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/success-story/muhammad-ali.
• Josephson, Matthew. Edison: A Biography. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1959.
• Weinstein, Galina. “Albert Einstein: Rebellious Wunderkind.” arXiv, May 21, 2012. https://arxiv.org/abs/1205.4509.