Albert Einstein is technically the face of physics, both in mainstream science and pop culture.  (One may argue that this title is being threatened by J. Robert Oppenheimer.)  His lack of fear when challenging theories considered fundamental even for basic science inspires me to stay open minded even when faced with the most concrete and straight forward ideologies.  Eisenstein's timeless quote "Imagination is more important than knowledge" has always sojourned in the deepest corners of my mind.  It always reminds me that no matter how prominent crude knowledge may be in our society, there are still many roads that can be crossed by creativity and creativity alone.