When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Also, if you want something done right, you probably have to do it yourself. These two statements were almost certainly the guiding principle for most of the people mentioned in this list. From ridiculously brave soldiers to genius inventors and scholars, these are some of history's biggest bada**es who changed the world just by refusing to take "no" for an answer.

There have been quite a few people, and quite a few badasses throughout history, but only a few have really embraced the lifestyle. These 22 bosses from history didn't need to command an army, order some servants, or rise through society on the backs of others. Instead, they took matters into their own hands, and just got s**t done. The old fashioned way. Why rely on others when inevitably others will just let you down? These people knew that they were the biggest swinger in the room, and if they wanted it done right, it was up to them.