The magazine, which would announce `The person of the Century' in its last issue of the century, is asking a "select group of people" worldwide as to who has left the most lasting impression in the current century.

Apple computer co-founder Steve Jobs chose Mahatma Gandhi because, "he showed us a way out of the destructive side of human nature."

"He (Gandhi) demonstrated we can force change and justice through moral acts of aggression... Never has our species needed wisdom more," he said.

United States ambassador-designate to the United Nations Richard Holbrooke, however, suggested Hitler's name. Citing conflicts in Kosovo and Rwanda as proof of his continued influence, Holbrooke said, "I must conclude with the greatest reluctance that the person who had the most profoundimpact on the events was the 20th century's most evil person -- Adolf Hitler."

"The essence of Hitlerism -- racism, ethnic hatred, extreme nationalism, state-organised murders -- is still alive, still causing millions of deaths," he said. Other suggestions include Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.