An "iconoclast" is a person who challenges or rejects established beliefs, traditions, or institutions. The term originally referred to individuals in the Byzantine Empire who opposed the veneration of religious icons. Today, it broadly applies to anyone who questions or dismantles conventional ideas in various fields, including art, politics, and science. Iconoclasts often provoke change by introducing new perspectives and encouraging critical thinking. Famous examples include Galileo Galilei, who challenged the geocentric view of the universe, and Pablo Picasso, who revolutionized modern art with his innovative styles. Their contributions have significantly shaped contemporary thought and culture.