Joseph Stalin was born Josef Vissarionovich Djugashvili, from whom he later took the name Stalin, meaning "man of steel". Stalin was an only child and grew up in poverty. This led to him being kicked out of school and becoming increasingly interested in Russian politics. Joseph Stalin later became an important person in the future of the Soviet Union as a future dictator. Although Stalin did some great and perhaps wonderful things during his years as dictator of the Soviet Union, he still did many more horrible things that outweighed the good he did. The myth that Joseph Stalin had been a good leader and had done more good than harm. during his 24 years of rule as dictator is false. Although some perceived Joseph Stalin as a good leader of the Soviet Union, some people whom Stalin led liked him and did not view him as a bad person or leader. “He (Stalin) was a great popular leader. No amount of revelation about what he did will change my mind” (Walters “Untitled Document). This perception of his greatness is still evident today in Russia: a recent poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Foundation shows that 36% of Russians still believe that Joseph Stalin did more good than bad during his reign. Stalin appeared to many as a father figure and a peaceful man. “The myths that Stalin was a benevolent leader, a great modernizer and reformer, and a national savior of the people of the Soviet Union have proven just as resilient as the man himself” (Walters). That’s what he wanted, for people to admire him and trust him as a leader. As proof of his good leadership, he was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1945 and 1948, due to his involvement in the end of World War II. Although he never won either nomination, those who favored him still perceive him as a great man. Stalin was also awarded Time Magazine's Person of the Year twice, in 1939 and