Sir Isaac Newton FRS PRS (25 December 1642 – 20 March 1726/27), physicist, mathematician, astronomer, inventor, philosopher, theologian, author and all-round genius was born on Christmas day, 376 years ago. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists of all time. His contributions are immeasurable and are well documented — by himself and by others who followed him. His theories and discoveries are known to practically everyone who has an elementary education.
Here are a few notable tributes to him -
The Shade
Newton was also a man of words. He was a prolific writer — of books, papers and letters. A large number of quotes by him get used often in literature. Here we present a small selection of quotes which are directly applicable to the current state of affairs and might even be called “shades” against trump, if they were written today. Judge for yourself -
- I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies but not the madness of people.
- A man may imagine things that are false, but he can only understand things that are true.
- Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.
- We build too many walls and not enough bridges.
The last quote is generally attributed to Isaac Newton, but has been shown to have originated with a Joseph Fort Newton. But it is so appropriate in today’s times.
The follow additional quotes seem to be some sort of advice to trump, which of course is like casting pearls before swine -
- If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.
- Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.
- If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been due more to patient attention, than to any other talent.
- To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me.
- Plato is my friend, Aristotle is my friend, but my greatest friend is truth.
- What goes up must come down.
The 3rd quote may as well be followed by — “And not tweeting or watching TV”.
The 4th quote applies literally to trump.
Quote #5 will be totally lost on trump.
Epilogue
Let’s take heart in the last quote, which seems to be a prophecy of things to come in 2019 and 2020 (Newton had a special interest in prophecy). Let’s all work to make it come true.
Happy Birthday, Sir Isaac Newton. And thanks for all the Physics.