S+ Stimulant: The last of the Magicians
Newton was not the first of the age of reason, he was the last of the magicians
– John Maynard Keynes
Isaac Newton is often referred to as the father of modern science and is recognised as one of the most influential scientists of all time. His book, Principia, which formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation dominated scientists’ view of the physical universe for three centuries after its publication. However, lesser known is Newton’s exploration into occult studies.
For over two decades Newton was obsessed with alchemy, chronology, and biblical interpretation; he also wrote extensively about the potential development of a philosopher’s stone – a legendary alchemical substance said to be capable of turning base metals such as lead into gold or silver.
Although these pursuits were often ridiculed, and could have even led to Newton being publicly hanged, they were key to Newton’s understanding of scientific practice; in fact, had Newton not relied on the occult idea of action at a distance, across a vacuum, he might not have developed his theory of gravity.
Isaac Newton is undoubtedly one of the great geniuses of modern times and, like other great thinkers, he was willing to think the unthinkable, be controversial, and experiment across a wide range of ideas and concepts. It’s hard to imagine that he would have developed such ground-breaking theories if he hadn’t have had such an intrepid nature. The world is often wary of those who dare to change the status-quo, but those who dare to change it are the ones who push it forward.
W.K. 2014
[Source: Wikipedia]
Published: December 11th, 2014