4 January 1643
Isaac Newton (born December 25, 1642 [January 4, 1643, New Style], Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, England—died March 20 [March 31], 1727, London) English physicist and mathematician who was the culminating figure of the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century
@dgar I correct myself. England was using 2 calendars [analogue & digital] he has TWO Birthdays.
Why did Isaac Newton have two birthday?
EarthSky | Isaac Newton born today in 1643
Newton had 2 birthdays
You may have previously seen Newton's birthday as December 25, 1642. That reference is beginning to change, and now it's more common to see Newton's birthday as January 4, 1643. The difference is because, when Newton was born, England was using a different calendar than the rest of Europe.4 Jan 2023
@dgar one of my favorite historical quotes is by Newton:
"if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
He recognized that any achievements he made were only building on the work of previous scientists. Never forgetting this and preserving scientific process across generations is central to humanity being able to solve our biggest problems.
Someone pointed out that Newton's work owed a debt to that of Robert Hooke, a contemporary of Newton and his mortal enemy. (Newton had numerous mortal enemies, he was that kind of guy.)
Newton responded with the famous "shoulders of giants" line, which sounds good until you remember that Hooke was a tiny little guy, scarcely a giant, and that this was said as an attempt to brush off any debt to Hooke.
After Hooke's death, Newton disappeared his papers and destroyed the only confirmed portrait of him - he really was that petty and unpleasant.
@passenger@dgar oh, thanks for the context and history lesson :)
I was aware Newton had been regarded as a nasty/selfish character by many, so always read that quote as a possible change of heart from him, or some level of wanting redemption. It probably wasn’t, but I’m glad his work and that quote specifically are remembered as positives and inspiration to those continuing his work today.
But yes, it is important for the context to be known also. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas (or other greeting for those who prefer other greetings) to you too!
In time, I hope that all our personality flaws are forgiven and forgotten, as happened to Newton; rather than our work being erased or stolen, as happened to Hooke and Flamsteed.
Merry Christmas (or other greeting for those who prefer other greetings) to you too!
In time, I hope that all our personality flaws are forgiven and forgotten, as happened to Newton; rather than our work being erased or stolen, as happened to Locke and Flamsteed.
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