Our heroes don’t have to be great and extraordinary people, contributing to the field of science, art or technology, but can be instead ordinary people, such as our grandmothers or perhaps your neighbor, and any person you admire for their deeds. In truth, many extraordinary people, are in fact ordinary people doing extraordinary things, such as Rosa Parks, Pheidippides and Atticus Finch from the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee were all ordinary people who stood up and became a hero.
Rosa Parks, an African American woman is another ordinary person, but stood up for what she believed in and became a hero. As a child, Parks attended rural schools and graduated. At the time, many Jim Crow Laws were passed, one of which was that black or “colored” people had to sit at the back of the bus and must give up their seats to any white passengers if there were no more seats available. After a long day of Work, Parks boarded a bus and sat at the first row of seats designated for colored passengers. After the seats for white passengers were filled, the driver asked Parks and four other colored passengers to move. Rosa Parks refused to move and so she was arrested. Following her arrest, many African-American citizens protested by refusing to ride the bus. After years of boycotting, the bus system was finally integrated. Because of her extraordinary deed, where Parks would not get up when many others would have she is considered a hero.
Pheidippides was born in Athens around 530BC and is a hero and an ordinary person. He ran 240 kilometers to Sparta in two days to request help when the Persians arrived in Marathon, Greece and after the Greek victory over the Persians in the Battle of Marathon, he ran another 40 kilometers from the battlefield to announce the victory and collapsed and died soon afterwords. Today, he is remembered whenever someone runs a marathon, in honor of the Battle of Marathon and Pheidippides' run. Even though he was only doing his job, Pheildippides is still regarded as a hero.
In the novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Atticus Finch, a father of two and a lawyer, lived in a town stereotyping African Americans. When Finch is appointed to defend an African American man named Tom Robinson, he is faced with a lot of controversy. However, Atticus Finch still defends man, who is convicted of rape, to the best of his ability. He presented a very convincing case to protect Tom Robinson, but Robinson is still convicted guilty. Although Atticus Finch did not succeed in protecting his Robinson, he stood up for what he thought was right, even in the face of all the disapproval, and is considered a hero.
In conclusion, ordinary people can be heroes, and many of these people perform extraordinary acts, such as Terry Fox, Rosa Parks and Atticus Finch. Although perhaps they receive much fame for their great deeds, it is how they rose and stood up for what they believe in that makes these acts truly heroic and noble.
It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop.
-Wisdom of Confucius
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Torus: Chapter 8
Steve jolted awake to the sound of his alarm clock. His heavy hand found the snooze button and the noise ceased. Normally, he'd wake up to his stomach grumbling or when his body is well rested and the afternoon sun is up. Puzzled, he stared at his alarm clock and wondered why his wife, Tracey Ludavic, set his alarm to 6:55 am. His mind started to clear and he remembered. His wife didn't set the alarm, he did. Today was the special day where S.P.A.C.E. would be launching the Wubble. Today, the world would be saved. Steve splashed his face with cold water and smiled. He wasn't going to be late and delay this occasion.
As he entered the launch room, he was dismayed to see that everyone was up and waiting for him, although he woke up extra early.
"Steve, we’re ready for dispatch," Joe Chipman said. "Your seat is here, beside Viktor Conti, Head Launch Administrator, in charge of this launch."
Steve followed the direction of Joe's finger and located an empty seat next to a young Italian man. The two shook hands and took their seats. Conti reached for his earpiece and began speaking rapid Italian.
"Preparare il lancio cuscinetto!"
With the little Italian Steve knows he knew that they were preparing to launch. He also noticed how one section of the operators began clicking buttons and pulling switches. Each had an earpiece and communicated with short code lines. Around him was a few of the most important administrators and managers of S.P.A.C.E here to monitor the launch. Finally, over the intercom, Steve heard:
"Ready to launch, sir"
Steve's stomach fluttered in anticipation. This launch was to be kept a secret until it was successful. He could even see himself in the paper, giving his already thought out speech on how he saved the world. Almost everyone in S.P.A.C.E. was watching the Wubble being launched. Steve imagined the crowd being his interviewers but was soon snapped back into reality by a heavily accented English.
As he entered the launch room, he was dismayed to see that everyone was up and waiting for him, although he woke up extra early.
"Steve, we’re ready for dispatch," Joe Chipman said. "Your seat is here, beside Viktor Conti, Head Launch Administrator, in charge of this launch."
Steve followed the direction of Joe's finger and located an empty seat next to a young Italian man. The two shook hands and took their seats. Conti reached for his earpiece and began speaking rapid Italian.
"Preparare il lancio cuscinetto!"
With the little Italian Steve knows he knew that they were preparing to launch. He also noticed how one section of the operators began clicking buttons and pulling switches. Each had an earpiece and communicated with short code lines. Around him was a few of the most important administrators and managers of S.P.A.C.E here to monitor the launch. Finally, over the intercom, Steve heard:
"Ready to launch, sir"
Steve's stomach fluttered in anticipation. This launch was to be kept a secret until it was successful. He could even see himself in the paper, giving his already thought out speech on how he saved the world. Almost everyone in S.P.A.C.E. was watching the Wubble being launched. Steve imagined the crowd being his interviewers but was soon snapped back into reality by a heavily accented English.
"Launching in 5, 4, 3 …"
Steve rested his chin on his hand as his brows were knit together.
" … 2 …"
Everyone leaned forward.
" … 1! Launch!"
Viktor's hand firmly pressed the red launch button.
The roar was deafening. In just 5 seconds, the Wubble already gained a speed of 100km/h and was continuing to increase. A live feed appeared at the front of the room. It showed the Wubble getting higher and higher. 2 minutes later, it was out of Earth's atmosphere and hurling it's way towards Theio.
Everyone sighed as the burden of the world lifted. Then they cheered and clapped. People crowded around Viktor, partially forgetting Steve, but he didn't care. He knew that he would finally have a good night's sleep.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Steve rested his chin on his hand as his brows were knit together.
" … 2 …"
Everyone leaned forward.
" … 1! Launch!"
Viktor's hand firmly pressed the red launch button.
The roar was deafening. In just 5 seconds, the Wubble already gained a speed of 100km/h and was continuing to increase. A live feed appeared at the front of the room. It showed the Wubble getting higher and higher. 2 minutes later, it was out of Earth's atmosphere and hurling it's way towards Theio.
Everyone sighed as the burden of the world lifted. Then they cheered and clapped. People crowded around Viktor, partially forgetting Steve, but he didn't care. He knew that he would finally have a good night's sleep.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Sunday, 2 November 2014
An Idealistic Approach
An idealistic approach is often seen as less pragmatic compared to a practical approach. However, an idealistic approach is sometimes more important for a practical approach. Throughout history, many people have shown that the use of idealistic approaches may be more beneficial in achieving their goals. Amelia Earhart, was an idealist and spent many years of hard training to become a pilot. Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, became the first black president of South Africa and led a revolution. Also, we can see that the idealist approach has worked for Eleanor Roosevelt's who advocated human rights and was later be dubbed the "First Lady of the World".
Amelia Earhart is an example of an idealist. She was a nurse in World War II and became fast friends with many aviators, causing her interest in flying. When she finally decided to learn how to fly, she spent hours studying books and got a series of jobs to earn enough money to take flying lessons. She had dedicated her life to aviation, cutting her hair short and wearing his leather jacket for 3 nights to make it look more "worn". Earhart suffered from the Spanish flu pandemic that caused the victim to suffer from dizziness after hard work. Once she fell ill on a 10 hour flight and was nearly killed. Yet Earhart kept pursue her dream, and finally finished her course. In 1922, Amelia Earhart set the world altitude record for women pilots, 14 000 feet, and in 1932 Earhart was the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic, establishing herself as an aviator. With the idealistic approach, Amelia Earhart was able to become an accomplished aviator.
In addition, Nelson Mandela used the idealistic approach to achieving his goal. He has led numerous campaigns against the South African government and advocated for human rights. Although, in 1963, Mandela was sentenced to prison for life and was treated badly in prison because he was a coloured prisoner, he obtained a law degree. However, because of the growing local and international pressure, the government released Mandela in 1990. After being released from prison, Mandela declared that he would not stop advocating human rights until the black citizens had the right to vote. After being elected president of the African National Congress in 1991, he began to negotiate with President F.W. de Klerk for the right to vote and in 1993, both Mandela and de Klerk received a piece of the Nobel Prize. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic election in which Nelson Mandela was appointed president. Thanks to him, the economy of South Africa began to grow and the government has funded many projects to create jobs and homes. Again, this is the result of an idealistic approach.
Eleanor Roosevelt, sometimes called the First Lady of the World, had been active in many women's rights movements such as the League of Women Voters. She became the first First Lady to hold her own press conferences and allowed women journalists, who had previously been banned from the conferences, to attend. Eleanor Roosevelt began advocating for the rights and needs of the poor, disadvantaged and minorities. She also traveled across the United States to observe the conditions and report these observations to the President.
Although some argue that a practical approach is more reasonable and realistic, an idealistic approach is just as valuable as well. With idealistic dreams, we can achieve larger goals. Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, and many others have proven this. These people changed themselves and the world around them.
Amelia Earhart is an example of an idealist. She was a nurse in World War II and became fast friends with many aviators, causing her interest in flying. When she finally decided to learn how to fly, she spent hours studying books and got a series of jobs to earn enough money to take flying lessons. She had dedicated her life to aviation, cutting her hair short and wearing his leather jacket for 3 nights to make it look more "worn". Earhart suffered from the Spanish flu pandemic that caused the victim to suffer from dizziness after hard work. Once she fell ill on a 10 hour flight and was nearly killed. Yet Earhart kept pursue her dream, and finally finished her course. In 1922, Amelia Earhart set the world altitude record for women pilots, 14 000 feet, and in 1932 Earhart was the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic, establishing herself as an aviator. With the idealistic approach, Amelia Earhart was able to become an accomplished aviator.
In addition, Nelson Mandela used the idealistic approach to achieving his goal. He has led numerous campaigns against the South African government and advocated for human rights. Although, in 1963, Mandela was sentenced to prison for life and was treated badly in prison because he was a coloured prisoner, he obtained a law degree. However, because of the growing local and international pressure, the government released Mandela in 1990. After being released from prison, Mandela declared that he would not stop advocating human rights until the black citizens had the right to vote. After being elected president of the African National Congress in 1991, he began to negotiate with President F.W. de Klerk for the right to vote and in 1993, both Mandela and de Klerk received a piece of the Nobel Prize. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic election in which Nelson Mandela was appointed president. Thanks to him, the economy of South Africa began to grow and the government has funded many projects to create jobs and homes. Again, this is the result of an idealistic approach.
Eleanor Roosevelt, sometimes called the First Lady of the World, had been active in many women's rights movements such as the League of Women Voters. She became the first First Lady to hold her own press conferences and allowed women journalists, who had previously been banned from the conferences, to attend. Eleanor Roosevelt began advocating for the rights and needs of the poor, disadvantaged and minorities. She also traveled across the United States to observe the conditions and report these observations to the President.
Although some argue that a practical approach is more reasonable and realistic, an idealistic approach is just as valuable as well. With idealistic dreams, we can achieve larger goals. Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, and many others have proven this. These people changed themselves and the world around them.
Saturday, 18 October 2014
Summer Showers
In the deep void of the universe, the center of our life and the start of our existence burns in its glory. A star that we have come to depend on and who gave us life. It sits in the middle of the solar system watching the planets and beyond, holding the answer to the deepest of mysteries: the Sun. And at just the right distance a planet revolves around the Sun, the only known planet to hold life, our Earth. And so a beam of life giving light and energy travels towards the Earth. The light will take thousands of years to reach our Earth, but its heat and warmth is no less welcome.
In a garden, thousands of years later, the plants and animals receive the Sun's Gentle touch. Squirrels run about, chasing each other and butterflies dance in the wind. The summer heat rose as insects buzzed. Animals and humans alike sought the cool relief of shade. In a corner of the garden, tucked between bushes was a flower, the dirt its roots dug into was dry and cracked under the Sun's intense heat. Its leaves were gone, fallen victim to insects and so its beauty was marred. It looked with envy upon a rose, the gentle and delicate red petals greeted the sun's warmth with grace.
And suddenly the heat began to dissipate and a chill breeze brought a tense demeanor. Dark clouds rolled in, refusing the thousand year old light to warm the ground. The robins stopped chirping and returned to the safety of their nests and the squirrels scampered back towards the trees. The leaves of the flower quivered in anticipation. A storm was coming.
The first drops of water hit the ground, moistening the parched dirt and filling it with nutrients. The rain began pouring down, dumping the excess water back to the earth, returning the cool air. The water continued to patter on the ground. Under the trees drooping leaves the flower received the cool water as it rolled down into a pitch, Its stems, which once held leaves caught the droplets and held them close.
The storm's anger died down, its anger evaporated as the contents of the dark clouds were spent. Once again, the sun's rays hit the Earth, Tentatively, the squirrels peeked its head out of the thick canopy and put its foot down on the soft spongy earth. With more courage, it frolicked around the wet grass, exciting the other chipmunks and squirrels. As the sun fully emerged behind the clouds, its rays caught the water droplets on the leafless flower. The water sparkled in the sunlight, throwing out rainbows. The leafless plant stood tall and proud as the sun smiled down on its beauty.
Saturday, 4 October 2014
Originality
It is usually aways a better idea to use original ideas and not to copy someone else's idea. Repeating a used idea is not anything special, nor will it contribute to to the world around us. Without new ideas which sprout around, it becomes difficult to advance in knowledge, for the information we have now, did not come free. Leonardo da Vinci created the Mona Lisa. Isaac Newton discovered the law of gravity. Galileo Galilei improved the sight of the universe and space. None of them copied or heavily relied on past knowledge. Bill Gates wasn't caught up with his friends and classmates when he attended Harvard, instead he wanted to create something new, and he did: Microsoft. Ideas and opinions shouldn't be taken from someone else, they should come from each individual.
When Bill Gates began to excel in computer science, he created a very successful company in the name of Microsoft. During that time, many computer software creators had made softwares for many to use. Their softwares were free, and every one was content with that idea. Everyone else thought that this was the way computers should be. However, Gates did not agree that the softwares should be made free, and thought that people who wish to use their softwares, should pay for the services.
Even though the other computer software designers discouraged him from believing in such, he stuck to his ideas and thought on fair business. He created Microsoft and charged people who wanted to use his software. Microsoft was very powerful and useful and many people thought it was worth the money they paid. Because of Gates' own thoughts on successful business, Microsoft rose into being one of the greatest companies.
Bill Gates didn't agree with the rest of the world when most people did. His mind strayed from the single point on view on computer marketing and found a better and more successful way of doing business. People should try using their own thoughts and opinions when making a decision, for there is always a better choice.
It is healthy for the brain to think of original ideas, to practise making personal analyzations of a subject rather than copying others. Of course, it it true that other ideas can help give inspiration, but considering that all great breakthrough came with original, uncharted territory, people can be their own leaders instead of being caught up in what everyone else thinks.
When Bill Gates began to excel in computer science, he created a very successful company in the name of Microsoft. During that time, many computer software creators had made softwares for many to use. Their softwares were free, and every one was content with that idea. Everyone else thought that this was the way computers should be. However, Gates did not agree that the softwares should be made free, and thought that people who wish to use their softwares, should pay for the services.
Even though the other computer software designers discouraged him from believing in such, he stuck to his ideas and thought on fair business. He created Microsoft and charged people who wanted to use his software. Microsoft was very powerful and useful and many people thought it was worth the money they paid. Because of Gates' own thoughts on successful business, Microsoft rose into being one of the greatest companies.
Bill Gates didn't agree with the rest of the world when most people did. His mind strayed from the single point on view on computer marketing and found a better and more successful way of doing business. People should try using their own thoughts and opinions when making a decision, for there is always a better choice.
It is healthy for the brain to think of original ideas, to practise making personal analyzations of a subject rather than copying others. Of course, it it true that other ideas can help give inspiration, but considering that all great breakthrough came with original, uncharted territory, people can be their own leaders instead of being caught up in what everyone else thinks.
Preparing for the Future
Many people live caught up in the now. They don't really think about the future instead, they try to enjoy the present. If people were not prepared to be able to take on the rest of life, or even to pass an exam, then there won't be a present to enjoy. Elizabeth Murray worked hard for a better future, one where she gets accepted into Harvard instead of living on the streets like she has for most of her childhood. Similarity, Martin Luther King Jr. kept his end in mind and he worked hard into giving freedom to multicoloured people rather than waiting for something to happen. In the case of Blockbuster, a company which had once thrived with sales, closed down because they failed to keep up with the advancement of technology and were too caught up with the temporary stability.
Murray, with her remarkable story of how she went from homeless to Harvard, knew that she couldn't enjoy her present and thus resolved to work hard to get into a good school. Without parental support and guidance, she was about to go down the same road as her mother and father: relying on her rich boyfriend, party every night. She, in a way, enjoyed her youth and lived each day to the fullest, never giving much thought into tomorrow. Had she continued to revel in her present, she would not have been able to make it into Harvard. No, she saw who she wanted to become and the life she wanted to have, and made a life changing decision. She gave up her carefree ways to study and work hard in order to end up where she is now. After gruelling years of studying and learning, she found herself country wide support and raced across her road from homeless to Harvard.
With a story a bit more remorseful than that of Murray's, Martin Luther King Jr. realized that his happiness did not lie in the present where a harsh wedge was shoved between black and white people. He didn't exactly have enjoyable days as he was treated with less respect than the white people and his neighbourhood was flooded with unjust rights, disrespectful name calling and unnecessary separation. On Dec 1, he heard about Rosa Park's rebellion and joined the bus boycott. He realized that they can work together for a brighter future so he spent days working on his speech, " I had a dream". His speech empowered his fellow friends to push down the present and helped them envision a better world.
The effect of disregarding preparations for the future can be drastic, as it can be seen in the case of Blockbuster. This company who used to make good business in selling DVDs of new movie releases and had a seemingly stable employments suffered a heavy downfall. They were too caught up in their popularity, and the high demands of the consumers, that they didn't even give such as a glimpse into their future. People began to illegally upload movies onto the internet and give people free access to watch their movies. Netflix and Redbox came into business. But still, Blockbuster hadn't been able to see the true competition they were faced with and they continued to relish their income. Soon enough, their business was forced to close as they couldn't keep up with the ever changing world. They didn't prepare themselves for the future nor for some enterprise rivalry.
Dwelling on the present isn't a safe choice of lifestyle. Precautions should be heeded and preparations for the future can help a great deal into making life a more enjoyable experience. To relish in the present seems relaxing and easy, but the effect is only short term, as seen with many unsuccessful companies. Preparing for further challenges is important to achieve a longer, more satiable life.
Murray, with her remarkable story of how she went from homeless to Harvard, knew that she couldn't enjoy her present and thus resolved to work hard to get into a good school. Without parental support and guidance, she was about to go down the same road as her mother and father: relying on her rich boyfriend, party every night. She, in a way, enjoyed her youth and lived each day to the fullest, never giving much thought into tomorrow. Had she continued to revel in her present, she would not have been able to make it into Harvard. No, she saw who she wanted to become and the life she wanted to have, and made a life changing decision. She gave up her carefree ways to study and work hard in order to end up where she is now. After gruelling years of studying and learning, she found herself country wide support and raced across her road from homeless to Harvard.
With a story a bit more remorseful than that of Murray's, Martin Luther King Jr. realized that his happiness did not lie in the present where a harsh wedge was shoved between black and white people. He didn't exactly have enjoyable days as he was treated with less respect than the white people and his neighbourhood was flooded with unjust rights, disrespectful name calling and unnecessary separation. On Dec 1, he heard about Rosa Park's rebellion and joined the bus boycott. He realized that they can work together for a brighter future so he spent days working on his speech, " I had a dream". His speech empowered his fellow friends to push down the present and helped them envision a better world.
The effect of disregarding preparations for the future can be drastic, as it can be seen in the case of Blockbuster. This company who used to make good business in selling DVDs of new movie releases and had a seemingly stable employments suffered a heavy downfall. They were too caught up in their popularity, and the high demands of the consumers, that they didn't even give such as a glimpse into their future. People began to illegally upload movies onto the internet and give people free access to watch their movies. Netflix and Redbox came into business. But still, Blockbuster hadn't been able to see the true competition they were faced with and they continued to relish their income. Soon enough, their business was forced to close as they couldn't keep up with the ever changing world. They didn't prepare themselves for the future nor for some enterprise rivalry.
Dwelling on the present isn't a safe choice of lifestyle. Precautions should be heeded and preparations for the future can help a great deal into making life a more enjoyable experience. To relish in the present seems relaxing and easy, but the effect is only short term, as seen with many unsuccessful companies. Preparing for further challenges is important to achieve a longer, more satiable life.
Monday, 29 September 2014
Deep Caves and Backyards
Great discoveries can be made not by exploring the deepest caves and the highest mountains, but by investigating and observing the world around us. Some of the greatest discoveries, such as Archimedes eureka moment when he discovered the Archimedes Principle, we're found by observing everyday details. As with Newton and his dicovery of gravity, the most fundamental information can come from just observing simple life. Leonardo da Vinci, famous for the Mona Lisa also spent a great deal observing everything around him, enabling him to make amazing inventions way beyond his time, such as his flying contraption.
The story of how Archimedes proves that discoveries can be made by observing little details. The story of how Archimedes and the Golden Crown is one we were told as children. King Heiron II of Sicily gave a jeweler a bar of gold and told him to make a crown. When the king received his crown however, he suspected that the jeweler substituted some of the gold with a cheaper metal and pocketed the excess gold. The king asked Archimedes to verify whether the crown was genuine or not. While Archimedes was taking a a bath, he noticed that the objects in the bathtub was displacing some of the water. He observed that the object displaced the same mass of water as the object. With this sudden epiphany, legend has it that Archimedes ran out of the washroom, wet and naked yelling "Eureka!". Although perhaps Archimedes never ran out of the washroom naked, it was the observation of simply water being displaced that allowed Archimedes to discover the Archimedes principle.
Another legend of a discovery made by observing simple everyday details is the story of how Isaac
Newton discovered gravity. One day, when Newton was sitting under an apple tree at his mother's
house, an apple fell on his head. He began questioning why the apple always fell down words. After
more contemplation, he concluded that the apple wasn't falling downwards but drawn to the Earth's
core. He then connected this with celestial bodies, such as the moon, sun and stars and realized that
everything draws other objects, or has a gravitational pull. Because of the simple observation of an
apple falling down a tree, Newton was able to discover one of the most important discoveries in
science.
Leonardo da Vinci was a man who liked questioning the world around him, from why thunder lasted longer than lightening to why the sky was blue. Through observing corpses of animals, he was able to see exactly how the muscles moved and how each body system interacted with each other. He also
studied birds and aerodynamics, buying then freeing birds to study them in flight. He also studied bats, for the wings of his designs resembled bats. wings, with pointed ends, like bats. In his notes, he also mentioned that he studied kites and their flight as well. Through these observations, he was able to create the base of airplanes and helicopters, a huge breakthrough in human history.
Although some may argue that Darwin created the theory of evolution by exploring the Galápagos Islands, observing what is around us can provide us with important information as well. Deep caves may be a source of human history, but through nature, we can find much more answers that can help the development of human beings. Through observing nature, we now have electricity, the SpecialRelativity theory and more. The greatest discoveries are sometimes not found by exploring the unknown and going to extreme places, but right under our noses hidden from plain sight. Perhaps the nest great discovery will be in your backyard.
The story of how Archimedes proves that discoveries can be made by observing little details. The story of how Archimedes and the Golden Crown is one we were told as children. King Heiron II of Sicily gave a jeweler a bar of gold and told him to make a crown. When the king received his crown however, he suspected that the jeweler substituted some of the gold with a cheaper metal and pocketed the excess gold. The king asked Archimedes to verify whether the crown was genuine or not. While Archimedes was taking a a bath, he noticed that the objects in the bathtub was displacing some of the water. He observed that the object displaced the same mass of water as the object. With this sudden epiphany, legend has it that Archimedes ran out of the washroom, wet and naked yelling "Eureka!". Although perhaps Archimedes never ran out of the washroom naked, it was the observation of simply water being displaced that allowed Archimedes to discover the Archimedes principle.
Another legend of a discovery made by observing simple everyday details is the story of how Isaac
Newton discovered gravity. One day, when Newton was sitting under an apple tree at his mother's
house, an apple fell on his head. He began questioning why the apple always fell down words. After
more contemplation, he concluded that the apple wasn't falling downwards but drawn to the Earth's
core. He then connected this with celestial bodies, such as the moon, sun and stars and realized that
everything draws other objects, or has a gravitational pull. Because of the simple observation of an
apple falling down a tree, Newton was able to discover one of the most important discoveries in
science.
Leonardo da Vinci was a man who liked questioning the world around him, from why thunder lasted longer than lightening to why the sky was blue. Through observing corpses of animals, he was able to see exactly how the muscles moved and how each body system interacted with each other. He also
studied birds and aerodynamics, buying then freeing birds to study them in flight. He also studied bats, for the wings of his designs resembled bats. wings, with pointed ends, like bats. In his notes, he also mentioned that he studied kites and their flight as well. Through these observations, he was able to create the base of airplanes and helicopters, a huge breakthrough in human history.
Although some may argue that Darwin created the theory of evolution by exploring the Galápagos Islands, observing what is around us can provide us with important information as well. Deep caves may be a source of human history, but through nature, we can find much more answers that can help the development of human beings. Through observing nature, we now have electricity, the SpecialRelativity theory and more. The greatest discoveries are sometimes not found by exploring the unknown and going to extreme places, but right under our noses hidden from plain sight. Perhaps the nest great discovery will be in your backyard.
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