The Untold Story of Sir Isaac Newton
Beyond the Science
Let's delve into the fascinating life of Sir Isaac Newton, universally recognized as one of the greatest minds in history. In his 84 years on Earth, Newton revolutionized our understanding of the universe like no one before or since. While his achievements as a scientist and mathematician are well-known, there's a lesser-known side to this iconic figure. In this blog, we'll explore the untold story of Sir Isaac Newton—the genius, the heretic, and the alchemist.
Sir Isaac Newton occupies an esteemed position in history, even surpassing Jesus Christ in terms of influence according to a 1978 book called "The 100." He was not only a scientific legend but also a force of nature in his own right. Knighted by Queen Anne in 1705, he became the first scientist to be buried in Westminster Abbey, a significant honor traditionally reserved for the monarchy. However, behind the widely celebrated figure, there existed a secret side to Newton that remained concealed for decades.
While his remarkable scientific contributions were acknowledged and admired during his lifetime, Newton conducted top-secret research unknown to his closest colleagues and confidants. The significance of this clandestine work was so great that his descendants chose to bury it for centuries. Only over 20 years after his death did it resurface, revealing unexpected dark shadows cast by one of science's brightest lights.
Born on Christmas Day, Newton's early life was marked by tragedy and hardship. His father had passed away three months before his birth, and his mother, shortly after, left the family home. These experiences deeply affected Newton, and he developed a disdain for his stepfather's religious beliefs. As a result, his relationship with his mother also suffered. Surprisingly, Newton wasn't an exceptional student during his younger years. It was only after he decided to prove his worth to his bullies that he began to take his studies seriously.
Fortunately, Newton's Schoolmaster convinced his mother to let him pursue education at Cambridge. There, he immersed himself in the fields of science and mathematics. By the age of 24, he had already established the fundamentals of calculus, discovered the nature of light, and begun working on what would later become the universal theory of gravity. Newton's accomplishments at such a young age were unparalleled. If he had made just one of these breakthroughs, he would have been hailed as one of the most important scientists of his time. But he went on to make countless other discoveries, solidifying his place as the most significant scientist in any era.
The world got its first glimpse into Newton's hidden world on July 13, 1936, when his handwritten notes were put up for auction. These manuscripts, containing a staggering 10 million words, were Newton's life's work. However, before that day, few knew of their existence. Newton passed away without leaving a will, and his relatives decided to keep the manuscripts hidden. Unfortunately, the auction itself attracted little attention, and Newton's life's work was sold off piece by piece to various collectors for a meager sum. Among the buyers was the renowned economist John Maynard Keynes, who recognized the extraordinary value of the papers.
Interestingly, Newton's scientific and mathematical writings accounted for less than a third of the manuscripts. The majority of his work delved into religion and alchemy, revealing his deep interest in these subjects. Newton held religious views that challenged the Christian Church, making him a closet anti-trinitarian who rejected the concept of the Holy Trinity. Moreover, he believed he had been chosen by God to uncover ancient wisdom hidden within the Bible. Newton dedicated years to unraveling the secrets of the Bible, including the elusive Bible Code.
Beyond his religious pursuits, Newton's fascination with alchemy was equally profound. Alchemy, an ancient field blending elements of philosophy, sorcery, and protochemistry, aimed to transmute base metals into gold or discover the elixir of life. Newton conducted numerous experiments as a devoted alchemist for over three decades, although he never succeeded in turning lead into gold. However, his dedication to alchemy had an unexpected impact on his life and legacy.
It's worth noting that alchemy was illegal during Newton's time. The fear was that if someone discovered the process of transmuting base metals into gold, it would cause economic chaos. Despite his reputation as a great scientist, Newton's eccentricities were well-known even in his own time. He was introverted, reclusive, and had a limited circle of friends. Moreover, he had a contentious relationship with fellow scientists, most notably his feud with Gottfried Leibniz over the development of calculus.
In conclusion, Sir Isaac Newton's life goes far beyond his scientific achievements. Unveiling the hidden aspects of his character reveals a complex figure—a genius, a heretic challenging religious norms, and an avid alchemist exploring the mysteries of transformation. Newton's legacy stands as a testament to his immense contributions to our understanding of the universe. So, the next time you think of Newton, remember that there's more to the man than the science and mathematics he is renowned for.
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