Lessons from Copernicus

Here is a basic history/science lesson. Nicolaus Copernicus was considered one of the original scientists of the scientific revolution. He was born in 1473 and died in 1543, publishing a book (De revolutionibus orbium coelestium/On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres) that would change how everyone would look at the world. There are quite a few lessons we could all learn from this man.

1) I am not the center of the universe - Life would be a lot easier to live if people would just learn this lesson. Up to this point, the concensus of the church & scientific community was that the center of the universe as they knew it was the earth. This was not based on scientific knowledge, but the arrogance of people in the church. They believed that God created them to be special, so He MUST have placed them at the center of the universe. Unfortuantely arrogant people still believe that they are the center of the universe. It is time to discover that the world does not revolve around you.

2) Preconceived ideas hinder progress - It wasn't until Copernicus started from scratch and discovered inaccuracies in current scientific theories was he able to realize how the world was truly working. I think we could all learn to never take something at the word of someone else. You will never TRULY believe anything until you find it to be true yourself.

3) Don't be afraid to go against the grain - Copernicus, for fear of the Roman Catholic Church, was afraid to publish the heliocentric theory. He was afraid that the church would consider his findings to be heresy. Sounds a lot like what Jesus and the early apostles went through. If you know something to be true, don't be afraid to take a stand for it.

4) Find time for your closest friends - While he was living, Copernicus' historical theory was only known by his closest friends. Despite his fear of the church, he had quite a few friends that he knew he could share things with. Find people who you can trust to share your deepest thoughts.

5) The greatest things are not realized until after you are dead - The book that defined the works of Copernicus was not published until 1543, the year he died. It is rumored that he only lived long enough to hold the book in his hands, but not long enough to see its impact. Your greatest reward for living a great life will not be realized until you die and receive it.