Saturday, September 05, 2015

Galileo Lavitski -- A Great Mind

"If reasoning were like hauling, I should agree that several reasoners would be worth more than one, just as several horses can haul more sacks of grain than one can. But reasoning is like racing and not like hauling, and a single Arabian steed can outrun a hundred plowhorses."
-- Galileo --
In my reading tonight, I ran across the above quote from Galileo.
I think his last name was Lavitski. Not too sure about that part. You know you're famous when you only have to go by your first name. Like Madonna. Or Beyonce. But you know who I mean, right? 

The 17th Century scientist who was a scientist before the word scientist was invented?
Immediately, what he said resonated with me, because I think there is a deep truth to it. Humanity [human beings] are very intelligent -- of that there is no doubt. But when it comes to scientific breakthroughs, or any other manner of intellectual innovations that lead to progress and/or advancement in technology or understanding, it's interesting to note that this never comes from the masses. It comes from the rogue mind -- the individuals that are bent towards thinking beyond the accepted norms and willing to question the validity of prevailing ideas.
Humanity in general is quite smart, but true genius will always be an anomaly.
Let's face it, most of us are plowhorses, when it comes down to it. Nothing wrong with that, after all. Somehow the field has to get plowed. Might as well be me under the yoke. Some of us still even go to church. In fact, the masses do!
But then there are the Galileos. They are still among us. Revealing what always was. Praise be! 

*****

1 comment:

Merisi said...

I was thinking about you just the other day, thinking of contacting you.
So great to hear from you.
Hugs,
M.