Leadership

It is a Small World

“Live your life as an Exclamation rather than an Explanation”– Isaac Newton

Let us travel to Cambridge University in the UK to learn something new about Isaac Newton. This English polymath actually has two birthdays. According to the modern Gregorian calendar, Newton was born on the 4^th of January 1643. However, back in the 17^th century when Newton was born, they still used the Julian calendar and the recorded date of this birth was Christmas Day 1642.

Newton was a preemie at birth and barely survived the first week. As a young student, he loved school and his favorite subject was Chemistry. As a later professor at Cambridge, Newton had a reputation for being reclusive and even a bit nasty, had few close friends, rarely spoke, and sometimes got so caught up with his work that he forgot to eat.

That eureka moment of an apple falling on Newton’s head is actually a legend. He merely observed it falling to the ground and wondered why it would fall to earth and not in some other direction.

We remember Newton for his work in physics, astronomy, and mathematics, but he was also interested in alchemy (turning lead into gold) and biblical chronology including predicting the end of the world. His predicted year was 2060.

Late in life, Newton took up the position at the royal mint in London, first as Warden and later as Master. He took his work seriously including chasing counterfeiters, several of whom ended up at the gallows.

This picture is in front of Isaac Newton’s office at Cambridge University with a descendant of the legendary apple tree in front. The opening quote to this summary is a powerful reminder to embrace life with curiosity and infectious enthusiasm. Stop justifying or explaining your choices to others. Find your authentic self and live a life with no regrets.

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