Teaching and Learning English Resources:
Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei, the father of science, was born in Pisa, ltaly in February 1564.
No one thought that the boy who was born in a poor family running a dry goods store would be a great scientist in future.
He received a lot of help and support from Professor Ritch,
who also recommended him for a position as professor
at the University of Pisa so that he could continue his research.
Galilei became a professor, but he was hated by was hated by many people in the university,
Because he criticized Aristotle's teachings, which were sanctified then.
Bucause of his criticism, he was called and warned by the dean.
"Aristotle was a scholar 2,000 Years ago."
"I'll prove that all his theories are not true."
Galilei performed an experiment in the Leaning Tower of Pisa in order to prove the incorrectness of Aristotle's theory that
'a heavier object falls faster than a lighter one.'
Although his argument proved true, no one thought highly of him.
Galilei moved to the University of Padova for freer academic study and research.
He was very popular there.
The classrooms he used for his lectures were always full of students and other professors.
One day a German scientist called Copernicus argued, 'The Earth revolves around the sun.'
His argument brought about a tremendous problem to the people who believed that the Earth was the center of the universe.
Although they thought Copernicus' argument was wrong, Galilei agreed with it.
'Right. The Earth isn't the center of the universe. Aristotle is wrong.'
Galilei's argument was a very frightening one that might cause him to face the death penalty inflicted by the lnquisition.
Without making haste, Galilei made telescopes and observed stars in order to prove the correctness of his argument.
while observing stars, he gradually discovered the mysteries of the universe one by one.
In the process, he got convinced of this belief that the Earth revolved around the sun.
As a result, many religious people and scholars criticized him.
At last Galilei was brought before the lnquisition when he was very sick at the age of 69.
"We are asking you this question again.
Do you think the Earth revolves around the sun?"
"No..., sir... My argument is false..."
Galilei shed tears when he answered.
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