September 14, 1998

Some History

As many people know, Galileo was one of the first people ever to actually proclaim WITH EVIDENCE that the Earth is not at the center of the universe. Instead, it traveled circuitously around the sun. And of course, the reigning theology of the time said it was not so, so the Church brought up charges against him.

Faced with both the threat of excommunication and even further threats against his family, Galileo relented and denounced all his findings. He was sentenced to a house arrest for the remainder of his years, but as he was led out of the trial, he whispered under his breath, just loud enough for a few to hear, "Eppur si muove (but it does move)."

Saying that, he made a difference. Had he remained quiet, no one for many years would have spoken the astronomical fact; the universe would go around the Earth. Speaking those words, he kept a defiance alive, slight, but a difference. He left a crack to be widened, for others to speak.

So remember, when you forced to admit you are wrong but know you are right, always mutter under your breath, "Eppur si muove." The truth will be thankful.