How Galileo Galilei Challenged The Consensus

Intellectual bravery can be seen when someone makes a research breakthrough that challenges long-accepted beliefs. Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer Galileo Galilei did exactly that in his research about space. Throughout his life, he studied speed, velocity, and gravity among many other principles of science. With his research and logic, Galileo pursued evidence that introduced the idea that the Earth revolves around the Sun. His theory of heliocentrism states that the Sun is stationary and Earth and other planets revolve around it. He recorded observations and provided proof that Venus had similar phases to the moon, which ultimately proved that the planet orbits the Sun, not the Earth. 

His claims created tremendous controversy because they were contrary to the thinking of powerful authorities during his time. He created immense friction with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, and was tried for heresy and was sentenced to life long house arrest. Despite the abundance of criticism and punishment, Galileo held to his beliefs, continued to support these findings through continued science and even more research, and was one of the pioneers in science to support theories based on keen observation and experimentation. His scientific breakthrough was written in his influential textbook, Two New Sciences, that covered the laws of motion. 

Galileo had the courage to support his findings in a time when there was much opposition and harsh consequences. His ideas were not embraced and yet he still held firm to his theories. He had the intellectual courage to examine and challenge evidence, despite being criticized and punished. What Galileo went through mirrors the experience of many innovators, across not only science, but also the arts, education and business. Confirmation bias often highlights evidence and reasoning that confirms our existing thinking and people are slow to adapt. But when that risk is taken, it can move conversations in entirely new directions and even result in world changing discoveries.