The global rap-sensation B.O.B. recently engaged in a Twitter battle with respected, world-renown astrophysicist and author, Neil Degrasse-Tyson over whether the world is in-fact flat. B.O.B. suggested that we have been lied to all along - that the world is not round. He posted photos that suggested there should be some curvature in the Earth as seen from great distances. Noticing no curvature, he decided to join the movement to set the world back 500 years in its understanding of our world's structure.
Had he done a Google search, however, he may have found the earliest reference to scientists who discovered that the world was round. In the third century B.C., scientists and mathematicians from Africa, the Middle East and ancient Greece studied and worked at the Library of Alexandria, a great center of learning at that time and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. One of these scientists, a Greek by the name of Eratosthenes of Syene, not only discovered that the world was round, but also calculated its circumference in 240 B.C. And, while B.O.B.'s observations are subjective, Eratosthenes' calculations were objective and could be studied and analyzed by other mathematicians and scientists at that time.
Still, people being people, it would be another 1,500 years before it would be held as common knowledge that the world is round. So, how does one find proof that the Earth is in-fact round, if one were looking for it? Using technology that was unavailable to Eratosthenes in his time (or even Magellan in the 1500s), how can we prove with reasonable certainty that the world isn't flat? Well, just go to YouTube. Even if you don't trust NASA, there are hobbyists flying drones and GoPro cameras to the edge of space. From that vantage point, one is certain to be able to see the supposed curvature of the Earth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAifzh7_-cg
Oh! And, here is one from NASA. I highly doubt there is some massive conspiracy by both respected scientists and mathematicians of the past and present, NASA, anyone captaining a ship or piloting a plane and hobbyists the world-over to deceive us all.
My issue is not with B.O.B. making an observation. My issue stems from the fact that even with the best information available he chose stubborn adherence to his belief. And, even when an expert in the field of study tried to curtail his errant point-of-view, he remained defiant. "Stay in your lane bro." Again, it's not that I have an issue with someone making an observation, it's just that we must not be so averse to learning anything new that we fight to maintain our ignorance. It's like B.O.B. refused to update his operating-system. "I'm running D.O.S. I could care less what the world thinks." Nah brah!
In fact, when it comes to making observations, our eyes cannot be totally depended upon. This is where the mind's eye takes over. As creatures with a faculty for higher consciousness, we are able to think beyond the limitations of our limited ability to perceive. In so doing, we create tools to test the validity and accuracy of our observations. Where observation and calculation line-up, we can make statements of fact. When someone makes a better observation, we yield to that better understanding. This is how we evolve.
The good thing is - what B.O.B.'s Twitter rant allows us to do is to shine a spotlight on the place where all understanding (whether scientific or spiritual) starts. And, it all starts with an observation. Observation leads to thought. Thought leads to discussion. Discussion leads to theory. Out of theory comes testing and research. And, hopefully testing and research lead to new discovery. In making new discoveries, we arrive at more, well-rounded understanding of our world.
J. Power
