Inspiring People

Isaac Newton

Some of the qualities of Isaac Newton were that he was modest and confident.

Sir Isaac Newton (b.1642, d.1727) was a very influential man in the field of science during and beyond his lifetime. He was the greatest scientist of his time and made discoveries about the fundamental functions of the world. He was born in Lincolnshire and later studied at Cambridge University where he was elected a Fellow of Trinity College in 1667.

He remained at the university until 1696 and during his time there prepared Principia, widely regarded as one of the most important scientific works ever written. His findings changed the way people around the world thought about themselves and the world. Newton rejected previous thinking on natural philosophy and created his own method of prediction (be able to tell what may happen before it happens), experiment and conclusion rather than using speculation and reason to explain scientific problems; this paved the way to modern-day science.

After Newton, science changed dramatically, both in terms of what and how it was studied. Newton transformed natural philosophy into physical science. Newton's influence on Europe was delayed due to the opposition of several European scientists. Newton was a difficult person and would often get into arguments with fellow scientists. He was also modest, diffident and a man of simple tastes. He was harsh towards enemies but generous towards friends. He never married and lived modestly, but was buried in an elaborate ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London.