Story Summary
Explore the legendary story of Newton and the Apple, where a simple observation in a garden led Sir Isaac Newton to discover the laws of universal gravitation.
In the mid-1660s, a devastating plague forced young Isaac Newton to leave Cambridge University and retreat to his family home at Woolsthorpe Manor. One afternoon, while sitting in his garden in a contemplative mood, Newton observed an apple fall from a tree to the ground. This simple, everyday occurrence sparked a profound question: Why should that apple always descend perpendicularly to the ground? Why should it not go sideways or upwards, but constantly to the earth's center? He reasoned that there must be a drawing power in matter, a force that extended far beyond the earth, reaching even to the moon. This moment of observation became the catalyst for his Law of Universal Gravitation, forever changing our understanding of the physical universe.
The Moral
Great discoveries often come from observing the simplest occurrences in nature with a curious and questioning mind.
“Why should that apple always descend perpendicularly to the ground?”
Fun Fact
William Stukeley's 1752 biography of Newton describes the event happening over tea in the garden, confirming that the apple fell 'to the ground' rather than onto Newton's head.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Newton and the Apple?
The moral is that curiosity and the willingness to question ordinary events can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs. It teaches us that the answers to the universe's greatest mysteries are often hidden in plain sight.
Did an apple actually hit Isaac Newton on the head?
There is no historical evidence that the apple hit Newton on the head. According to Newton's own accounts told to his biographers, he merely observed an apple falling from a tree while he was in a contemplative mood.
Where did the Newton and the Apple story take place?
The event took place at Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire, England. This was Newton's birthplace and family home where he stayed to avoid the Great Plague of London.
When did Isaac Newton discover gravity?
The inspiration occurred during his 'annus mirabilis' or 'year of wonders' between 1665 and 1666. However, he did not publish his full theory of universal gravitation until 1687 in his work 'Principia'.
Who first recorded the story of the falling apple?
The story was first recorded by William Stukeley, a friend and biographer of Newton, who recalled a conversation where Newton described the apple's fall as the inspiration for his gravity research.
Is the original Newton apple tree still alive today?
A tree at Woolsthorpe Manor, known as 'Flower of Kent,' is widely believed to be the original tree. It has been cared for and protected for centuries and still produces apples today.