It seems like every other day, someone has a new prediction about the end of the world. But this time, it’s not just any random doomsday claim—it comes from none other than the brilliant British physicist and mathematician, Isaac Newton.
People have been trying to guess the future for centuries. From ancient prophecies to modern conspiracy theories, almost everyone has had their take on when the world will meet its end. So far, every single prediction has been proven wrong. And for those of us who have been around long enough, we’ve already lived through multiple so-called “apocalypse” events that never actually happened.
Daily male
Remember when people thought the world was going to end in the year 2000? Then came June 6, 2006. And of course, 2012 was supposed to be the final year for humanity, thanks to the Mayan calendar. Yet here we are, still standing. But this time, the prediction is different—because it comes from Isaac Newton himself.
Newton made this claim way back in 1704, long before modern science, before trains, before the guillotine, and even before the piano was invented. Newton anticipated for the end of the world to occur, at the earliest, this century.
x/phys in history
If you haven’t been paying attention yet, now might be the time to start, because Newton’s prediction places doomsday uncomfortably close. In a letter that he probably never intended for the world to see, he wrote: “So then the time times & half a time are 42 months or 1260 days or three years & an half, recconing twelve months to a yeare & 30 days to a month as was done in the Calendar of the primitive
year.”
“And the days of short lived Beasts being put for the years of lived kingdoms, the period of 1260 days, if dated from the complete conquest of the three kings A.C. 800, will end A.C. 2060. It may end later, but I see no reason for its ending sooner.”
Yes, you read that correctly—2060. That’s just 35 years away. So how exactly did Newton come up with this theory? Newton was deeply religious, and his prediction was based on interpretations of the Book of Daniel. This book, which is part of the Old Testament, contains references to apocalyptic events, which he believed held the key to understanding the end times.
Explaining Newton’s theory, Andrei Tapalaga, the curator of History of Yesterday, stated: “The ‘end of the world’ that Newton is referring to in this theory based on the Book of Daniel is that this will be when Jesus will come back and bring peace to this world by being the ruler for a whole millennium.”
“Jesus would burn all of those that have corrupted Christianity for their own personal gain and teach us all to live in harmony. Those that oppose him will face his wrath and those who embrace him will face his love.”
Getty images
So, in Newton’s view, the “end of the world” wasn’t necessarily a complete and total destruction of humanity. Instead, it was more of a transition—an end to one era and the start of another. Well, that’s a relief… sort of!
The Life and Mind of Isaac Newton
To fully understand Newton’s prediction, it’s essential to delve into his life and the context in which he made this claim. Isaac Newton, born in 1643, is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history. His contributions to physics, mathematics, and astronomy laid the foundation for modern science. However, what many people don’t realize is that Newton was also deeply immersed in theology and alchemy.
Getty images
Newton’s scientific achievements, such as the laws of motion and universal gravitation, often overshadow his other interests. But for Newton, science and religion were not separate pursuits; they were interconnected. He believed that studying the natural world was a way to understand God’s creation. This perspective led him to spend a significant amount of time interpreting biblical texts, particularly those related to prophecy and the end times.
Newton’s fascination with the Book of Daniel was not unique to him. Many scholars and theologians throughout history have turned to this text for insights into the future. The Book of Daniel is filled with vivid imagery and symbolic language, making it a rich source for interpretation. Newton’s approach was methodical, applying the same rigor he used in his scientific work to his biblical studies.
Getty images
The Book of Daniel and Newton’s Interpretation
The Book of Daniel is one of the most enigmatic books in the Bible. It contains stories of Daniel’s experiences in the Babylonian court and a series of visions that depict future events. These visions are filled with symbolic imagery, such as beasts, horns, and thrones, which have been interpreted in various ways over the centuries.
wikipedia
Newton focused on a particular passage in Daniel 12:7, which mentions “a time, times, and half a time.” This phrase has been the subject of much debate among scholars. Newton interpreted it as representing a period of 1,260 years. He believed that this period began in 800 A.D., coinciding with the reign of Charlemagne and the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire.
Using this calculation, Newton arrived at the year 2060 as the endpoint of this prophetic timeline. He suggested that this would mark the beginning of a new era, characterized by the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of a divine kingdom on Earth. Newton’s interpretation was not meant to predict the exact date of the world’s destruction but rather to signal a significant transformation in human history.
Newton’s Religious Beliefs and Their Influence
Getty images
Newton’s religious beliefs were deeply rooted in his understanding of the Bible. He was a devout Christian, but his views were not always in line with mainstream Christianity. Newton rejected the doctrine of the Trinity, which was a controversial stance at the time. He believed that the early Christian church had corrupted the true teachings of Jesus, and he sought to uncover the original message of the Bible.
This quest for truth led Newton to study biblical prophecy extensively. He saw prophecy as a way to understand God’s plan for humanity and to discern the signs of the times. Newton’s interpretation of the Book of Daniel was part of his broader effort to reconcile biblical teachings with his scientific understanding of the universe.
Newton’s prediction of the end times was not driven by a desire to instill fear or panic. Instead, it was an expression of his faith and his belief in the ultimate triumph of good over evil. For Newton, the end of the world was not a catastrophe but a necessary step toward the establishment of a just and peaceful society.
The Legacy of Newton’s Prediction
Public domain
Newton’s prediction has sparked considerable interest and debate over the years. Some view it as a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers, while others see it as a curious footnote in his otherwise scientific legacy. Regardless of how one interprets Newton’s prediction, it serves as a reminder of the complexity of his intellectual pursuits.
Newton’s work in science and religion reflects his belief in the unity of knowledge. He saw no contradiction between exploring the natural world and seeking spiritual truth. In many ways, Newton’s prediction of the end times is a testament to his enduring curiosity and his desire to understand the mysteries of existence.
As we approach the year 2060, it’s worth considering Newton’s prediction in the context of our own time. While it’s unlikely that the world will end in the way Newton envisioned, his ideas invite us to reflect on the future of humanity and the challenges we face. Whether or not we believe in prophecy, Newton’s prediction reminds us of the importance of striving for a better world.
The Role of Prophecy in Human History
Prophecy has played a significant role in human history, shaping the beliefs and actions of countless individuals and societies. From the ancient oracles of Greece to the modern-day predictions of Nostradamus, people have long been fascinated by the idea of foreseeing the future.
Prophecy often serves as a source of hope or warning, depending on the context. In times of uncertainty, people turn to prophecy for guidance and reassurance. At the same time, prophecy can also be used to manipulate or control, as seen in the various doomsday cults that have emerged throughout history.
Newton’s prediction is unique in that it comes from a figure who is primarily known for his scientific achievements. This juxtaposition of science and prophecy highlights the complexity of human thought and the ways in which different disciplines can intersect.
The Science of Predicting the Future
While prophecy is often associated with religion and mysticism, the desire to predict the future is also a fundamental aspect of science. Scientists use data, models, and theories to make predictions about everything from the weather to the behavior of subatomic particles.
Getty images
In many ways, Newton’s scientific work was about predicting the future. His laws of motion and universal gravitation allowed him to calculate the movements of celestial bodies with remarkable accuracy. This ability to predict natural phenomena was a testament to the power of scientific inquiry.
However, predicting the end of the world is a different matter altogether. Unlike the movements of planets or the behavior of gases, the end of the world is not something that can be observed or measured in a laboratory. It is a concept that exists at the intersection of science, religion, and philosophy.
Isaac Newton’s 1704 letterhttps://www.unilad.com/
Isaac Newton’s 1704 letter revealing his prediction for the end of the world is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers. While his prediction of the year 2060 as the endpoint of a prophetic timeline may seem far-fetched to some, it reflects Newton’s deep engagement with both science and religion.
Newton’s prediction invites us to reflect on the nature of prophecy, the relationship between science and religion, and the challenges we face as a global society. Whether or not we believe in the possibility of an apocalyptic event, Newton’s ideas remind us of the importance of striving for a better future.
As we approach the year 2060, it’s worth considering the lessons we can learn from Newton’s prediction. In a world filled with uncertainty, his vision of a new era characterized by peace and harmony is a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change. Whether through science, religion, or philosophy, the quest to understand the future is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.
