Originally posted by StarValleyWyWell, I think they are Indian but were transferred to Europe by the Arabs. Astronomy definitely. Islamic culture has had huge influence, in philosophy, science, mathematics, art, etc. While the Europeans were at it tooth and nail with each other, assorted Turks, Arabs, etc. were building a very impressive culture (and going at it tooth and nail with the Europeans).
I don't know their names, but definitely the Arabic contributors to astronomy and math. The invention of decimal based math's is theirs, is it not?
That means some credit is definitely due to those who dragged Europe out of the dark ages. What about Henry VII, who vitalized trade in England and funded a lot of exploration etc. FInding out how vast and large this planet is, never min th universe, was a big, and fairly quick thing.
Originally posted by royalchickenAs you know, my entire life's dream is to explore our solar system. All "explorers" are on any list of mine. I just hope that we can live to see "thousands of explorers. Each with a dream. Pushing out from the small, blue, beautiful globe that mothered all men. Going with resolve and excitement, fear and longing. Each more sure that they were more alive and human than they had ever been before."
Well, I think they are Indian but were transferred to Europe by the Arabs. Astronomy definitely. Islamic culture has had huge influence, in philosophy, science, mathematics, art, etc. While the Europeans were at it tooth and nail with each other, assorted Turks, Arabs, etc. were building a very impressive culture (and going at it tooth and nail with ...[text shortened]... out how vast and large this planet is, never min th universe, was a big, and fairly quick thing.
Explorers... ALL!
Originally posted by StarValleyWyBrilliant. I suppose any astronaut/cosmonaut belongs on this list. Also the engineers who built their vehicles, and the ground crews who gave them their send-offs.
As you know, my entire life's dream is to explore our solar system. All "explorers" are on any list of mine. I just hope that we can live to see "thousands of explorers. Each with a dream. Pushing out from the small, blue, beautiful globe that mothered all men. Going with resolve and excitement, fear and longing. Each more sure that they were more alive and human than they had ever been before."
Explorers... ALL!
Originally posted by ivanhoeYes, ceretainly. Also, his anti-Nazi work while firing off V-2 rockets might get him some props (he convinced his staff to surrender, and stole a train to effect this). So, if you apply your felicific calculus, does he go on the list?
Wernherr von Braun, what's in a name, certainly deserves a prominent place on this list.
Originally posted by royalchicken
Yes, ceretainly. Also, his anti-Nazi work while firing off V-2 rockets might get him some props (he convinced his staff to surrender, and stole a train to effect this). So, if you apply your felicific calculus, does he go on the list?
He was a very clever man and he knew what course to take when the weather prospects changed. I'm willing to give him the Genius title in more than one way.