Nasir al-Din al-Tusi
He developed the Tusi couple, a mathematical device that allowed for the generation of linear motion from circular motion, impacting later models.
Most quoted
"To be a true scholar, one must be willing to admit error, even if it means losing an argument to a younger, less experienced mind. A bitter pill, but necessary."
— from Attributed
"The apparent retrograde motion of the planets is not a true motion, but an illusion caused by the combination of their own motion and the Earth's motion."
— from Al-Tadhkira fi 'ilm al-hay'a (Memoir on Astronomy)
"To truly understand the heavens, one must first understand the limitations of the earthly mind. A task often more challenging than mapping the stars."
— from Attributed
All quotes by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (433)
The pursuit of knowledge is like chasing a comet; you may never catch it, but the journey is magnificent.
To truly see, one must first admit to being blind. A difficult admission for many, especially those with good eyesight.
The stars do not lie, but our interpretations often do. A common human failing.
Many seek to control the heavens, when they cannot even control their own tempers.
We build grand observatories to peer into the cosmos, only to find that the greatest mysteries lie within the observer.
The universe is a grand puzzle, and sometimes, the most satisfying piece to find is the one that proves you were wrong.
To understand the cosmos, one must be willing to unlearn what they think they know. A painful, yet necessary, process.
The human soul is a mirror, capable of reflecting the divine realities, if only it is polished clean of the dust of worldly attachments.
True happiness lies not in the accumulation of external goods, but in the inner cultivation of virtue and wisdom.
Life is a journey towards perfection, and every step, even a stumble, can be a lesson on the path to self-realization.
Death is not an end, but a transition, a shedding of the physical garment to reveal the eternal essence of the soul.
Consciousness is the light by which we perceive the universe, and in its depths lies the potential for understanding the divine.
The meaning of existence is to strive for knowledge, to purify the soul, and to align oneself with the divine will.
Truth is a radiant sun, and our minds are but windows through which its light can shine, if we but open them.
Beauty is a reflection of divine harmony, manifest in the order of the cosmos and the perfection of creation.
The human condition is one of constant striving, a struggle between the lower self and the higher aspirations of the soul.
Knowledge is the food of the soul, and ignorance is its disease.
The wise person understands that true power lies in self-mastery, not in dominion over others.
Every action, every thought, leaves an imprint on the soul, shaping its destiny.
The universe is a book, and every star, every planet, is a letter in its divine script.