I cannot but be astonished that Sarsi should persist in trying to prove by means of witnesses something that I may see for myself at any time by means of experiment. Witnesses are examined in doubtful matters which are past and transient, not in those which are actual and present. A judge must seek by means of witnesses to determine whether Peter injured John last night, but not whether John was injured, since the judge can see that for himself.
— Galileo Galilei Early Modern

Father of modern observational astronomy

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Details

Context

From 'The Assayer,' critiquing reliance on authority/testimony over direct observation and experiment.

Date / Period

1623

Category

Strange & Unusual

Source

https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHTGQ7yT93fQ…

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: gemini

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

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