The modern telescope – great, isn’t it?

Fairly easy to make and use, and with thousands of possiblities as to what you can do with it. Many of them life-saving or life-changing at the very least.

When I was a kid I saw a cartoon once where a meteorite was heading towards Earth.

They used a telescope to check it out, and in doing so noticed it early enough to save the world. Very technical stuff indeed.

Years, later the plot from that cartoon was nicked by Armageddon…but hey ho.

In all seriousness though, it’s hard to see why anyone wouldn’t like the telescope isn’t it?

(Tintin and the Shooting Star)

However, as is human nature, there’s always someone with a problem.

The telescope was initially conceived in Holland, but after hearing about it Galileo was quick to act and made one of his own. As a result of the exposure he gave it, he’s generally credited as the inventor.

So, there he was – showcasing this fantastic creation to the world, and while the majority were thrilled there were some who weren’t as enticed.

The moral conservatives of the time felt that it was wrong. And that the telescope was giving humans an extra power that they shouldn’t have had, a power not given naturally.
Galileo stuck true to himself and his passion won over the masses – the telescope soon became a big hit and thus history was made. Although, he did admittedly remain a bit of a controversial figure in his lifetime.

What’s our lesson here?

Nearly everything we do, no matter how innoculous it seems, will generate criticism. Even the greatest ideas you have will be doubted by some. But, as long as you believe in the idea you need to show your passion to those around.

Galileo did.

And became such a hit that he’s even referenced in a Queen song.