Aristotle

Imagine living in 380 BC when science and philosophy flourished in Ancient Greece, shaped by great thinkers such as Plato, Pythagoras, and Aristotle. Greek society was built around city-states, agriculture was a thriving industry, and slavery was common. The daily life of the people varied greatly—while the wealthy enjoyed wheat bread, fine clothing, and education, the lower classes survived on barley bread and vegetables. The Greeks worshiped multiple gods, believing that deities lived like humans, experiencing emotions such as jealousy and anger, and requiring sacrifices for favor. 

Science, at the time, was the pursuit of the elite. Physicians, philosophers, and scholars were highly valued by rulers, and Aristotle was among the most influential figures in shaping both science and Western thought. His ideas on the geocentric model—the belief that the Earth was at the center of the universe—were widely accepted and later reinforced by the medieval Catholic Church. Because Aristotle's theories aligned with religious doctrine, questioning them was considered heresy, leading to centuries of intellectual stagnation. 

Aristotle's Scientific Legacy 

Aristotle argued that the sun, moon, and stars revolved around the Earth, and he classified matter into four fundamental elements: earth, water, fire, and air. He also introduced the concept of a fifth essence, or quintessence, which he believed composed the heavens—unchanging and perfect. 

The Church embraced Aristotle’s views, integrating them into theological teachings. This alliance between science and religious doctrine made Aristotle’s ideas immune to criticism for centuries. The belief that Earth was the universe's center remained dominant until Copernicus and Galileo challenged it in the Renaissance, reshaping our understanding of astronomy. 

Faith, Science, and the Power of Stories 

While Aristotle’s influence shaped medieval thought, history shows that rigid adherence to certain beliefs—whether scientific or religious—can slow progress. Religious texts, like the Gospels, were written to convey principles rather than specific timelines. The universe began approximately 14 billion years ago, while humans evolved around 5 million years ago—a vast gap in cosmic time. 

Science and faith, though often seen as opposing forces, both rely on storytelling. In business, politics, and religion, narratives shape how we perceive reality. A visionary entrepreneur, for example, tells a compelling story about their company to gain investors' trust. Similarly, religious parables convey deeper moral truths rather than literal history. Principles, rather than rigid interpretations, provide guidance in navigating life’s challenges. 

The influence of Aristotle, reinforced by the medieval Church, dominated scientific thought until thinkers like Copernicus and Galileo paved the way for modern science. Their discoveries marked a turning point, reminding us that science is an ever-evolving pursuit of truth—one that thrives on questioning, testing, and refining our understanding of the universe.