Sir Isaac Newton was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian. He is considered by many scholars to be one of the most influential people in the history of the world

His Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Latin for ‘Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy’; usually called the Principia), was published in 1687, and is arguably the most important scientific book ever written. In Principia, Newton described universal gravitation and the three laws of motion, which dominated the scientific view of the physical universe for the next three centuries

Newton was responsible for building the first practical telescope and developed a theory of colour based on the observation that a prism decomposes white light into the many colours that form the visible spectrum

Newton also formulated an empirical law of cooling as well as studying the speed of sound

Newton was also very religious. He was an unorthodox Christian, and during his life he actually wrote more on understanding and interpreting the Bible and religious studies than on science and mathematics, the subjects he is primarily known for

NMTBP uses 5 quotes from Newton, amplified as necessary by other thinkers, for you to use as you think fit to lead a happier, more fulfilling life:

Labour to be Tactful

“Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy”

Solomon said, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” We can all polish up on our tact, our diplomacy, our discretion, our delicacy, and our gracefulness. Solomon went on to say, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances”. Make a point of being tactful in all you do and see the difference it makes

Patiently Think

“If I have done the public any service, it is due to my patient thought”

Do you spend enough time patiently thinking? Albert Einstein developed Newton’s premise and said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer” Try to block out some time daily to ‘think’, and you could solve many of your problems. …you could even solve some of the world’s problems!

Build Bridges

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges”

We’re a society of walls, fences and protected privacy.  We’re taught that these things will keep us safe and protected from harm.  In an age of information, there may be truth to that

But it’s also true that if we’re not careful we find ourselves building walls around our heart and mind as well.  It happens when we get hurt by someone we love or respect a great deal.  It happens because life dictates that we all have our fair share of hard knocks to keep us humble, and help us grow, however we choose how to respond to these events

That’s why you should spend your time building bridges instead of walls. When we ‘build bridges’ we’re building a better life. When we build walls, we’re stagnating our own growth

Chase after Knowledge

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants”

If its good enough for Newton, it should be good enough for you!

There’s no need to recreate the wheel. To make progress all you must do is to build on what others have already done. Start by learning what others know. By chasing after knowledge, and positioning yourself on the shoulders of giants, you should be able to see what others can’t see

Pursue Truth

“A man may imagine things that are false, but he can only understand things that are true, for if the things be false, the apprehension of them is not understanding”

Why pursue “truth”? There’s an anonymous quote that goes, “The truth is heavy, therefore few care to carry it”. Be one of those few who pursue truth both night and day. Blaise Pascal said, “Once your soul has been enlarged by truth, it can never return to its original size”

Be happy!