Transcription
Is humanity God's failed creation? Or is God humanity's failed creation? After Bardney reviewed the materials from the stone box, he believed that the heliocentric theory was not yet complete enough to be published. Therefore, a hero with cautious intellect and occasional boldness was needed to continue the research. That hero is me. However, he had three conditions:
First, he would not take any disciples. If he could not prove his findings before his death, he would burn all related materials. This was because he absolutely had to complete and publish it himself and could not become a stepping stone for others.
Second, he wanted Okuz to participate in the research and conduct observations.
Third, if the progress was smooth and beneficial, Okuz would only receive one-tenth, and he would take nine-tenths. But Okuz remembered that the letter stated he should give one-tenth to Pototsky. Bardney directly burned that letter, treating it as if it never existed. However, Okuz believed that promises should be kept. If they were ignored, he felt something important would be lost, something like history... But Bardney didn't care, only saying that he would take his share from Okuz's portion.
The next day, Bardney took Okuz to the city. Relying solely on the records in the stone box was insufficient to surpass its conclusions. Therefore, they needed to find someone with more records. Bardney approached the bulletin board, where one could post questions for others to answer. So, Bardney created a question that required celestial records and high intelligence to answer. He pinned the question on the bulletin board and waited for an answerer to appear. Of course, they also had to consider his safety, as the matter of the stone box was too dangerous. After they had posted their questions on bulletin boards all over the city, Okuz's extraordinary vision spotted someone in the distance answering a question. The answerer was a young girl.
In the research institute, a group of male researchers entered the conference room. As a woman, Yolanda was not qualified to participate in the seminar. She could only run to the backyard after everyone had entered, take off her gloves, descend into the well, and crawl through the gaps to the underground beneath the conference room to eavesdrop on the seminar. After the seminar ended, Yolanda waited at the conference room door. Some men saw her and even said: "We envy you, you can rest during this time." Ah, this reminds me of the tone of many mentally deficient men discriminating against women in reality. It's truly hateful. But Yolanda still pleaded with them to let her participate in the seminar. However, this trash said no, "We cannot currently determine if you are suitable for this job. I won't say it explicitly, but you are clearly different from us." At this moment, Kolbe greeted Yolanda kindly. The others teased Kolbe for being assigned Yolanda as an assistant. Kolbe replied, "Right? Having such an excellent assistant is indeed troublesome." Then he took Yolanda away. In the corridor, he said: "In your future life, you will encounter people who, regardless of your essence, will directly and completely deny you. You may feel discouraged every time, but you must still believe in what you are believing in and move forward. I will support you as much as possible." Then, he asked Yolanda about the progress of her thesis. Yolanda took out her completed thesis. Kolbe was overjoyed. After reading it, he decided to show it to Piersteber. He would review it first, so Yolanda could have a holiday at home during this time. If the thesis received good reviews, she might have a chance to be transferred from the library to the observatory. She would become busy then, so she should go home before getting busy.
The next day, Yolanda returned home. Her father noticed that Yolanda was troubled by her work. Yolanda said she felt a difference from others, not that she couldn't keep up, but that she couldn't even attend seminars. She wanted to work in the astronomy department but could only do odd jobs in the library. Her father felt that being able to work was already remarkable. But Yolanda said: "I passed the exam just like everyone else. However, my treatment is completely different from others." Her father said there was nothing that could be done, "You are only fourteen years old, and you are the only woman working there." "But age and gender should be irrelevant to academic research, shouldn't they?" Yolanda said. But reality is different, her father said. "Moreover, you are so outstanding, it will make others uneasy. Scholars are terrifying creatures; mutual backstabbing is common. It's much more dangerous than you imagine. What if you are considered a heretical witch..." To avoid this, there is only one thing you should do in the workplace: do nothing. Be inconspicuous, do not crave glory, be cautious in your words and actions, and live a peaceful life. Then the whole family can go to heaven. However, Yolanda said that since you gave me these gloves, allowing me to study even in winter, my heart has been that of a scholar. Therefore, for God and truth, I do not want to retreat. Once I retreat at a critical moment, my talent, development, and life will all end. Hearing this, her father said: "I understand, you can stand on your own. I was just being meddlesome out of concern, I apologize. I will support you."
The next day, Yolanda returned to the institute. Kolbe said that Piersteber highly praised the thesis! Yolanda thanked Kolbe very much. But Kolbe said there was no need to thank him, as it was submitted under his own name. "But that is your strength." "Ah? My thesis was submitted under Mr. Kolbe's name?" Kolbe smiled and said: "Of course. Because who would read a woman's thesis? Huh? You didn't think you could get away with using your own name, did you? Besides, publishing a thesis under a female name is dangerous. If there are any inappropriate parts, you might be considered a witch. But I will absolutely not let that happen. You have talent, so you write, and I will publish. Even as an assistant, you can be promoted to the observatory." But what Yolanda cared about was that her name would not remain in the world. At this moment, Piersteber appeared beside the two. He had overheard their conversation, so he asked Yolanda if she had written the thesis. Yolanda hesitated. She didn't want to retreat, but what Kolbe had said was not unreasonable. Publishing a thesis as a woman could lead to being considered a witch, and no one would read a woman's thesis. "That was not written by me." "I see." Yolanda walked alone on the street. She wanted to convince herself that Kolbe was a bad person and that she was deceiving herself. But Yolanda knew clearly that what he said were all facts, and he truly acted out of protection. However, Yolanda couldn't help but shed tears. At this moment, she happened to see an interesting astronomical riddle on the bulletin board, which was the question left by Bardney. Yolanda went to Kolbe's room to find astronomical data to answer the question. Then, she pinned her answer on the bulletin board. Bardney and Okuz called out to Yolanda from behind, asking if she was the one who answered the question in half a day. Yolanda immediately denied it, saying she was helping her boss post the answer. Bardney said he wanted to meet the answerer. Yolanda had to say that her boss was temporarily out of town. Bardney then said he wanted to convey some words to the answerer, as it was inconvenient outside. So, Yolanda took them to the institute's reception room. On the way, the three introduced themselves to each other, mentioning that Bardney came from the Great Monastery. Yolanda was surprised and took the opportunity to ask Bardney for his views on the problem of universals. Bardney said he was a nominalist, like Abelard. And Yolanda's boss is also a nominalist, but an Ockhamist. Bardney felt Ockham was too extreme. Yolanda said that pursuing truth also requires a fearless spirit.
The "problem of universals" they mentioned here is a medieval philosophical discussion. "Universals" refer to the common characteristics of two things. For example, both "water" and "coke" are "liquids." This "liquid" is the so-called universal. "Coke cans" and "roses" are both "red." This "red" is the so-called universal. We find some universals in different individual objects (particulars). So, what exactly are these "universals"? At that time, there were mainly three views: realism, conceptualism, and nominalism. Realism believed that universals are a real entity and exist independently. Conceptualism believed that universals are merely common characteristics that people summarize from individuals. However, universals exist after people have summarized them. So, both positions believe that universals exist, but whether they exist independently of people or are attached to people. This can basically refer to the distinction between Plato and Aristotle. Nominalism believed that universals do not exist, but are merely descriptive nouns. Abelard believed that although universals do not exist, they are based on the human mind's grasp of the similarity of things. Although Abelard denied the existence of universals, he did not believe that universals were purely nominal. They are based on the human mind's cognition of things, which can be considered a nominalism that integrates conceptualism. The Ockham that Bardney called extreme is the person of the famous "Ockham's Razor." "Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity" is Ockham's idea. His nominalism believed that universals are simply nouns. "Red" is simultaneously just the name for coke cans and roses, nothing more. There is no such thing as a universal, and there is no need to invoke the concept of similarity, because things that can be explained by nouns alone do not need to be superimposed with other concepts. This aligns well with Ockham's idea of "Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity." If something can be explained by a simple theory, don't add messy things.
You might think that these problems of universals seem unrelated to religion, but in fact, the problem of universals has a significant impact on the interpretation of the original biblical texts. It affects whether the words in the Bible refer to existing universals. Therefore, Ockham's nominalism is considered extreme. In his view, the words in the Bible are just words. This clearly does not align with the medieval church's view of the Bible's supreme divinity. The disagreement between Bardney and Yolanda on Abelard and Ockham actually reflects the different choices they will make in their subsequent stories. This is why I spent a paragraph discussing philosophy. Although Abelard denied the existence of universals, he simultaneously emphasized that universals are the similarity of things cognized by the human mind. Ockham, on the other hand, believed that universals are purely nominal. The theory advocates for removing all unnecessary assumptions. Remember this distinction, and it will be mentioned again when the time is right.
Returning to the story, Bardney had already guessed that the answerer was Yolanda, and her boss was a figment of his imagination. She had intelligence and imagination, and more importantly, she was a woman. The possibility of a woman reporting them was less likely, as she might be considered a witch. Upon arriving at the reception room, Bardney began circuitously, bringing up the "central fire" cosmology from the pre-Greek period. Hmm... cosmology is a bit boring and irrelevant to the plot, so I won't elaborate. Bardney gradually led from heretical cosmology to: "What if this world is truly rotating?" Hearing such heretical remarks, Yolanda said it was inappropriate. "You are right, it is very inappropriate. But we have only one goal: truth." Yolanda decided to drive them away. Bardney said: "Please tell the answerer that I will wait for him at the bulletin board tomorrow at noon." Okuz thought it might be dangerous to be so direct. Bardney said no, judging by her expression. "Because she is a woman?" "No... Because she is a researcher." And Yolanda, after hearing the heretical remarks, first thought of reporting them. But it happened to be time for the seminar again. Yolanda went underground to eavesdrop on the seminar. Piersteber wanted to complete his cosmological work before his life ended, constructing a world different from traditional cosmology. Then he told the story of Icarus. He flew to the sun with wax wings and finally fell. But his mistake was not challenging the sun, but underestimating the ignorance of wax melting! Since wax wouldn't work, let's build steel wings and continue to challenge the sun! To complete the true universe, we must become Icarus. After listening, Yolanda returned to the well. Unexpectedly, Piersteber was there. He asked Yolanda why she didn't attend the seminar. Knowing that others wouldn't let women participate, he knew she was being discriminated against. The Bible also says women are not suitable for publishing research. Are these really truths? Yolanda asked. Piersteber said: "The Bible is truth. It's just that the method of reading the Bible now is unknown." Then he told Yolanda to bring her thesis herself next time. What Piersteber said in the seminar about "becoming Icarus" echoed in Yolanda's mind.
The next day, Yolanda went to the bulletin board and saw Bardney. "I don't have a boss at all. The question was answered by me." Yolanda was willing to help Bardney, but in fact, the astronomical data was not hers. However, she could introduce someone there: Piersteber. Upon hearing the name, Bardney wanted to leave. Because he was famous for dedicating his life to breaking through Ptolemy's cosmology and proving the new heliocentric theory, he was an old man. However, he had the astronomical data from the past fifty years, which was of great help to the research on the geocentric theory. Yolanda said: "Piersteber values the heliocentric theory more than anyone else. But he must value truth even more." Thus, the three of them went to see Piersteber. But as soon as they mentioned needing data for geocentric theory research, he wanted to drive them away. Because research on the geocentric theory claimed that his lifelong research was wrong. But the geocentric theory might be the truth, and didn't you dedicate your life to truth? Piersteber did not refute, but only told them to go back. When Piersteber was young, he was disowned by his family due to his love for astronomy. So he came to the astronomical institute to seek refuge with his cousin. His cousin greatly admired Piersteber's talent and had a keen eye, giving him a great advantage in astronomical observation. After establishing himself at the institute, his cousin wanted to entrust the institute to him and simultaneously entrust the universe to him to complete. His cousin wanted to complete the new heliocentric theory but had little time left, so he wanted Piersteber to complete it. By the way, this new heliocentric theory corresponds to Tycho Brahe's cosmology. You can look at the diagram; simply put, the sun and moon revolve around the Earth, and the other planets revolve around the sun. Tycho Brahe also had an astronomical institute with a lot of astronomical observation data. Kepler had previously said that due to poor eyesight, he desperately needed astronomical data. But Tycho Brahe knew he was a heliocentrism proponent, so he didn't give him all the data. He kept him at the institute as an assistant and slowly gave him small amounts of data, PUA-ing him. Later, after Tycho Brahe died, Kepler finally obtained all the data and used it to construct a complete model of heliocentrism, publishing his foundational work on heliocentrism, "Astronomia Nova," and drawing the first star map based on heliocentrism: the Rudolphine Tables.
Returning to the story, his cousin believed that Piersteber could complete the new heliocentric theory. But that very night, while observing the stars, Piersteber discovered a strange celestial phenomenon. He convinced himself that he had misread it, but he was still bothered. He didn't want to negate the theory that he and his cousin had dedicated their lives to. The next day, he called Bardney and others over. He decided to let them see the recorded data, but with one condition: he wanted to observe their mistakes. A long time ago, he had misread something once. He thought it was just his illusion, so he wanted to use this opportunity to confirm that he had indeed misread it then. That was the full phase of Venus. Venus, like the moon, also has phases of waxing and waning. Depending on its angle to the sun, different crescent phases of Venus would be seen on Earth. But in the heliocentric theory, Venus could never be full. A full moon Venus would be a full Venus. Only in the geocentric model could Venus orbit behind the sun. This means that observing a full Venus would overturn the heliocentric theory. By the way, normal people cannot see a full Venus. The first recorded phases of Venus were seen by Galileo using a telescope. The human eye can barely distinguish them. However, it is understandable that the manga dramatized it, so let's not worry about why they could see it. Piersteber wanted them to observe Venus tonight because tonight Venus is farthest from Earth. After Piersteber tested Okuz's eyesight and found it sufficient, they only had to wait for Venus to appear tonight. Okuz was very nervous. He was worried about seeing a crescent Venus, which would mean Earth is truly at the bottom of the world. But Yolanda felt that if Earth were truly at the bottom, it would be too beautiful. Nature, beasts, and humans all have an inexplicable beauty. Perhaps it stems from Earth's rotation. If the Earth and the universe are one, then no matter how filthy, the light of this world will not easily disappear. And Okuz was uneasy. His observation would determine the shape of the universe. He didn't want to change the world; he just wanted to go to heaven. He didn't understand what he was doing here. These past few days were the most confusing of his life. But what he understood least was that he desperately wanted to see a full Venus. That night, the four waited on the rooftop for the truth to be revealed. Okuz looked up at the sky, and the light from the sky penetrated his eyes. It was a full Venus. Hearing this, Piersteber became very excited. "By the way, a full Venus only proves that Venus revolves around the sun, not that the Earth is geocentric." Bardney retorted: "But do you think this universe was created by God or is it a human fabrication?" Piersteber still wanted to struggle; he didn't want to give up his lifelong work. However, if there is a force that can instantly overturn long-accumulated research, easily surpass personal convenience and beliefs, possess extreme ruthlessness but therefore be equal, what would this thing be? That thing... that is... Piersteber struggled in the end. It is truth. Piersteber took out the key to the data room. But as Bardney reached for it, he said: "Do you know how many years of life this key has accumulated? It is two thousand years. The accumulated research could not yield an answer, which is futile for the truth. But even if it is wrong, the records left behind are not meaningless for history. I pray so." Taking the key, Bardney told Okuz to move all the data back to the village. As for Yolanda, Bardney suggested she withdraw at this point and do her own research. But Yolanda had been a great help, so Bardney was willing to grant her one request. Yolanda said: "Please, you must complete the geocentric theory." "I promise you." "Also, if we are caught later, you must cut ties with us. This is for your own good and for the geocentric theory." Then Bardney left. Okuz asked Yolanda a question at the end: "What does it feel like to understand writing?" He was curious because everyone took it for granted. Yolanda said: "Writing is simply a miracle. As long as you can use writing, you can transcend time and space. You can shed tears for messages from two hundred years ago; you can laugh at legends from a thousand years ago. Our lives are confined to this era, but when reading, you can hear ancient great men speaking to me. In that moment, I seem to have transcended this era. The thoughts that become text will last forever in the world, and may even push certain people in the future. This is no different from a miracle." Hearing this, Okuz made a request. He wanted Yolanda to teach him to read and write.
One evening, Piersteber stood on the rooftop of the institute, looking at the sky. He wrote down the theory of geocentricism and deduced it in a book. Amidst coughing, he suddenly had trouble breathing. His notebook fell from the rooftop, and he looked at the night sky for the last time, passing away. This episode tells the story from the manga "Earth. -On the Motion of the Earth-" Volume 3. It describes how Bardney, with Yolanda's help, finally obtained the data. This episode is clearly most suitable for discussing feminism. In fact, the author explicitly stated in an interview that Yolanda's character design is related to the current discrimination against women. So, strictly speaking, "Earth." is also DEI. Coincidentally, there was recently some gossip on Threads about "one extra root causing a lifetime of suffering." My views can be seen in my old videos. What I want to talk about today is so-called gatekeeping. In the story, Yolanda, like other researchers, took the same exam to get hired, but she had to work harder to prove her qualifications to attend seminars. Do you think such things only happened in the Middle Ages? Imagine female drivers. They take the same exam as male drivers, but female drivers have to "prove" their driving is safe. I recently saw a related post on Threads with a picture of Moon. Isn't her situation the same as Yolanda's, taking the same exam and doing odd jobs in the library? This phenomenon is gatekeeping, where women need to further prove themselves. Or female football fans, you would ask them if they know what offside is. But for male fans, you are unlikely to ask. This means female fans need to further prove they are "real fans." Society always requires women to work harder to prove themselves. So, the situation Yolanda faces is not unique to medieval feudalism. Don't think that seeing ancient discrimination against women means it's irrelevant today. In fact, Yolanda's situation continues to this day. The story even says: "Who would read a woman's thesis?" This still happens today. The success rate of submitting academic papers under a female name is lower. Therefore, many journals now require authors' genders to be hidden during peer review. So, for those who say "one extra root causing a lifetime of suffering," my advice is not to be paranoid, men.