How simple ideas lead to scientific discoveries

Adam Savage walks through two spectacular examples of profound scientific discoveries that came from simple, creative methods anyone could have followed -- Eratosthenes' calculation of the Earth's circumference around 200 BC and Hippolyte Fizeau's measurement of the speed of light in 1849.

[@brostepisthebest]

Sometimes, I am not sure whether it's the scientific discoveries are the most astonishing, or the experiments used to discern them.

[@ghostderazgriz]

There are two types of puzzles. Those with satisfying results, and those with satisfying solutions.

[@richardhammond9757]

@@ghostderazgriz and whats the difference between Solutions and result..?? Man..!!

[@ghostderazgriz]

@@richardhammond9757 Well a solution is the answer to a problem. when a solution is applied, that produces a result. A satisfying solution often gives that "Aha" moment when the solution is discovered, before the solution is ever applied and typically is only enjoyed by the puzzle solver. A satisfying result is seeing the puzzle being solved. An unfolding of patterns or concepts illustrated by the puzzle's solution is often satisfying to see by the solver and outside parties.

[@arjVSwild]

I could just listen to Adam Savage for hours on end without getting bored

[@beez6039]

Spike Spiegel that's why I watch MythBusters

[@dannydanny3074]

At what time on the solstice the shadow of the person's head looking at the well blocks the sun?

[@LePwn4Life]

Savage.

[@mob_abominator1868]

Kidzbop Cid yeah that's why he's savage.

[@Epsilon9-Kerosene]

everyone can

[@jamesbentonticer4706]

"We are all bags of meat and water" haha awesome!

[@adamrath7095]

+James Benton Ticer I call our brains meat computers.

[@arif4896]

Don't forget about the meat-scepter 👊

[@kevinlane1219]

"They changed the world, and so can you." I'll just create new worlds as a writer. Thank you.

[@wuzzy41123]

Artists are just as important as Scientists. Science inspires Art and Art inspires Science. You can't have one without the other.

[@kevinlane1219]

Connor Brown What, pray tell, does that require me or allow me to do?

[@wuzzy41123]

Kevin Lane Basically, just keep doing what you are passionate about and keep writing no matter what anyone says, but always be open to the world of science (which I'm guessing you are, since you watched the video). To any of the potential naysayers in your life, one of your final pieces of fictional writing will eventually inspire someone to make a huge discovery within the world of science or someone else to write their own story. This type of cycle is a positive one that will continue to inspire everyone in a different way.

[@kevinlane1219]

Connor Brown Thank you.:-) Are you on Facebook?

[@wuzzy41123]

Yep.

[@TopTributeBands-N-Stuff]

TED is so great for everyone today, especially kids. In 1950 it would take me all day to go to the library, find the right book and then the one small piece of information in it that I wanted. Today I can Google a years worth of such trips in just a day or two. It would cost a small fortune to call long distance but today I can VOIP call the entire USA and Canada for only $9.99 a month, wow. Learning has never been so easy or fun or instant or inexpensive. WOW.

[@maxj9204]

now if only all of my generation fully appreciated the implications of that, how extremely valuable it is...

[@TopTributeBands-N-Stuff]

+Sub Ripper Indeed.

[@paulafer485]

it is kinda paradoxical isn't it?, you see im in college studying physics and well i do have all of this info at reach, but anytime im looking for something, it is an endless pit of desinformation and articles that are far too specialized for me, that's why i always prefer books, they are designed for studients by people who know wtf they are talkin about. (Maybe i just have to learn to use the internet properly lol ) But to hear these kind of short talks it is absolutely awsome.

[@TopTributeBands-N-Stuff]

We had to teach our daughter critical thinking and how to check scam / bogus information via the Internet. There is a whole new higher ed class in there somewhere (as well as grade school class) and poof, as parents we come up with that all on our own out of necessity. Sadly, many books can be misleading, agenda driven or just plain misinformation / wrong also. Nothing can replace critical thinking and plain ole common sense :-)

[@saurabhm1378]

Right! But, just one thing I feel bad is, our attention span has reduced and distractions have increased with all these development. Those who can manage these distractions, this is the best time for them to study and learn anything. No limits to knowledge whatsoever.

[@lauriedepaurie]

This is something every science denier should see. This should be a message in schools. Ask questions, follow scientific methods, learn and amaze yourself. People tend to think they are smart while citing Facebook, 'news' or -at best- Wikipedia. If you honestly believe you are smarter than a scientist, beat them in their field!

[@mmnissanzroadster9]

I would've loved to have known how these people did their experiments through my science classes... but no, we were always just learning theories... I wish schools would teach us things like this.

[@bwickham195]

What a great talk! Not just the content, which is fascinating and really accessible, but in terms of how Adam's structured the narrative and builds it up to that powerful punchline. It's a great piece of storytelling.

[@isaabdullah4426]

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da Vinci

[@neptune0909]

Vinci was king 👑

[@Aze876]

I'm watching this video at 18 past midnight, the night before teaching my first secondary school physics class for this semester. I've always loved seeing Adam's excitement for science on Mythbusters, and just watching this is a powerful reminder of why science education is so important....maximum kudos Adam!

[@Alkis05]

I just found your comment, I thought you would like to reflect on what you were thinking 5 years ago.

[@Adamkay17]

So much energy and enthusiasm in Adam Savage, it's really inspirational.

[@aemind]

Love this quote: "The simplest questions can carry you out to the edge of human Knowledge!"

[@teh11noah11man]

Adam Savage is a true renaissance man.

[@meliskaragoz9953]

When Adam and TED-ed comes together>>>> Mind blows

[@alexshulman2143]

I had a totally different interpretation of Adam Savage before this video, this really shows me how much of a great person he really is and how i can share an infinite curiosity of how things in the world works. A truly great presentation.

[@Giorgist]

Aristotle thought the speed of vision (the act of seeing emanating from the eyes) must be infinite because when you open your eyes, you see the distant stars as fast as the near items. This needs a phenomenal mindset to think this and lend shoulders for others to stand on

[@trivenisatyanarayana877]

Sir, You are absolutely right! One thing I used to face earlier is , I get lots of ideas, but i used to forget it and sometimes I would see my friends implementing same ideas. Then I started writing down ideas, but then my books used to some place where I could not see every time i want! Nowadays, I started using an iPhone app called "myIdeas and Actions" which helps me to maintain and take action on my ideas and this has been a big advantage for me in life! Ideas needs to be tracked!

[@monkfromearth]

This is the first TED Talk I ever watched, and this frankly changed my life to a great extent. Not just the content, but coming across something like TED. :)

[@SchoolGrantsBlog]

Great things start from small beginnings. Adam proves it. Notice simple things and let creativity and science develop it.

[@moneyx582]

This is so beautifully explained. One understands something fully, if they are capable of explaining it simply. Which is exactly what he does.

[@PasajeroDelToro]

6:06 Want more info. Sources? Fizeau's Paper? What was the cog's radius? What altitude was the light beam? Atmospheric conditions?...etc.

[@AkshayKumar-iz2kd]

this is the best ever TED talk i have ever saw. simply outstanding

[@dannydanny3074]

At what time on the solstice the shadow of the person's head looking at the well blocks the sun?

[@omarmaya1263]

@@dannydanny3074 Only at Solar Noon while on one of the Tropics

[@Jfernando123321]

I love the passion behind every single one of Adam's word. I don't know why, but it kinda makes me get a little bit more faith in humanity.

[@karthikpullela]

I have watched this talk so many times...but it never fails to inspire me again and again.

[@danielcostello7524]

This video got me hooked on TED-Ed thanks to my teacher and I still watch every single episode since then. You guys are the greatest!!!!

[@jordanallen744]

I still don't know how the toilet works and there were people in the 1800's discovering the speed of light...

[@0991ekul]

haha

[@sebastianreyes8025]

open up the tank.

[@PurnachandMedisetty]

s trap

[@sor3999]

These KZbin educational videos with these visual drawings make paying attention so easy. It keeps you engaged. They should just teach in schools with flying clipart.

[@Archiekunst]

"Now if you know the circumference of a circle, and you have two points on a it, all you need is the distance between them to extrapolate the circumference of a circle." Lol. Good talk Mr. Savage.

[@sidsr]

by the first "circumference of the circle" I think he was referring to the formula of the circumference (2πr) with that it makes sense

[@Archiekunst]

I was referring to his circumlocutory logic, genius. He said he needs to know the circumference of a circle to extrapolate the circumference of a circle.

[@sidsr]

+Archishman Ghosh yeah that's true!

[@Archiekunst]

lol...

[@valentijnraw]

+Archishman Ghosh i think he meant to say radius

[@ggfm]

How ever good or interesting I find this speech. I however have a huge problem with how many factual logical and scientific inaccuracies there are in it. This video is great inspiration to get people to start learning, but not very good for gathering knowledge from. Don't forget to questioning the most charismatic teachers, even they might be misinformed. Always check facts!

[@ureviews]

There's a mistake at 3:30 he probably meant circumference. What a great talk! I wish I was as talented.

[@Bearforceone]

Talent didn't make Adam Savage nor did it make Aristoteles, curiosity and passion is what creates these people. You can be just like them if you wanted to be.

[@Bearforceone]

Stupidity is literally a barrier people give themselves without realizing their full potential.

[@Bearforceone]

Feehee Sure have, except you didn't say "mental retardation" you said stupid, which is something completely different.

[@brostepisthebest]

Dhruvik Nanavati www.psychologytoday.com/blog/finding-the-next-einstein/201409/intelligence-is-critical-the-future-humankind "there will be people who through no fault of their own will not be able to achieve what you’ve achieved for instance. No matter how hard they worked they wouldn’t be able to do it. They just don’t have the intellectual capability to be able to perform at that level." Douglas Detterman

[@Beat2Chill2]

brostepisthebest I find Detterman's comment (and I wouldn't call it more) on human intelligence truely insulting and it shows how "western thinking" will block meaningfull progress in human history for decades.

[@lauraseasongood9444]

I highly recommend Adam Savage's show, "Mythbusters."

[@AndreRoque94]

+Laura Seasongood Nobody ever heard of that show!

[@floydsteel1703]

+André Roque lmao

[@pk2712]

Too bad Original Mythbusters is over ; but , it's awsome that we can still watch the reruns on the science channel !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss Adam and Jamie Hyneman --- WAy to go earning the PhD .

[@lieutenantdan8541]

pk2712 cry

[@pk2712]

Blowing shit up in the name of science is cool . Yes I am an explosions nerd --- everything from firecrackers( comercial fireworks--- I Love the smell of burnt black powder ever since child hood --- i am 53) up to ultimate explosive --- the atom bomb ( not the death toll they can cause) . The theory of how much energy is contained in E=MC2 tremendous amount of energy contained in a small amount of matter when mass is converted into energy . I am also a lifelong student and fan of science in general .

[@darhemandarial4768]

5:18 well that was creative...

[@disrael2101]

Literally facansting.. could keep listening to such scientific innovations for hours if not months

[@chubles42971]

I grew up watching this guy on Mythbusters and now he's furthering my personal inspiration to become a scientist. Thank you Adam Savage, and thank you science, for making all of our lives better!

[@rainmun23]

Adam Savage is an awesome presenter! He has the amazing ability to gee any one up on any subject.

[@ideelahmed9024]

why would someone dislike this video??

[@Svraoa]

+ideel ahmed, I can't even wonder wich kind of 'human being' would dislike this...

[@theoppening]

+ideel ahmed They probably thought that it was a motivational/self help? video.

[@blake2861]

+Adherent to the Sect of F5 and Believer of Lord Fifth They're called trolls, guys.

[@TonyStark-ir8ke]

Arts students

[@uranusplanet1226]

+ideel ahmed because your face in it

[@999AnnA999]

Man, can physics be taught like that? Seriously, I have never had a professor that can explain stuff like him and in a simple way like him. Oh and mythbusters rock

[@george-robinson]

Fabulous lecture! I am in total agreement with this gentleman. Currently, I working on a unified theory. It has lead me to try to challenge my own theory to do this I am looking at the works of Plato, Cantor, Einstein, Tesla, Leibniz, Kurt Godel, Bohr, Hugh Everett and John Nash. Trying to put myself in their mindset and see how my theory applicable within theirs.

[@gmartirosyan]

Adam Savage, being lil bit familiar to science I started to love it even more!!! Thank you sir!!!

[@DavidLish]

I have always liked this talk.

[@AdamFreasier1187]

this message is powerful. i knew we started so ready to teach one another with precious love what dreams are truly made of. this was an awesome presentation, we need more classes like this in an everyday classroom. not just text book for our future. i wanna live the dream too! i hope we keep our mind prepared for expansion thru the universe and in our minds! sharing...

[@markuscheese]

Adam is so Savage

[@malcolmbryant]

What's even more astonishing is that the speed-of-light experiment could have been done (in principle) in Eratosthnes's time, if anyone had thought to ask the question.

[@Exceltrainingvideos]

AWESOME!

[@JE-ee7cd]

I can change the world (for the better)! 😃

[@cartooniverse8891]

This is a really good talk

[@JAB7699]

Greatest presentation I've ever seen! Amazing speaker!

[@amon5094]

Awesome history of science

[@zorrostealth]

5:00 up until 6:20 is brilliant. That is a lesson worth listening to because it is so simple yet so brilliant.

[@supreme84x]

1:00 The ball isn't going to the back; the back is going to the ball.

[@ilyasfarhadli]

best TED talk i've ever seen

[@lalarasulova6719]

Just Great!! Thanks for sharing)

[@ilyasfarhadli]

:)

[@lorenzotodd4673]

This guy is so awesome.

[@DiscoDevilDog]

Agree. When Adam actually gets to speak like this, it's incredible. I love watching Mythbusters, and Tested. But these speeches and talks he does are ten times better.

[@TomLeedsTheAtheist]

I often say I wish Neil deGrasse Tyson was my dad, that said, I wish Adam Savage was my brother, we could be brothers, we got the same look.

[@ShabanSabra1]

Thank you

[@TheOswald42]

I had that thought before, that make me realize that they're people of their times, just like us living in our time, the thing that is common for people start insulting whatever potential can be achieved by breaking law of science that most people believe, like perpetual energy, that is impossible

[@supergooz]

I never knew Adam Savage was such a great speaker. And the topic he picked is really fascinating as well

[@ViciousRanger]

This is a very inspiring video :-)

[@presentace8380]

How

[@yp06407012]

Congratulations to TED for finally getting rid of loud noise at the beginning of every talk. Thanks...!!

[@BarriosGroupie]

Feynman didn't solve the o-ring Challenger problem, he was given hints via an engineer

[@Scorpionwacom]

Wonderful speech! Thank you, Adam! Long live science, long live curiosity and the desire to expand our knowledge!

[@sorenschultz1144]

How did you get the equations for the speed of light thing with the wheel and notches?

[@StartdrummingDe]

Dieses Video ist einfach genial! Adam Savage bringt hier sehr schön auf den Punkt was möglich ist, wenn wir neugierig bleiben! :-)

[@Balakrishnan1991]

5:25 finally I got an idea on how the found the speed of light

[@BillVoelker]

Animation really enhanced the talk. The team should do more of these multi media edits.

[@nataloves]

whoa! mind blown!

[@trentwilliamson4640]

Adam Savage has the best job ever. of all time

[@VolvagiasBlaze]

because of his last name, i always thought adam was related to Macho man

[@subbuktek]

he is not a "celebrity" who happens to be intelligent. He is an intelligent person who we made into a celebrity by watching and encouraging shows like mythbusters. We should start doing that more often.

[@vracerv]

All of a sudden, I feel dumb.

[@TheyCallMeNewb]

This is absolutely fabulous. The popularization of science will meet with such a boom with such lecturers, animations and videos. Death to the textbook for faster scientific advancement! -Quite a statement i am aware

[@hunszaszist]

Kids stay in school.

[@dumbymcon]

I glad 2019 was my last year of elementary now I have deal with vertical bs

[@ashutoshtripathi2202]

That was indeed a thought provoking speech! Great talk, thank you Adam Savage!

[@nubbsy6]

haha that letter said "lol"

[@Vaaaaadim]

there was also a ;)

[@kartikeya123]

What the guy found was the circumference. The diameter calculated from the circumference is within 1% accuracy. You asked a fair question and i dont think your comment should be spam.

[@TheMonk72]

vShoTzZ25 is just wrong. When you actually check the facts, it turns out that women and men are pretty much equal in terms of intelligence. Women sometimes make better researchers due to a slight propensity towards better concentration in lab environments. As to the 'edge of human knowledge' discussion... The EDGE of human knowledge is the limits of what is CURRENTLY known. The limits of what CAN be known is a BOUNDARY, not an EDGE.

[@KolozII]

Did anyone else watch this because it was being presented by one of the Mythbusters? I mean, I was curious about how simple ideas have lead to scientific discoveries, but I was sold when I saw that Adam Savage was giving the presentation.

[@darkloki1]

I don't know how theists can watch this and say "Nope! Godidit!"

[@scottfree6479]

I don't think you really understand the intellectual theistic arguments. I happen to disagree with those arguments, as I am not a theist but you don't seem to even understand what they are. Aside from the true nutcases, most theists would have absolutely no problem with anything Adam said in this video. FFS, the Vatican finances an observatory. Belief in God is not confined to crazies like the WBC and Hamas.

[@darkloki1]

John Doe wow .. you assume a lot from one comment. How can you possibly know what arguments I have heard and what I understand? You sound like an imbecile when you comment on someone with no information.

[@TheAAMoy]

God is a panacea. He did it all, can do it all, will do it all. That's what make "Godidit" such a NON-answer.

[@samgoodwin89]

Ahhhh although I may agree with you, don't start a religious debate here! The presentation was awesome and had nothing to do with god :)

[@scottfree6479]

Mischevous Heathen Fair enough I suppose, but how is my straw man any less atrocious than yours? You proscribe a single definition of God to every theist. Sure, some are the crazies you see flapping their mouths on youtube or wherever but most aren't so dogmatic, and some are considerably more intellectual. An epistemological argument would be as follows: We have vast knowledge, but the amount that we know is far less than the amount we do not know. As such, it is possible that God could exist quite outside our realm of understanding. Obviously this is not a scientific argument as it cannot be proven... but it also cannot be disproven. Categorically denying God is just as unscientific as ignoring the evidence and saying he exists in a dogmatic fashion. Science requires humility. Does that clarify my point?

[@huyked]

Good catch. Didn't notice that. It's at 3:33 if anyone want to see.

[@MrSimincity]

west figured out earth was round, they call it achievement while it has been a common sense in asia even before that.

[@piemonkey321]

The concept is the studying of natural occurrences and explaining them, such as seeing the same finches with different beaks on different islands. The concept is the explanation of evolution.

[@govindagrawal2751]

discovery of 0 ?? distance between sun to earth sanskrit shalok hanuman-chalisa, rishi- muni , "aayurveda"??

[@ayushsharma9270]

govind agrawal 1.) discovery of 0 : didn't have much of an interesting story. 2.) Distance between earth and sun : will take too long 3.) Sanskrit shloks, Hanuman Chalisa, Rishi Mini : What did it have to do with science? 4.) Ayurveda : It is pseudoscience not science.

[@govindagrawal2751]

Distance Between Sun & Earth Mentioned in Hanuman Chalisa : According to Records, For the first time in 1672, Jean Richer and Giovanni Domenico Cassini measured the distance between Earth and Sun as 22,000 times of Earth Radii.( Earth’s Radius is 6,371 Kms). i.e 22000 * 6371 kms = 140,162,000 kms (140 Million Kms). Two lines of Hindu Prayer ” Hanuman Chalisa” computes this distance with great simplicity. “! जुग सहस्त्र योजन पर भानु, लील्यो ताहिमधुर फल जानू !” This means that Sun (भानु) is at a distance of Juug Sahastra Yojans (जुग सहस्त्र योजन- Distance Unit in Hindi) According to following conversion practices that are in use as per Hindu Vedic Literature- 1 Juug = 12000 1 Sahastra= 1000 1 Yojan = 8 Miles Thus 12000 X 1000 X 8 = 96,000,000 miles 1 mile = 1.6 kms This further implies that distance is 96,000,000 * 1.6 kms = 153,600,000 Kms Here’s a portion of hanuman chalisa : Check out he 18th line: Jai Hanuman Gyana Gunasagara, Jai Kapeesa Tihu Loka Ujaagara Rama Doota Atulita Baladhaamaa, Anjanee Putra Pawanasuta Naama Mahabir Bikram Bajarangee, Kumatee Nivaara Sumatee Ke Sangee Kanchana Barana Biraaja Subesha ,Kanana Kundala Kunchita Kesha Haatha Vajra Aur Dhwajaa Birajay, Kaandhe Moonj Janeun Saaje Shankara Suvana Kesaree Nandana,Teja Pratapa Maha Jaga Vandana Vidya Vaana Gunee Aati Chatur, Ramakaja Kareebe Ko Aatur Prabhu Charitra Suneebe Ko Rasiya,Rama Lakhana Seeta Mana Basiya Suukshmaroopadhari Siyahi Dikhava,Vikataroopadhari Lanka Jarawaa Bhima Roopa Dharee Asura Sanhaare, Ramachandra Ke Kaaja Sanwaare Laaye Sanjeevan Lakhana Jiyaye, Shri Raghubeera Harasheeura Laaye Raghupatee Keenhi Bahuta Badaayii,Tum Mam Priya Bharata Sama Bhayee Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gave, Asa Kahe Shreepathee Kantha Lagaave Sanaka Dik Brahma Dee Muneesa, Narada Sharada Sahita Aheesa Yama Kubera Digapaala Jahan The, Kavi Kovida Kahee Sakay Kahan The Tum Upakaara Sugreevaheen Keenha, Rama Milaaya Rajapada Deenha Tumharo Mantra Vibheeshana Maanaa,Lankeshwara Bhaye Saba Jaga Jaanaa Juga Sahastra Yojana Par Bhanu ,Leelyo Taahi Madhura Phala Jaanu Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Mayee, Jaladhi Laanghee Gaye Acharaj Nahee Durgama Kaaja Jagatke Jethe, Sugama Anugraha Tumhare Tete Rama Duaare Tuma Rakhawaale, Hota Na Aagyan Bina Paysaare Sab Sukh Lahai Tumhari Sarana, Tum Rakshak Kahoo Ko Darna Aapan Tej Samhaarao Aape, Teeno Lok Haankate Kaapein Bhoota Pishaacha Nikata Nahee Aawe, Mahabeera Jaba Naama Sunaavay Naashai Roga Hare Sab Peera, Japata Nirantara Hanumatha Beera Sankat Se Hanuman Chodave, Man Krama Bachana Dhyan Jo Laave  Hanuman challisa was written by Goswami Tulasidas (born 15th century) in Awadhi language who belongs to 15th century. which means the distance between Sun and earth has been calculated much more accurately than the 17th century scientists even before 2 centuries.

[@nyujun]

I really enjoyed the nice stories in science and seeing the beautiful cartoons that made the ideas so clear.

[@ThePyroDownTheStreet]

And here I thought his specialty was blowing things up. Amazing. I really enjoyed learning the things from TED that I have today.

[@sporecreater1234]

i like being so young and watching this and understanding it

[@mybluemars]

The experiment of Hippolyte Fizeau and Léon Foucault have been reproduced by many people including Albert A. Michelson who used improved versions of the toothed wheel and rotating mirror experiments to make steadily more accurate estimates of the speed of light. Info taken from Wikipedia.

[@zalphero618]

Such a great speech, this is great inspiration for everyone

[@TheLogicalSkeptic1]

@Pianofy I just recently turned 22 yesterday, and I am in no way a great physicist or inventor... yet. I would much rather be told that I could change the world and give it my all, than to be told that it is hopeless and never try. I also think that we could use the responsibility, for to long have we had the mindset that the next generation will handle the issues created by the last, I think it's about time we all put an effort into making this world a better place.

[@SamrakshakLamichhane]

Adam Savage is the best at explaining things!

[@espermatazoide]

If only... if only, if only, if only. I wish teachers were like this.

[@Rulerofwax24]

Love the video. However, I wish there could have been more time of Adam Savage, rather than the animations, because he is such an animated guy and amazing to see explain science.

[@womanofsalt]

My favorite TedEd! Thank you Adam Savage!

[@oscarsharkslayer]

Dear Adam, my 7-year-old noticed they messed up your presentation. How could Aristotle gaze into a telescope (2:12)? Not possible! We loved your lecture!

[@fitzcarl]

Please correct the mistake at 3:36 minutes Mr. Savage says that Eratosthenes calculated the "diameter" of the Earth. He should have said circumference.

[@mishabruml]

Details of the story of Eratosthenes' calculation of the Earth's circumference are debatable, particularly in how he measured the distance between Syene and Alexandria, however my favoured version is that he used a unit of distance known as a "camel train" - the distance that a camel can travel in one day.

[@karimspiano]

This guy rocks. I love hearing about early scientists like the greek ones. My favorite philosopher is Zeno

[@karadan100]

Indeed. I'm impressed with his enthusiasm and oratory skills

[@Business2Sell]

yes you are right, simplicity leads tot he perfect solutions & discoveries in life.

[@gavinfake3931]

Adam Savage is my favorite person

[@jesimus]

This reminds me of Kant's theory about the origin of the solar system. The nebular hypothesis of Laplace said almost the same thing, however the recognition of Kant's cosmologic work took over a century to come.

[@deanrobinson210]

i could listen to adam savage speak for hours.....