Galileo's Daughter

Last week, I started reading Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel.  It is not a new book, originally published in 1999, but presents an interesting perspective concerning religion and science, especially considering the continued presence of people who, almost 400 years after Galileo's encounter with the vagaries of religious dominion over scientific thought, still espouse beliefs that emanate from faith as opposed to facts.

Galileo's Daughter presents the renowned Italian philosopher and astronomer with a mixture of history as well as via the letters which were sent by his eldest daughter Virginia, who took the name Suor Maria Celeste when she took her vows in 1616.  We only have her letters, as his were apparently destroyed upon her death by the mother abess of the convent where Sour Maria Celeste lived the bulk of her life, presumably as a result of the fear of harboring the writings of a "vehemently suspected" heretic.  Fortunately, his side of the decades long correspondence are lovingly preserved, revealing a doting father, a devoted daughter, and a glimpse into everyday life in 17th century Europe.

I am about half way through, but left slips of paper in two spots so far.

The first reminds the reader that Galileo was a staunch Roman Catholic, not a renegade who scoffed at the Bible and its scientific teachings.  For, while Galileo's fate is often touted as the ultimate religions vs science schism, the reality is that Galileo went out of his way to court the favor of the various popes who reigned during his adult life, and in fact, submitted the book which resulted in his ultimate fate, for Church approval and alterations, waiting quite some time for that approval and corrections to be completed, before ultimately publishing his book, with papal blessing, the Dialogue. 

Frankly, more than once I found his actions a bit obsequious, as he clearly valued the good graces of those in power, whether it be those of the Medici family, or of papal authority.  Of course, the Church was far more powerful in those days, having its own army, and wielding influence far beyond just the spiritual.  Whether it be from powerful families or from Rome, those who preferred to study, experiment, or merely observe the workings of Nature and the Universe, sought special titles (and the pensions they provided) so they could concentrate on their work.  Playing the game to provide a certain freedom and easier way of life, while different from today's rules and players, could nevertheless be a twisted path as a means to an end.

The other area which I noted, also speaks volumes about Galileo's love of his religion, and his country.  At this point in his life, he knows that Copernicus is correct in his theories that the earth is not the center of the universe but that it revolves around the sun, and Galileo's own observations with his invention, the telescope, further casts doubts on the Aristotelian view that seems more in line with the bible.  Further, Galileo expects that with time, better telescopes and other inventions not yet created will prove with certainty that Copernicus was correct, and yet he fears, not for his own reputation, but that it will reflect poorly on the edicts of his religion and the reputation of his fellow Italian scientists, who will face future ridicule for holding fast to outdated theories when the proof was clear.  So, while he was willing to present his theories as just that, theories that still needed further proof, he was not willing to remain silent so as to provide future historians grist for possible condemnation of Galileo's faith and country of birth.

Pretty remarkable priorities, when you think about it.  And perhaps a good lesson for us all in this age when personal desires seem to be the only motivation for so many of our leaders, and ourselves.

Knowing Galileo's fate, yet still looking forward to reading of it through his daughter's letters, and her perception of his mental and physical health through the coming ordeal, it struck me, today, at how life is not always fair.  I mean, here is a historic figure, certainly as brilliant and curious a mind of his time, who seeks truth above all, yet pays for his discoveries with his freedom, and ultimately, his life.  Makes one rethink the tiny everyday slights that happen, yet about which we whine and complain endlessly.  Not to mention, his daughter who lives an extremely hard, monotonous life, in service of her God and her religion, only to have the seemingly only person in her life whom she loves and respects, become persona-non-grata by the very religion and religious doctrine to which she has sacrificed her life.  Yikes!!

Certainly as one reads this kind of book, sprinkled with the letters of a real person who lived 400 years ago, it is easy to ridicule the actions of those in power at that time, as if we are immune to such activities today.  The real question is, should we be evaluated 400 years from now, which of our actions, edicts, laws, traditions, will be considered with similar ridicule? What science that we deny today, will be as obvious as the motion of the earth around the sun is to us now?  And whose daughter's letters will be read for a glimpse into life in the 21st century?