Century Quote by Jeffrey Burton Russell
“It must first be reiterated that with extraordinary few exceptions no educated person in the history of Western Civilization from the third century B.C. onward believed that the earth was flat”
About This Quote
Source Book: A History of Western Philosophy, 1995
Historically, educated Western thinkers have rejected the flat Earth belief.
In simple terms: Flat Earth was a medieval myth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the importance of evidence‑based knowledge.
Themes
history
science
education
Mood
educational
reflective
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- public lectures
- media reporting
Key Concepts
critical thinking
myth debunking
intellectual progress
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do flat Earth ideas persist?
- How can educators better address scientific misconceptions?
A Different Perspective
Some still cling to pseudoscience despite evidence.
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