Humanity might have made it this far, but if we believe what Isaac Newton has to say about the matter then unfortunately the end of the world could still be in sight.
Yes, that's right, it's another 'end of the world' prediction from a conspiracy theorist.
What's that? Isaac Newton basically explained gravity? The very accurate and scientific theory? ... oh *nervous laughter*.
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Well, even the best mathematicians and scientists out there are wrong every once in a while, but that doesn't stop them sharing their ideas - the good, the bad, and the terrifying.
Take Nostradamus, for example. All the way back in 1555, the French astrologer wrote down some predictions for 2023, suggesting there would be 'seven months great war, people dead through evil' - which isn't the most encouraging to hear, considering there are only eight months left of the year.
He also suggested 'man will be eating his fellow man', so if you're reading this while finishing off your flatmate's pack of biscuits, maybe prepare to defend yourself.
Newtown's own prediction for the future was made in 1704, when he wrote down some mathematical equations and explained why he thinks he's figured out when the 'end of the world' will be.
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Before you get too freaked out, though, I do want to stress again that we've already made it through a good few 'end of the world' dates.
Who can forget the dreaded end of the Mayan calendar in 2012? And before that, the mere concept of a new millennium was enough to get people saying their goodbyes.
Newtown's date has a bit more behind it than just a New Year, at least, though that also means it's a bit more difficult to understand.
To come up with his prediction, the maths whizz relied on both equations and the Book of Daniel - the oldest testament in Christianity, which focuses on the first steps of humanity from a religious perspective.
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Using these, Newton wrote seven reasons for his year of choice, according to History of Yesterday. I hope you're ready for a bit of old English:
1. The 2300 prophetick days did not commence before the rise of the little horn of the He Goat.
2. Those day [sic] did not commence a[f]ter the destruction of Jerusalem & ye Temple by the Romans A.[D.] 70.
3. The time times & half a time did not commence before the year 800 in wch the Popes supremacy commenced
4. They did not commence after the re[ig]ne of Gregory the 7th. 1084
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5. The 1290 days did not commence b[e]fore the year 842.
6. They did not commence after the reigne of Pope Greg. 7th. 1084
7. The diffence [sic] between the 1290 & 1335 days are a parts of the seven weeks.
So have you figured it out yet?
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Don't worry, I got entirely lost too, but basically, Newton goes on to express belief that the 'end of the world' will occur in 2060 - a mere 37 years away.
This date is 1260 years from the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire, which was founded in the year 800.
It's concerning that 2060 is in many of our lifetimes, but the ties to religion mean that Newtown's version of the 'end of the world' might not be the fiery explosion you're imagining.
Instead, it's the time when Jesus will apparently come back and bring peace to the world - though part of that involves him wreaking havoc against all that oppose him, so we should probably watch out for that.
Whether Newton turns out to be right or not, at least we have a good few years to prepare for whatever 2060 will bring!
Topics: Conspiracy Theory, Science
Emily Brown