Comic：Nicolaus Copernicus and how we see the world
【明報專訊】Eason is hawking something in the park.
“ Eason: This drink is magical. It can cure any illnesses. ”
“ Eason: Buy one get one free! Take a sip! ”
“ Pat: How dare you lie to the public! ”
“ Bill: What are you doing here? ”
“ Eason: Time will prove me right. Nicolaus Copernicus also spent a hundred years proving his stance. ”
◆Know more
Nicolaus Copernicus ( 哥白尼，1473-1543) was a Polish astronomer who is considered the founder of modern astronomy(天文學). In the past, people believed that the Earth was the centre of the universe. Copernicus was the first person to claim the opposite. His theory was that the sun is at the centre of the solar system with other planets revolving around it. Although he put forth his theory by writing a book, it was not easy to make everybody accept it. People's thinking was not changed until the mid-17th century.
Copernicus studied mathematics, astronomy, law and medicine at a few universities in Poland and Italy. He was a mathematician, physician and economist. Observing the universe was just his hobby. He never knew he would propose a theory which would change how the world is viewed. His theory is still one of the most important scientific theories in history.
■English highway﹕How dare
- is used to express anger about something someone has done. It is used with the pattern like ''how dare someone do something''.
e.g. How dare you eat my favourite snacks without asking!
■Glossary
prove (v) 證實
stance (n) 觀點
solar system (n) 太陽系
planet (n) 行星
[Smarties' Power English 第330期]
