proximoception: (Default)
proximoception ([personal profile] proximoception) wrote2006-03-26 12:18 pm

(no subject)

"Let me not seem to have lived in vain...Let me not seem to have lived in vain," were dying Brahe's words to Kepler.

(Galileo refused to send Kepler a telescope.)

Kepler, on his own deathbed, a story goes, pointed continually at his own head, then up at the stars...up at the stars, then his own head.

Tell me if you ever run across anything more moving than that.

[identity profile] mistercreepy.livejournal.com 2006-03-30 04:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Tycho Brahe died of a urinary infection from holding it too long in order not to seem rude in front of the king. Somewhat diminishes the story.

[identity profile] proximoception.livejournal.com 2006-04-04 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
Heightens poignance if anything, since Brahe and Galileo are there for the contrast.