5 Ancient Predictions That Came True

Sideprojects2 minutes read

Predictions throughout history have often been inaccurate, rooted in probability, or made to avoid execution, with rare exceptions like Joseph Ben Mattius' prophecy during the Jewish-Roman War. Various historical figures like Lucifers, Democratus, and Marcus Terenius Varo made accurate predictions in fields like atomism and medicine, challenging prevailing theories of their time. The Hindu Rig Veda and Aneximander of Miletus also made predictions about the Big Bang, evolution, and the nature of the universe, showing that some ancient predictions have surprising accuracy and foresight.

Insights

  • Predictions throughout history have often been inaccurate, driven by charlatans seeking personal gain, with few exceptions based on sheer probability.
  • Notable figures like Joseph Ben Mattius and Aneximander of Miletus made accurate predictions rooted in logic or observation, showcasing the potential for foresight based on sound reasoning rather than mysticism.

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Recent questions

  • What are some examples of accurate predictions throughout history?

    Some accurate predictions in history include Joseph Ben Mattius predicting Vespasian becoming emperor during the Jewish-Roman War, Atomism theory predicting the existence of atoms, and Marcus Terenius Varo predicting diseases from swamps due to airborne bacteria.

  • Who made a prophecy that saved his life during the Jewish-Roman War?

    Joseph Ben Mattius, a Jewish historian and military leader, made a prophecy that saved his life during the Jewish-Roman War by predicting Vespasian would become emperor, which came true within 18 months, leading to Joseph's release from prison.

  • What theory predicted the existence of atoms before being proven?

    Atomism, a theory by Lucifers and Democratus, predicted the existence of atoms before being proven by Robert Brown in 1827, showcasing the accuracy of some historical predictions rooted in logic or observation.

  • What ancient theories were closer to the truth than the prevailing miasma theory in medicine?

    Ancient Indian and Roman/Greek predictions of disease being caused by invisible creatures or seeds were closer to the truth than the prevailing miasma theory in medicine, highlighting the importance of accurate predictions in advancing scientific understanding.

  • Which ancient philosopher proposed a theory of evolution from fish?

    Aneximander of Miletus, a Greek philosopher, proposed a theory of evolution from fish, showcasing the forward-thinking nature of some historical predictions that have influenced modern scientific thought.

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Summary

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Predictions: From Charlatans to Scientific Discoveries

  • History is filled with predictions, often claimed to be divine, made by charlatans seeking fame and money.
  • Most predictions are inaccurate, with rare exceptions due to sheer probability.
  • Today's focus is on predictions rooted in logic or a desire to avoid execution.
  • Joseph Ben Mattius, a Jewish historian and military leader, made a prophecy that saved his life during the Jewish-Roman War.
  • Joseph predicted Vespasian would become emperor, which came true within 18 months, leading to Joseph's release from prison.
  • Atomism, a theory by Lucifers and Democratus, predicted the existence of atoms, later proven by Robert Brown in 1827.
  • Ancient medicine was based on the miasma theory until Marcus Terenius Varo predicted diseases from swamps due to airborne bacteria.
  • Ancient Indian and Roman/Greek predictions of disease being caused by invisible creatures or seeds were closer to the truth than the prevailing miasma theory.
  • The Hindu Rig Veda predicted the Big Bang and Big Crunch theories roughly 3,000 years before formalization.
  • Aneximander of Miletus, a Greek philosopher, predicted the Earth's free-floating nature, an infinite universe, and proposed a theory of evolution from fish.
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