Chapter 2: Preparing for Change
The Center Of The Universe Misconception
Until Copernicus published his ideas in the mid-1500‘s, the common belief
was that the Earth was at the center of the universe. Most people thought that
that the planets, stars, and sun all revolved around the Earth.
When Copernicus challenged this idea, he wasn't just challenging an
astronomical belief. At that time, many different beliefs, from how Heaven and
Hell were structured, to Aristotle's Physics, to the basic concept of egocentric
self-importance were all based on this model of the universe.
The Devil was at the center of the Earth in Hell, stones fell because the
place for heavy bodies was at the center of the universe, and we were the
important rulers of the physical world. The idea that the Earth revolved around
the sun required a person to realize that they weren‘t so important in the big
scheme of things and change their views of reality. More importantly, adopting
this belief could be seen as blasphemy, punishable by death and eternal
damnation.
To accept that the Earth was not at the center of the universe basically
meant that one would have to change their view of REALITY and accept the
possibility of being killed and going to Hell.
Explained differently: If you lived 500 years ago, then you were raised with
the idea that the Earth was at the center of the universe and everything from
your view of God and religion to your view of physics and the nature of reality
was based on that belief. To even entertain the idea that these beliefs weren‘t
true would have been unacceptable and scary.
Women Aren‘t The Center Of The Universe
In modern times, men carry around a view that is hauntingly similar to the
Center Of The Universe Misconception. Most men have a belief that is part
genetic and part learned that goes something like this idea: "An attractive
woman is a rare and valuable thing. It's worth putting aside my self-respect,
honesty, and personal needs and wants, while gambling my time, money,
effort, and energy for even a CHANCE at getting love, approval, affection and
sex from her."
Most men walk around as if attractive women are the center of the
universe.