The World Is Not Actually Flat
Since ancient times, the idea that the world is flat has been predominant in popular culture and conversations. People from around the world have believed this to be true, and even today, many people joke about living in a “flat world.” Though this is an exaggeration, there are still some who believe that the world is actually flat, and it is not just a simple joke. But despite what some people may think, the world is not actually flat. It is round, just as the ancient Greeks believed.
Massive amounts of scientific research have been done over the centuries that prove the Earth is round. Most notably, it was the Ancient Greeks who first proposed this idea. They used many methods to determine that Earth is round, such as noting the curvature of ships when sailing on the horizon and tracking the paths of stars and other celestial bodies throughout the night. It was not until the 18th century that scientists had the tools necessary to go out and accurately measure the circumference of the Earth and prove it was round.
Though the concept of a flat world is popular, there is absolutely no scientific proof for this being correct. In fact, many references in popular culture, such as movies and books, often make this an assumption without much thought behind it. This has also caused people to believe that if the world were flat, then it would be easier to navigate, as there would be fewer directions. However, this is not true, as navigating a round world is just as easy as navigating a flat world. It simply requires a different set of tools, such as a compass and maps.
Finally, the belief in a flat Earth is also tied to various religious beliefs. This can be seen in many cultures throughout history, for example, some Indigenous Americans believed that their world rested on the back of an enormous sea turtle, and the Hindu religion teaches that the universe is wheel-like, with many islands and mountains attached.
Regardless, the evidence is clear: the world is actually round. This being said, this does not take away from the entertaining idea that it is flat. It simply proves that we should question our beliefs and assumptions, and ensure that we are basing them on concrete evidence. So although many jokes about flat Earth beliefs continue to be shared, the reality is that it is actually round, and has been proven this way for centuries.
