A Világegyetem Élete És Megismerésének Története a Legrégibb Időtől Napjainkig

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the historical development of cosmological ideas from ancient times to the modern era, highlighting the evolution of human understanding about the universe and its creation. It delves into various historical beliefs and scientific advancements, emphasizing the shifts in thought that have arisen throughout human history. The opening of the text introduces the author's motivations for writing, stemming from the interest generated by a previous work on the creation of worlds. Arrhenius reflects on the nature of early humans' understanding of the cosmos, observing that primitive peoples often lived in the present, with little concern for the past or future. He discusses the emergence of cosmological ideas in cultures that were not excessively burdened by survival struggles and notes the anthropomorphism of early creation myths. Arrhenius hints at a contrast between naïve perceptions of the universe and contemporary scientific frameworks, suggesting that this intricate history of thought is essential for understanding modern concepts about the universe. The section sets the stage for a deeper exploration of various cultural myths surrounding creation, indicating a comprehensive survey of these ideas across different civilizations.