Isaac Newton

By Victor M Fontane

Isaac Newton, one of history’s greatest scientists, was not only known for his laws of motion and gravity but also for defending the independence of universities from political and religious interference.

In 1687, when King James II tried to appoint a Catholic priest to a position at Cambridge University without following proper rules, Newton opposed the decision. He believed that academic institutions should make their own choices, free from government or religious control. Newton, along with other professors, stood up against the king’s order and protected the university’s rights.

Later, Newton became Master of the Royal Mint, where he helped fight counterfeiting. But even in his government role, he valued fairness and justice; not political power.

Newton’s actions showed that true learning and science must remain independent to grow. His stand at Cambridge remains an example of how scholars can resist pressure and defend the integrity of education.