Isaac Newton first discovered the theory of gravity from seeing an apple fall

10 sources · 8 support · 2 contradict

What we can confirm

Multiple historical accounts originating from Newton’s own circle report that he traced his *first thought* or initial inspiration for the system of gravitation to observing an apple fall, though the familiar “apple hit his head” detail is legendary rather than factual.[2][1][12][9] These sources indicate the falling-apple episode was an important starting point for his gravitation ideas during the mid‑1660s, but they also stress that Newton then spent years developing the full theory and mathematical framework, so the claim is broadly accurate as a simplified description of the origin story.[2][3][8][15]