The Story Behind the "Newton Virgin" Meme
The internet, in its infinite wisdom, loves to blend historical tidbits with contemporary humor. One such creation that has gained traction is the "Newton virgin" meme, brilliantly captured in the image you provided. This meme taps into a widely circulated belief about one of history's greatest minds, Sir Isaac Newton: that he lived and died a virgin.
The meme itself is a classic "girl and boy on phone" format, reimagined for a historical figure. In the top panel, a woman (representing, perhaps, the allure of human connection or typical romantic pursuits) sends a message: "I wanna have sex with you." The bottom panel reveals "Newton" on his phone, and his swift, decisive response in a thought bubble: "blocked."
This humorous portrayal is rooted in historical accounts and biographical details about Newton. While there's no definitive, irrefutable proof, many historians and biographers suggest that Newton maintained lifelong celibacy. Several factors contribute to this belief:
- Vow of Celibacy: As a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, Newton was required to take a vow of celibacy. He lived at Trinity for the majority of his adult life, and there's no record of him breaking this vow.
- Dedication to Work: Newton was notoriously intensely focused on his scientific and alchemical research. His contemporaries often described him as solitary and utterly consumed by his studies. It's plausible that he simply had little time or inclination for romantic relationships.
- Religious and Personal Views: Newton was deeply religious and held strong, often puritanical, views. His personal asceticism might have extended to avoiding romantic and sexual relationships, which he might have viewed as distractions from his intellectual and spiritual pursuits.
- Lack of Evidence: Despite extensive biographical research, there is no credible evidence or anecdote suggesting Newton ever had a romantic or sexual relationship.
The meme, therefore, plays on this historical belief, exaggerating it for comedic effect. It portrays Newton as so utterly dedicated to his intellectual pursuits, or perhaps so personally disinclined towards romantic entanglements, that he would instantly dismiss even an explicit proposition. It's a testament to how deeply ingrained this "fact" (or strong belief) about Newton is in popular culture.
The humor in the meme lies in the juxtaposition of a very human, common desire with Newton's rumored singular focus. It resonates because it highlights the idea of a genius so consumed by his work that he operates on an entirely different plane from ordinary social interactions. It's a quick, clever way to nod to a fascinating aspect of Newton's enigmatic personality and life.