Freedom of Thought

One of the most important themes in "Quicksilver" is freedom of thought. This theme is especially relevant and notable because it also contributes to two of the other main themes of the novel: politics and science. This novel particularly focuses on the societal requirements in which such new ideas can come into existence as well as how these new ideas are expressed, whether it be verbally, through a written format or in another way altogether. An additional aspect to note is how new ideas are received in various circumstances. The reason this concept is so important is because in this time period, the 17th century, new ideas that contradicted old ideas, especially those pertaining to religion or politics, could result in punishment for the idealist, including death. This fear is seen while Daniel lives with Newton at Trinity; he constantly fears that Newton's work with gravity...