The quote from James Clavell's "Tai-Pan" highlights the historical resistance to scientific ideas that challenge established beliefs. It reflects on a time when advocating for proven truths, like the heliocentric model, could lead to severe consequences, such as persecution or even death. This illustrates the struggles faced by those who dared to think differently and question the status quo.

Clavell's statement serves as a reminder of humanity's complex relationship with knowledge and belief systems. It encourages us to appreciate the progress made in understanding our world while recognizing that some ideas were once so radical that they threatened societal norms. This historical perspective emphasizes the importance of intellectual courage in the pursuit of truth.