In 1980, John McPhee highlighted a surprising fact about the geological community: one out of eight American geologists rejected the theory of plate tectonics. This skepticism toward a fundamental scientific principle was indicative of the broader tensions that can exist between scientific consensus and individual beliefs.

Fast forward to the present day, as reflected in Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything," the understanding of plate tectonics is now widely accepted and integrated into the geological sciences. Bryson's work emphasizes how advancements in knowledge can shift perceptions over time, illustrating the journey of scientific acceptance and the importance of evidence in reshaping beliefs.