What if the apple didn't fall on Newton's head? What if the apple missed Newton's head?

If the apple hadn't fallen on Newton's head—or if it had missed entirely—it's important to consider the broader context of scientific discovery. While the story of the apple is anecdotal and often more legend than fact, it symbolizes Newton's moment of inspiration regarding gravity.

**Scientific Exploration**: Newton was already engaged in significant scientific inquiry when he formulated his theories on gravity. If the apple had missed him, he might have still discovered the law of universal gravitation through other observations or experiments. Scientists often arrive at conclusions through different paths.

**Alternative Inspirations**: Nature and the world around Newton provided numerous opportunities for inspiration. He could have been prompted to think about gravity through other phenomena, such as falling objects, planetary motions, or tides.

**Impact on Physics**: The absence of the apple anecdote wouldn’t change the fundamental principles Newton established. His work, including *Principia Mathematica*, would likely still have been published, influencing the fields of physics and mathematics as he intended.

**Cultural Narrative**: The image of the apple falling has become a powerful symbol in scientific storytelling. Without this story, the narrative surrounding the discovery of gravity might lack a memorable anecdote, but the scientific concepts would remain.

**Legacy of Discovery**: The symbolism of the apple is significant in representing the nature of scientific discovery—sometimes inspiration strikes out of the blue. Whether or not the apple fell on his head, Newton’s contributions to science would likely remain unchanged, but the folklore surrounding them might be different.

In summary, while the missed apple might change the anecdotal narrative, it wouldn’t fundamentally alter Newton's discovery or the advancement of science in the long-term.