Andrei, a 53-year-old truck driver from Romania, reached out to us last week with a unique proposition: he wanted to share some of his articles on flat Earth theory. Intrigued by his perspective, and incentivized by his reasonable approach I’ve engaged in a lively conversation that revealed not only his deep passion for the topic but also the personal experiences that shaped his beliefs. Andrei shared anecdotes from his life, including how he first encountered flat Earth ideas and the journey that led him to embrace them.
Recognizing that an interview would allow for a more nuanced exploration of his ideas, as it could provide readers with some context that might help them fully understand his viewpoint, I’ve quickly wrote a list of questions and offered Andrei an interview as an alternative to his initial request, and he was more than happy to participate during one of his 45-minute mandatory breaks.
1. What initially led you to question the mainstream view of the Earth’s shape?
I’ve always had a curiosity about the world around me, which probably started when I was a kid. As I grew older, I began to notice inconsistencies in what I was taught in school about the Earth’s shape and the nature of our reality. Working as a truck driver for 31 years, I spend countless hours on the road, traveling up and down across Europe. During those long drives, I couldn’t help but observe the horizon: it always appeared perfectly flat, no matter how high I climbed or how far I looked. From every point I’ve ever been, whether in the plains of south Romania, the Italian Alps or mount Tatra, it just never felt like we’re all standing on a sphere.
This led me to question everything I had learned in school – by the way when I was a kid Romania was still a communist country – probably half the stuff they where teaching us was made up…completely made up historical events and personalities, censored versions of most international literature books, science books that only focused on “industry/production useful knowledge” and stuff about Ceausescu and his “world renowned scientist” wife.
[ Ed: Elena Ceaușescu was an Honorary Doctor of several universities and was a member of some academic societies in the United States and countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa but, shortly after the Romanian Revolution that took place in December 1989, it was proved she was almost illiterate and a group of Romanian scientists are trying to revoke her scientific credentials]
I started researching alternative explanations and perspectives that resonated with my observations – it was a bit difficult when I’ve first started looking into this – now there are plenty resources available online and…as you can imagine I’ve got plenty of time to analyze them. While many people dismiss these sources as bogus, they offered insights that made more sense to me than the mainstream narrative. I found a community of like-minded individuals from allover the world, who shared similar questions, and this further fueled my curiosity. Now, for me it’s no longer just about rejecting what we’re told and searching for answers, it’s about sharing knowledge, experiences and observations.
2. What are some of the key pieces of evidence that you find most compelling in support of flat Earth theory?
Firstly, the way the horizon always appears flat, no matter how high I go…this really stands out to me. When I look out at the vast landscapes while driving, it just feels like we’re on a level plane.
Another good point is the way water behaves. Water always finds its level right? if the Earth were truly a globe….I’ve never saw water standing equally distributed on a sphere.
Also I find it very interesting that many historical maps depict a flat Earth model, and ancient cultures didn’t perceive the world as a sphere.
Lastly, there are many experiments like the Bedford Level Experiment that many people have conducted to demonstrate that the Earth is flat.
[Ed: The Bedford Level Experiment was comprised of a series of observations carried out along a six-mile length of the Old Bedford River on the Bedford Level, Norfolk, England and it serves as one of the most widely-accepted examples of Flat Earth proof]
3. How do you respond to common scientific explanations that support a spherical Earth?
I respect scientific explanations and the hard work that goes into research, but I often feel they don’t fully address my observations. It seems to me that the main purpose of some scientific researchers is to mock those who dare to ask questions or challenge the status quo. This attitude can be off-putting and makes it difficult to engage in open discussions about differing viewpoints.
For instance, when people talk about gravity holding water to a sphere, I can’t help but think about how water behaves in nature – that somehow is not considered a valid argument or I’m to dumb to understand – if it’s a natural phenomenon holding the water leveled across the globe how come most people still can’t explain it in their own words using their own observations?
When it comes to imagery from space, I question their authenticity. I believe they can be manipulated or taken out of context.
4. What role do you think community plays in your beliefs? How has connecting with others influenced your understanding?
Connecting with like-minded individuals has been incredibly affirming and has deepened my understanding of flat Earth theory. When I first started questioning the mainstream narrative, I felt isolated and unsure. But finding a community of people who share similar views and experiences made a big difference.
Engaging with others allows us to share insights, research, and personal observations that might not be widely accepted. These discussions help me see different angles and challenge my own thoughts, which is important for growth.
I understand that some might view our interactions as cult-like, but to me, it’s simply friends engaging in fascinating conversations. I believe that’s far more valuable than listening to an endless cycle of people repeating the same ideas over and over.
5. Can you share any personal experiences that reinforced your belief in flat Earth theory?
One personal experience that reinforced my belief in flat Earth theory was when I visited the Gravity Hill in Romania. Standing there, I could see how the road appeared to slope upward while everything around it seemed flat. It really challenged my understanding of gravity and made me question how it operates in the context of a spherical Earth.
Additionally, observations of celestial bodies have sparked my curiosity. When looking at the Moon, the sun, stars or planets I’ve noticed that their movements seem predictable and consistent without needing a spherical model to explain them.
These experiences, particularly the Gravity Hill phenomenon, made me reconsider feel more confident in my perspective on the flat Earth theory.
[Ed: The gravity hill in Romania is located on the road between Budești and Cavnic in Maramureș County. It’s a spot where the surrounding landscape creates an optical illusion that makes a downward slope look like an uphill path]
6. What are your thoughts on the motivations of scientists and governments in promoting a spherical Earth?
I believe that the motivations of scientists and governments in promoting a spherical Earth are complex and often tied to power and control. I’m sure some scientists may genuinely believe in the spherical model based on the information they’ve been taught, but I also feel that there are those who dismiss questions too quickly, as if they’re protecting a status quo..some out of fear of falling in academic disgrace…some for other reasons.
Governments, on the other hand, might have their own reasons for promoting this narrative, such as maintaining authority over educational systems and most important the public perception. Even if they would decide to question the spherical Earth..how could they? They would instantly lose what’s left of their authority if they admit the validity of Flat Earth theory – everyone will see how big the lack of knowledge is in reality…would you entrust a person who wrongly supported something for decades with your vote? Probably not..
7. How do you navigate conversations with friends or family who disagree with your views?
I understand that not everyone will see things the way I do, and I respect their perspectives. When discussing flat Earth theory, I aim to share my observations and experiences and I focus on asking questions that encourage them to think critically about the information they’ve been given. Sometimes this leads to interesting discussions, while other times it ends up in a debate – usually a friendly debate – if the conversation gets too heated or unproductive, I’m okay with stepping back and cracking a joke like, 2Why did the KGB love flat Earth theory? Because they could keep an eye on everyone from above!” Ultimately, I want to keep the relationship intact, so I try to find a balance between expressing my views and respecting theirs. If we disagree on this matter we can simply chose not to debate it.
8. What do you think are the biggest misconceptions people you’ve interacted with had about flat Earth believers?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions people have about flat Earth believers is that we’re all completely uneducated and unwilling to engage with scientific evidence. Many of us are actually quite curious and have done a lot of research to arrive at our perspectives. It’s not about rejecting science outright; it’s about questioning the narrative that’s been presented to us.
Another misconception is that we’re part of some sort of cult or that we blindly follow leaders. In reality, many flat Earth believers are independent thinkers who have come to their conclusions based on personal observations and experiences.
9. How do you approach new information or evidence that contradicts your beliefs?
I enjoy researching everything that challenges my ideas. When I come across new information or evidence that contradicts my beliefs, I don’t shy away from it; instead, I dive right in. During my breaks, I might quickly read something that catches my eye, and once the day is over, I dedicate a few hours to exploring relevant books and articles.
I take notes to keep track of the key points and arguments, and I also listen to podcasts that debate the subject. This helps me understand different perspectives and consider the evidence presented. I believe that engaging with opposing viewpoints is essential for growth and critical thinking.
While I may not always change my beliefs, I value the process of exploration and want to ensure that my views are well-informed.
10. Finally, if you could share one message with those who are skeptical of flat Earth theory, what would it be?
I would encourage everyone to do their own research, no matter the subject – be it flat Earth theory or any other topic that piques your interest. It might feel time-consuming or even like a waste of time at times, but I firmly believe in the value of continuous learning. Exploring different perspectives and digging deeper into the information available can lead to a greater understanding of the world around us. Don’t just accept what you’re told, even if it seems easier – challenge yourself to seek out the truth for yourself. You might be surprised by what you discover!
It’s evident that Andrei has deeply considered his beliefs, and I truly value the civil and thoughtful nature of our discussion. Although I may not agree with the claims made, it’s essential to acknowledge that open dialogue can enhance our understanding of different viewpoints. As we explore these topics, it’s vital to apply critical thinking and maintain a healthy skepticism. I’d also like to highlight Andrei’s ‘do your own research’ mindset, which encourages everyone to investigate ideas independently.
