Welcome to a mid-week dive into a diverse set of interesting links and a historical head-scratcher! We've gathered a few thought-provoking pieces to pique your interest.
A Hodgepodge of Intrigue
First up, let's explore the past with a look at "What was feudalism?" A foundational question for understanding historical power structures. Then, a bittersweet farewell as Technicolor is "finally being wound down." A sign of the times, perhaps?
Next, we delve into an "Atlantic profile of Aella (salacious text, otherwise safe for work)." Always interesting to see profiles of unique individuals. Following that, for the intellectually curious, are "Show notes from Curt Jaimungal. And his Substack on physics." Something for the science enthusiasts!
A moment of remembrance with "Ed Leamer, RIP." A tribute to a significant figure. Shifting gears to politics, "The budget package passed by the House." Always important to stay informed about legislative developments. Finally, a potentially concerning trend: "Outmigration predicts AfD support pretty well (NYT)." A sociological observation worth considering.
Who Has Seen the Most Faces?
Now, for something completely different: Nick Freiling asks, "Across all of history, which human being has been seen in person by the greatest number of people?" This is a fascinating question that sparks immediate debate.
Freiling suggests a few possible candidates: "Pope John Paul II? Mick Jagger? A baseball player with extreme longevity? (Cal Ripken?)" It's a tough call! The article further points out "Here is o1 pro, top guess is PJPII."
Consider the sheer number of papal appearances, the global tours of rock stars, and the consistent visibility of long-time sports icons. Each has a claim to the title. It really makes you think about the impact of mass media and travel throughout history.
What are your thoughts? Who do *you* think has been seen by the most people? Let us know in the comments!
"Across all of history, which human being has been seen in person by the greatest number of people?" - Nick Freiling
Hopefully, this collection of links and the historical query have provided some food for thought. Check back soon for more interesting content!