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A Clockwork Origin: How Humanity Learned to Tell Time
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Remember the days when waiting for your favorite TV show seemed like an eternity? In this episode of "The Uncannery," Don, Ron, and Doug take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recounting how childhood TV shows like Rugrats helped shape their early understanding of time. These personal stories set the stage for a fascinating exploration of time measurement throughout history, from the anticipation of recess in school to the sophisticated systems of the ancient Babylonians.
Prepare to be amazed as we uncover the genius of ancient Babylonian timekeeping. The Babylonians, leveraging a 19-year lunar cycle and a base-60 counting system, devised ways to synchronize their calendars with astronomical cycles. You'll discover the origins of our 360-day calendar and the clever methods used to keep it in phase with the solar year. We'll also trace the roots of our days of the week back to ancient gods, revealing how Babylonian, Greek, Roman, and Norse mythologies have influenced the names we use today.
Finally, we reflect on the bold attempts to reform time measurement, such as the French Revolution's proposal for decimal time and a 10-day week. We'll discuss the practicality and cultural impact of these changes, touching on how significant life events and modern epochs, like the COVID-19 pandemic, influence our perception of time. Join us as we examine how the passage of time feels different across various stages of life and challenge you to contemplate your own temporal experiences. This episode promises a rich tapestry of historical insights, personal reflections, and thought-provoking discussions on the nature of time.
Chapters
1. A Clockwork Origin: How Humanity Learned to Tell Time (00:00:00)
2. Concept of Time Measurement in History (00:00:15)
3. Ancient Time Measurement Methods (00:15:26)
4. Origin of Days and Hours (00:29:07)
5. Proposed Decimal Time Reform Discussion (00:41:46)
6. Emotions and Culture of Time (00:57:14)
7. Perceptions and Passage of Time (01:01:58)
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