Journey through history, ethics, science, language, and the human condition in this diverse episode of Plus Bites! We challenge common sayings like "All's well that ends well" – does a good ending truly negate a difficult journey? We strip away the myths surrounding Cleopatra VII to reveal a savvy political leader, not just a seductive figure, and question whether Columbus really fought against flat-Earth beliefs (spoiler: probably not!).
Then, grapple with the classic Trolley Problem – would you sacrifice one to save five? We explore the immense power of consistent hard work versus relying on luck, and delve into the ancient Persian mythology of Bahram, the yazata of victory, and his celestial connection to Mars.
Shift gears to the internal landscape as we discuss the profound strength found in vulnerability and analyze Sam Harris's potent reminder to live in the present moment. Discover the meaning of 'lassitude' – that deep, soul-level weariness – and uncover the science behind the Sun's protective bubble, the Heliosphere. We'll even investigate the persistent legend of Ivan the Terrible's lost library and demystify the surprisingly complex reflex behind the simple hiccup.
Join Talia, Caleb, Ezra, Daphne, Selene, Elara, Silas, Kieran, Elias, Liam, Sarah, and Nina for a fascinating exploration across twelve distinct topics designed to pique your curiosity and expand your knowledge.
What’s included in this episode?
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