It’s trivia time! Learning a new piece of knowledge daily keeps the brain active, and to a certain degree, it helps prevent neuron degeneration. Hence, we have compiled a list of historical nuggets hoping that you would try to learn more about them.
Multilingualism was the Norm
Prior to the entry of Europeans into what was then considered the New World, California had over 200 different Native Indian languages. Each tribe usually had one language distinct from the next one. Of these 200 languages, more than 123 no longer have native speakers. California thus showed more linguistic variety than Europe. California remains a melting pot of culture and languages in contemporary times. Today, it still has about 200 spoken languages, with English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog among the top commonly spoken ones.
Potato As Currency
Once upon a time, on the island of Tristan da Cunha, potato was used as currency. This is not at all surprising because barter was once a way of trade, and rice and salt in Asian countries were also used as a currency. It would be difficult to imagine paying your house mortgage with rice or potato, though, but it was possible before. In Egypt, beer was even used as currency.
Wi-Fi Inventor Was A Wife
We normally just ignore the Wi-Fi at home, considering it as a basic utility like electricity or water. At one point, however, it was used by only a limited number of organizations, including the military. At the beginning of World War II, actress Heddy Lamarr and composer George Antheil developed a radio-based guidance system for torpedoes that became the blueprint of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi today. The two were given credit and posthumously inducted into the Inventor’s Hall of Fame for their work.
Never Give Up
America’s best president in history, Abraham Lincoln, lost five separate elections before he won to become the president. He even failed in business, but that never stopped him from trying again. Lincoln eventually was elected to the Illinois state legislature and, as a lawyer, established his practice with Stephen T. Logan.
A Selfie Lover
Frida Kahlo was an accidental painter because quite literally, she started painting when she was recovering from one. With an uncrushed spirit and passion, she was able to create 143 paintings, 55 of which were self-portraits. This was their version of a selfie back in the day.
Life Goals
Amelia Earhart, the famed American aviation pioneer, saw an airplane for the first time when she was 10. It was not until she was 23, however, that she flew in one. Also, when she landed in Ireland after a flight over the Atlantic, a farmer, who saw her, could not believe she was American. She is forever remembered as someone who pursued her life goals despite difficulties.
Submarines Are Boats
No matter the size of a submarine, naval tradition dictates that they be called boats instead of ships. Also, early submarines relied heavily on gas or petrol for fuel but shifted to diesel as it was less flammable. The change to diesel also allowed for a greater range.
The Wright Brothers
The two are known for inventing the world’s first successful motor-powered airplane, but did you know they only flew as a pair once? They piloted the planes individually but only flew together once, on May 25, 1910. Orville was the pilot of the six-minute flight, with Wilbur as the passenger.
A Gifted Child
Walt Disney started sketching regularly when he was only four years old. While some have an early appreciation of language, Disney showed a preference for drawing at an early age. Now he is given credit for creating a world for children. He also holds the record of having the most Academy Awards as a producer.
Young Artist
Pablo Picasso entered art school at 10 years old. He is widely recognized for being a co-founder of the Cubist movement and the invention of the constructed sculpture. His famous works include Guernica and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Many of his early artworks are housed in the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain. Private collectors also made the necessary investments to get a hold of his other works.
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