the memory palace Episode 176: The Air and the Sea and the Land
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Feb 24, 2025 Explore the vibrant ecosystems of the Paleozoic era, marking the shift from aquatic life to land-dwelling organisms. Dive into the evolutionary journey of ancient nautiloids while learning about Lewis Purnell, an African American veteran who overcame systemic challenges. Discover the inspiring story of a WWII combat pilot who broke racial barriers to succeed in aviation. Uncover the efforts to accurately represent marginalized voices in aviation history, highlighting the importance of diversity in storytelling.
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Purnell's Early Career
- Louis Purnell, a guard at the National Gallery of Art, yearned for more intellectually stimulating work.
- He had a diverse background, including military service as a Tuskegee Airman and a degree in psychology.
Purnell's Broad Interests
- Purnell's parents encouraged him towards a specialized career, but he pursued broad academic interests.
- He studied various subjects, including Latin, French, ethics, and science, before choosing psychology.
Purnell's Perseverance
- Purnell became a speech therapist, successfully returning all 37 students to public school.
- Despite facing racial discrimination, he persisted in pursuing his passions at the Smithsonian.
