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Ridiculous History

A Ton of Inventors Died Due To Their Own Inventions, Chapter Two: Li Si and the Five Pains

Jan 22, 2025
Dive into the ironic world of inventors whose innovations turned deadly! Discover Thomas Midgley Jr., the chemist whose creations harmed public health and the environment, and learn about Marie Curie's tragic legacy linked to her groundbreaking work with radioactivity. Explore the notorious Li Si, whose torture methods led to his own execution. The hosts weave humor with cautionary tales, highlighting the risky side of creativity and the peculiar twists of fate faced by those who dare to innovate.
36:42

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Thomas Midgley Jr.'s inventions significantly harmed public health and the environment, revealing the potential dire consequences of innovation.
  • Li Si's creation of the Five Pains execution method exemplifies the tragic irony of inventors suffering the consequences of their own inventions.

Deep dives

The Modern Response to Winter Weather

The discussion begins by reflecting on the recent winter weather experienced in Atlanta, where the local authorities seemed to have learned from past mistakes during significant snow events. This time, the city managed the inclement weather more successfully, with salt trucks dispatched in advance and minimal disruption on the roads. The speakers noted that while they received multiple emergency notifications about the weather, it is often better to overwarn than underwarn, showcasing how preparedness can mitigate the impact of such events. The conversation also highlights the ease of remote work for many, which contrasts sharply with experiences from previous snowstorms when commuting was essential.

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