the memory palace Episode 238: The Crypt of Thornwell Jacobs
Nov 6, 2025
Explore the intriguing quest of Thornwell Jacobs, a man obsessed with preserving memory and history. Delve into his metaphor of a periscope that reflects our limited understanding of the ancient world. Discover the concept of time capsules and Jacobs' ambitious vision for an all-encompassing record of civilization, cleverly engineered for future relevance. The secrets of the Crypt of Civilization beneath Oglethorpe University hold diverse artifacts, while Jacobs believed future generations could decipher our culture. What legacy awaits discovery in the year 8113?
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Shock At Fragmentary History
- Thornwell Jacobs was stunned that all knowledge of ancient Egypt came from a handful of fragments.
- He imagined a civilization lost to time and wanted to prevent our era from suffering the same fate.
Preservation Varies By Medium
- DeMeo highlights that artifacts and places can disappear across historical moments.
- He reminds listeners the episode itself is preserved digitally, unlike many physical records.
Buried Crypt Under Campus
- Jacobs built a sealed room beneath Oglethorpe University to preserve a record of his time.
- He labeled it the Crypt of Civilization and treated it like a monument for future people to discover.
