Ridiculous History Did Pirates Really Ruin the US Dream of the Metric System?
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May 8, 2025 Why is America so hesitant about the metric system? The tale dates back to a French scientist whose crucial artifacts were stolen by pirates, stalling its adoption. The hosts humorously explore how cultural influences and quirky anecdotes intertwine with historical facts, including Thomas Jefferson's ambitious push for uniform measurements. They also examine the societal myths surrounding measurements, mixing entertaining banter with a look at our absurd attachment to traditional units, all while pondering the curious legacy of piracy in shaping America's measurement choices.
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Dombey's Pirate Captivity
- Joseph Dombey carried the first meter and kilogram artifacts to the U.S. in 1790s.
- His ship was captured by British privateers, he died in captivity, stopping his mission.
Pirate Legend Overstated
- The pirate interference story is somewhat exaggerated for explaining U.S. metric aversion.
- The real issue was general apathy and lack of political will to adopt the metric system.
Measurement Is About Consensus
- Measurement depends on consensus, not physical objects like rods or cylinders.
- The political and cultural context weighs heavier than the artifacts themselves.