Ridiculous History
Did Pirates Really Ruin the US Dream of the Metric System?
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.
36:40
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Quick takeaways
- The historical aversion to the metric system in the U.S. is linked to cultural identity and a resistance to change rather than practicality.
- The legend of pirate interference with Joseph Dombey's journey symbolizes how both external factors and internal priorities delayed metric adoption in America.
Deep dives
Origins of the Metric System
The metric system is a decimal system of weights and measures based on the meter for length and the kilogram for mass, established during the French Revolution in 1789. This revolutionary period ushered in significant changes, including a push for standardized measurements to eliminate the chaotic state of weights and measures in France. The French Academy of Sciences was tasked with creating a new system, choosing a physical unit based on the Earth's dimensions. Ultimately, the meter was derived from an extensive survey, leading to the creation of legal standards that regulated measurements and promoted efficiency and equality.
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