The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel, and How Reading Helps You Think, with Doug Brunt | Ep. 630
Sep 19, 2023
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Doug Brunt, best-selling author of "The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel," dives into the fascinating life and mysterious disappearance of the diesel engine inventor. He discusses the various theories around Diesel's fate, from suicide to potential murder. Brunt also contrasts Diesel's inventions with those of other titans like Tesla and Ford while reflecting on the challenges of writing nonfiction. Alongside this, he shares personal anecdotes about parenting, the importance of books, and ethical research practices in writing.
The podcast explores the mysterious disappearance of inventor Rudolf Diesel and the potential motives behind it.
Rudolf Diesel's invention of the diesel engine revolutionized transportation, power generation, and challenged the petroleum industry.
The podcast presents the unsolved case surrounding Rudolf Diesel's disappearance, discussing conflicting theories and the need for further investigation.
The lasting legacy of Rudolf Diesel's invention is examined, including its impact on various industries and the need to reevaluate his contributions to society.
Deep dives
The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel
The podcast episode discusses the book 'The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel' by Doug Brunt. It explores the disappearance of Rudolph Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, while traveling on a ferry across the North Sea in 1913. The episode highlights two main suspects in his disappearance, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and John D. Rockefeller, both of whom had motives to eliminate Diesel. The episode delves into the geopolitical tensions and industrial rivalries of the time, as well as the potential impact Diesel's invention had on the petroleum industry. It also touches upon the extensive research conducted by the author, including interviews with intelligence personnel and archival investigations.
Diesel Engine Revolution
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of Rudolph Diesel's invention, the diesel engine. It highlights how the engine revolutionized transportation and power generation, becoming a pivotal force in the global economy. The episode explains the advantages of the diesel engine's efficiency, range, and versatility, which made it the preferred choice for submarines, cargo ships, trains, and other vehicles. It also discusses how the engine challenged the dominance of the petroleum industry and offered the potential for self-sufficiency in fuel production through the use of alternative sources like vegetable oil. The episode acknowledges the lack of recognition Diesel received for his groundbreaking invention, despite its widespread adoption and impact.
The Unsolved Mystery
The podcast episode presents the mysterious disappearance of Rudolph Diesel as a compelling unsolved case. It highlights the conflicting theories surrounding his fate, including suicide, murder by Kaiser Wilhelm II or John D. Rockefeller, or the possibility of his intentional disappearance. The episode explores the evidence and eyewitness testimonies that fuel these theories, while acknowledging the difficulty of obtaining conclusive answers due to the historical context and the overshadowing of World War I. It emphasizes the need for further investigation and recognition of Diesel's contributions, which were largely forgotten in the annals of history.
The Legacy of Rudolph Diesel
The podcast episode underscores the lasting legacy of Rudolph Diesel's invention and the broader implications of his disappearance. It discusses the ongoing impact of the diesel engine on various industries, including transportation, power generation, and agriculture. The episode examines the significance of Diesel's vision for a decentralized and self-sustaining energy system, which challenged the dominance of petroleum-based fuels. It also delves into the erasure of Diesel's name from history and the need to reevaluate his contributions to technology and society. Overall, the episode presents an intriguing exploration of an enigmatic figure and the implications of his inventions on the modern world.
Rudolph Diesel's Early Life and Inspiration to Invent
Rudolph Diesel, born in 1858 in Germany, grew up in tough conditions after his family fled the Franco-Prussian war in Paris. His experiences in London during the Industrial Revolution made a lasting impact on him, witnessing the smog-filled and steam-powered cityscape. He developed a fascination with steam engines and resolved to create a more efficient power source. Diesel's love for the arts and music was inherited from his mother, a governess. He believed in the role of engineers as social theorists, aiming to improve society through innovation.
Rudolph Diesel's Journey to Inventing the Diesel Engine
After excelling at a trade school and receiving a scholarship to a university in Munich, Diesel studied under influential engineers and worked in the field of steam technology. He became increasingly convinced of the limitations of steam engines and began developing his internal combustion engine idea. Partnering with German companies and working on prototypes, Diesel faced challenges but eventually achieved success. In 1900, he won the first grand prize for his diesel engine at the World Fair. The engine's applications in shipping and power generation solidified its importance in various industries.
The Impact and Legacy of Rudolph Diesel
Rudolph Diesel's invention revolutionized power generation and transformed the shipping industry. His engine provided more efficiency and had numerous applications in marine vessels, cargo ships, and submarines. However, the militarization of diesel engines during the world wars shifted their use to military purposes. Despite Diesel's initial vision of empowering rural economies, the engines became widely used in centralized and industrialized contexts. Diesel's disappearance in 1913 remains a mystery, and his legacy as a brilliant inventor and believer in peaceful applications of technology lives on.
How to Get a Copy of 'The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel'
The book 'The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel' is available for purchase at various outlets, including independent bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others. It can also be found in audiobook format, read by Scott Brick, a renowned audiobook narrator known for his remarkable voice. Purchasing the book during pre-sales or in the first week after its release can further support the author's success. Doug Brunt encourages readers to explore the fascinating life and inventions of Rudolph Diesel through this engaging nonfiction work.
Megyn Kelly is joined by Doug Brunt, best-selling author of the new book, "The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel," to discuss the mystery at the center of his book, a brief synopsis of who Rudolf Diesel is and his impact on our world today, whether Diesel committed suicide or was murdered, the suspects for who could have mudered Diesel, how authorities identified his body, the devastating impact of his death, his legacy today the difference between writing and selling a fiction vs. non-fiction book, the support and feedback from peers (and Megyn), Meryl Gordon’s book “Mrs. Astor Regrets” and her disappointment with Anderson Cooper for referencing her work throughout his new book, the ethics of citing sources vs. doing your own book research, Doug's life growing up, the different personalities of their kids, where love of books came, and more.
