A gift for week's end . . .
Friday, 9.19
Thought for the day, from biologist J. B. S. Haldane (1892-1964)
“Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine—
it’s stranger than we can imagine.”
I’ve had my head down all week, obsessing on my new creation. Big reveal next week.
Meantime, though, it’s late on a Friday. And I thought we could all use a reminder that imagination, curiosity, creativity, and compassion are still thriving in the world.
So, I give you:
Briefly: Two Israeli researchers have studied how goldfish—if given a suitable vehicle!—can not only navigate on dry land, but learn how to reach a goal. While exploring in their tiny cars, they eventually bump into a reward station, and then . . .
They figure out how to get back there every time, and collect a tasty treat.
You might or might not find these facts as delightful and provocative as I do, but either way, I think you’ll appreciate hearing Shachar Givon and Mattam Samina discuss the personalities of two fish: Mr. Darcy (who is always properly behaved) and Mr. Wickham (who is always in trouble).
Beyond the literary and scientific aspects of this particular story, I want to say words of praise about where I found it: the one-of-a-kind Internet curiosity cabinet, Laughing Squid.
I lost track of Squid for a while, for reasons that don’t matter now. But I’m so glad to have rediscovered this daily trove of stories, which range from the hilarious to the amazing to the poignant—connected by one subtle theme: it’s all stranger than we imagine.
Nature isn’t what we think it is at all. And as for humans . . .
See you Monday. C