Between an aging sailor's memory and contradictory written sources

June 11, 2017 1:44 AM

The Norwegian who knew his tortoises so well that he changed the course of history What happened was, of course, not that simple. Nothing rules the world more than mere chance, and a long chain of events paved the ground for Darwin's groundbreaking discovery. One of these events was ‒ incredibly enough ‒ meeting a Norwegian along the way, a man who just like Darwin grew up not knowing what a tortoise was.
posted by CrystalDave (7 comments total)

What a great story! Thanks!
posted by Joe in Australia at 2:12 AM on June 11, 2017

Yep, that's a ripping tale well told!
posted by fairmettle at 4:23 AM on June 11, 2017

Fascinating. Thanks!
posted by Thella at 5:07 AM on June 11, 2017

Having visited the Galápagos Islands in April, and presently in Valparaiso, this is fascinating. Thanks!
posted by Amity at 5:51 AM on June 11, 2017 [1 favorite]

What an interesting story, and built out of such fragmentary historical evidence.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:38 AM on June 11, 2017

Very philosophical!
posted by lungtaworld at 6:53 AM on June 11, 2017

Fascinating and charming.

This story reminded me of the recent 'what do I need to know in order to become a Canadian' AskMe, in which one of the answers was to make sure to take any opportunity to point out 'he's Canadian, you know'. As a Norwegian, I must say we also EXCEL at this, and I'd like to submit this story as evidence Exhibit A.
posted by widdershins at 7:27 AM on June 11, 2017 [5 favorites]