Ogbonna David
Stories (4)
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The real reason for Mona Lisa’s insane popularity
As the first rays of sunlight pierced the Parisian skyline on August 21st, 1911, a man named Vincenzo Peruggia carefully lifted a painting from its place on the wall, concealing it under his arm. With the prized artwork in his grasp, he descended the back stairs of the Louvre. Freedom seemed within reach, but then a two-fold dilemma presented itself: the exit was locked, and approaching footsteps threatened to expose him. Clutched tightly under Peruggia's arm was none other than Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the "Mona Lisa." It is arguably the world's most renowned painting today. But how did this iconic status come to be?
By Ogbonna David2 years ago in Art
Poon Lim’s Incredible Odyssey
It was April 5th, 1943, when three Brazilian fishermen gazed upon an extraordinary sight on the distant horizon, approximately nine miles from the shore. Guided by curiosity, they steered their boat toward it, unveiling an astonishing spectacle. A frail Chinese man sat upon a rickety wooden raft, dancing, singing, and waving a tattered shirt over his head. Despite the brutal sunburn and gnawing hunger, the man’s spirit remained remarkably resilient. Several days later, with the assistance of a translator, they learned that this man was none other than Poon Lim, and he had endured 133 days adrift at sea. This is the remarkable story of his survival.
By Ogbonna David2 years ago in FYI
The 21st Century
Which century in human history holds the title of the most pivotal? Some argue it's the era of formidable military conquests, like Alexander the Great's campaigns in the 300s BCE, which significantly altered political and cultural boundaries. Others point to the rise of major religions, such as the emergence of Islam in the 7th century, which not only codified values but also spread them across these reshaped borders. And then there's the Industrial Revolution of the 1700s, a period that not only transformed global trade but also redefined humanity's relationship with work. It seems that the top contenders for the "most important century" are all marked by momentous change, where the actions of our forebears set the course for centuries to come.
By Ogbonna David2 years ago in History
The Enduring Power of Human Innovation
The question of what might be humanity's greatest invention often doesn't get the attention it deserves. It's a topic that can spark captivating discussions with a wide range of potential answers. Some might argue passionately for fire, given its significance in providing warmth, protection, and transforming how we prepare our meals. On the other hand, there are those who champion the wheel, a fundamental innovation that laid the groundwork for trade, commerce, and travel. These are all valid contenders, yet one invention that tends to slip under the radar is money.
By Ogbonna David2 years ago in Art
