What Christmas Eve Felt Like in Victorian England | Boring History

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Welcome, in my tired, little 
bunch. 

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To a peaceful Journey Through 
Christmas Eve in, 1873 when the 

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holiday season moved at the 
gentle pace of Candlelight and 

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coal fires tonight. 
You'll experience the warmth of 

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a Victorian home as dusk settles
over the English Countryside. 

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Where simple traditions and 
Quiet Moments shaped a Christmas

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celebration that has echoed 
through generations. 

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So I hope you're snuggled up and
ready to snooze to some history.

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But before we start, I'd love to
know how you're doing down below

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and where in the world you're 
listening in from, and what time

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it is for you. 
Now, while I do my brief little 

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paws, make sure to turn on a fan
for some comforting white noise.

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You stand at the Frosted window 
of your modest, Victorian home, 

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watching the December, Sons sink
behind bear oak, trees, that 

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sketched themselves dark against
an oyster Colored Sky. 

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The year is 1873 and Christmas 
Eve has arrived with that 

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peculiar Stillness. 
That only comes when snow 

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threatens but hasn't yet Fallen,
your breath creates temporary 

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clouds on the glass. 
Each exhalation adding to the 

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delicate ice crystals already 
forming in the windows corners. 

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The world outside transforms 
itself in these final minutes of

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daylight fields that stretched 
Brown and stubborn all 

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afternoon. 
Now, blur into indistinct 

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patches of Shadow the lane 
leading past your cottage shows 

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the tracks of the baker's car 
from earlier today. 

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Each wheel rut holding its own 
small pool of early. 

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Frost that catches what little 
light remains, you can just make

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out the Henderson's chimney. 
Three houses down, it smoke 

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Rising straight, as a Plumb line
in, The Windlass are before 

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dispersing into nothing, your 
fingers, rest against the window

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frame, Feeling the cold 
radiating through wood, that's 

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no more Winters than you've 
lived. 

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The paint beneath your touch is 
slightly rough. 

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Where moisture has worked. 
Its patient damage over the 

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decades, this window is framed, 
countless Christmas Eve's before

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this one and witness sunset's 
identical to tonight. 

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Spectacle yet somehow all always
different always worth watching 

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the victorians, loved their 
Traditions, but they also 

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understand that. 
No two moments are ever quite 

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the same, even when they follow 
the same comfortable pattern, 

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the garden Gates stands. 
Slightly a jar, creating a 

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narrow trying of deeper darkness
in the Gathering Gloom You've 

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been meaning to fix that latch 
for weeks now, but somehow the 

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undone tasks, feels appropriate 
tonight. 

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Everything doesn't need to be 
perfect. 

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The imperfection itself becomes 
part of the evenings, character 

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a small reminder that homes are 
lived in the people. 

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Here are 10 to what matters most
and that the rest can wait for 

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another day. 
A robin purchase on that gate. 

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Now it's breast catching the 
last amber light like a tiny 

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coal, Birds always seemed to 
know when weather is changing 

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and this one fluffs its Feathers
Against the temperature drop. 

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You can't quite feel yet. 
But sense approaching the robin 

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remains motionless, perhaps 20 
seconds, then launches itself 

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toward the Hedge that borders, 
the Thompson's property 

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disappearing into the Tangled 
branches, where it will sleep 

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through the Holy Night ahead. 
The sky continues. 

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Its chromatic shift moving 
through gradation of color, that

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no artist could quite capture. 
No matter how skilled pewter 

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gives way to slate, slate 
deepens toward charcoal and 

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along the western Horizon, a 
band of pale gold lingers like 

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something reluctant to leave 
Stars have not appeared yet but,

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you know, their their waiting 
for full Darkness to reveal them

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on, clear nights like this. 
You can see the plow hanging 

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over the meadow. 
And sometimes even that smudge 

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of light your brother-in-law, 
insists is the Andromeda nebula.

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Though you suspect, he's just 
pointing at nothing in 

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particular and sounding 
knowledgeable inside the house 

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behind you. 
The everyday sounds of 

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preparation continue. 
Your wife's footsteps, move 

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across the kitchen floor with 
that particular Rhythm. 

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You've learned over eight years 
of marriage, three quick steps, 

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a pause then two more she's 
checking something probably the 

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mince pies that have been 
filling the house with their 

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spice sweetness. 
Since noon, the scent reaches 

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you even hear at the window a 
complex mixture of sweat and 

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dried fruit. 
Cinnamon and Nutmeg all bound 

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together with Brandy in the 
mysterious alchemy that 

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transforms separating 
ingredients and to something 

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greater than their sum, the 
clock in the hall ticks with 

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mechanical steadiness marking 
off. 

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Second, that feel both 
infinitely long and 

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distressingly briefed on this 
particular evening. 

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Time behave. 
Strangely on Christmas Eve 

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minutes can stretch out 
luxuriously when you're savoring

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them, yet. 
The whole day, somehow 

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evaporates faster than any 
ordinary Tuesday, you've noticed

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this phenomenon since childhood,
this temporal elasticity that 

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makes anticipation. 
Both delicious and slightly 

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anxious, your youngest 
daughter's laughter erupts from 

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somewhere upstairs, followed 
immediately by her older 

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sister's shushing. 
They're supposed to be 

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organizing their few precious 
toys, making space for whatever 

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scent Nicholas might bring 
during the night. 

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But organizing, as clearly 
devolved into play, you smile at

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the familiar pattern children. 
Can no more resist playing than 

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Rivers can resist flowing 
downhill. 

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The attempt to tidy always 
becomes another game, which is 

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probably as it should be. 
The temperature drops 

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noticeably. 
Now as full Darkness approaches,

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you feel it through the glass, 
through the very air in this 

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front room. 
That's farthest from the kitchen

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fire. 
Your body registers the change 

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before your mind fully processes
it soon. 

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You'll need to close these 
curtains and trap what warmth 

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you have inside these walls, but
not quite yet. 

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These final moments of visible 
landscape, feel important 

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somehow, worth preserving just a
little longer, a lamp flickers, 

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to life in the ashworth's, 
cottage across the way. 

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Another appears in an upstairs 
window all along the lane 

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Windows, begin glowing like 
scattered coals each one, 

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marking a family engaged in 
their own version of the same 

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evening ritual. 
You imagine them all the 

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families, you know, and those 
you don't each household 

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creating its small. 
Ceremony of preparation. 

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Its private observance of the 
shared. 

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Holy day. 
The wind that's been absent all 

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day. 
Finally stirs, just barely the 

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bare branches of the oak respond
with the faintest whisper a 

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sound so subtle, you might be 
imagining it. 

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But no, there it comes again, 
that slight suspiration. 

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And that means the weather's 
about to turn the Robin. 

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Have the right idea. 
Getting to shelter early. 

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Your breath creates and other 
temporary fog on the window pane

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and without quite meaning to 
you, trace a simple star in the 

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condensation. 
The gesture feels both childish 

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and exactly. 
Right tomorrow. 

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You'll be a respectable 
householder again. 

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Attending to adult 
responsibilities and social 

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Proprietors tonight for a few 
hours, the calendar permits 

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everyone to indulge in one day 
to believe in magic and to trace

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stars on frosted Windows without
self-consciousness. 

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Behind you. 
Your wife calls. 

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Softly that everything's ready 
but you take one final moment at

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the window watching as the last 
trace of daylight surrenders 

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completely tonight. 
The world outside becomes a 

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place of pure silhouette and 
Shadow a landscape simplified to

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its essential forms, in this 
Darkness, your home's, warmth 

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and light become even more 
precious even more necessary. 

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You let the curtain fall and 
turn toward the Golden Globe of 

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your own half. carrying with you
that image of dusk settling over

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a Victorian winter, landscape 
storing it away in memory, where

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it will keep company with all 
the other Christmas Eve's you've

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witnessed from this same window,
the kitchen Embraces you with 

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its accumulated warmth as you 
step Across the Threshold, 

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leaving the cold front room 
behind this is the true Center 

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of your home, especially in 
Winter, especially tonight, the 

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range radiates heat like a 
benevolent presence. 

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It's cast iron surfaces holding 
and releasing the coal fires 

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energy in steady reliable ways. 
Your wife has been tending, this

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fire since early morning 
building at carefully, banking 

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it just right? 
So it neither was wasteful. 

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Nor Fades to uselessness. 
The Rangers itself is perhaps, 

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15 years old, a purchased, your 
wife's parents made. 

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When such things first became 
affordable for families of 

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modest means. 
Before that they'd cooked over 

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an open half, as people had done
for centuries. 

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Your wife still remembers that 
older way though. 

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She doesn't miss it much. 
The Rangers and close Firebox 

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uses less fuel. 
Distributes heat more evenly and

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doesn't fill the room with quite
so much smoke progress. 

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When it comes in January. 
Useful forms deserves, its 

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welcome on the ranges smooth, 
top Surface, three pots sitting 

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careful Arrangement. 
The largest holds water kept 

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perpetually hot for washing up 
or making tea the middle one 

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contains tomorrow's broth 
simmering. 

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So gently that you have to watch
carefully to see any movement at

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all the smallest pot, right at 
the back where the heat is 

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gentlest holds a mixture, your 
wife uses for basting the goose 

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that will be tomorrow's, great 
feast each pot has its 

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designated spot, its particular 
purpose in the kitchen's well 

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choreographed dance. 
Wooden table at dominates. 

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The rooms Center shows. 
Signs of this evening's 

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preparation flower, still dusts 
one corner where your wife 

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rolled out pastry earlier. 
Tutoring of currents has escaped

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near the Sugar Bowl. 
Each tiny dried grape catching 

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the Lamplight to mixing bowls, 
wait to be washed along with the

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Wooden Spoons and the pastry 
cutter and all the other 

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implements that transform raw 
ingredients into edible 

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celebration. 
The Clutter isn't messy. 

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Exactly just evidence of work in
progress of a household actively

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engaged in the business of 
living, your wife moves past you

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to check the mince pies. 
One final time opening the 

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ranges door with a practice 
motion that suggests she could, 

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do it, blindfolded heat, Billows
out carrying with it. 

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An intensified version of that 
spiced fragrance, that's been 

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haunting the house all day, she 
bends to peer inside. 

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Her face illuminated by the 
fires Red Gold glow and you're 

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struck by how the light makes 
her look simultaneously older 

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and younger than her. 32 years, 
the warmth brings color to her 

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cheeks, but the lines around her
eyes earned. 

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From years of, genuine laughter 
deeper in the dramatic Shadows. 

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She pronounces the pies perfect 
and closes the door with 

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satisfaction. 
They'll cool on the windowsill 

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overnight and tomorrow 
afternoon, you'll meet them with

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thick cream while the children 
bounce off the walls with 

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excitement. 
But tonight they're just 

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something accomplished checked 
off the mental list of tasks 

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that make Christmas happen. 
People often Imagine Holidays 

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occurring, spontaneously, but 
you know, better every bit of 

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magic requires someone's hard 
work behind the scenes. 

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The kettle begins its 
Preparatory murmur that sound, 

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that comes just before a proper 
whistle. 

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Your wife moves, it slightly to 
the side, not quite ready for 

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full boiling yet. 
Timing everything in her head 

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juggling multiple schedules 
simultaneously. 

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The bread needs, another few 
minutes, the children should 

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wash before supper, which means 
calling them down soon but not 

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immediately. 
The table needs setting, but not

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before, she's wiped away the 
flower and stray. 

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Currents, you offer to help, and
she accepts with the easy 

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Partnership of the long marriage
together, you clear the tables 

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evidence of baking, shake the 
cloth out the back door, into 

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the cold night air and beginner 
ranging. 

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The simple dishes for your 
evening meal. 

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The plates are plain white Earth
and where not the Fine China, 

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some families display, but never
use these plates have held, 

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thousands of meals acquired, 
small chips, and faint stains 

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that soap can't quite remove. 
And become so familiar that 

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eating from any other dish would
feel wrong. 

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Somehow The Cutlery drawers from
your small collection of 

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mismatched pieces, these two 
forks came from your wife's 

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family home that knife was a 
wedding gift from your uncle. 

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The spoon is accumulated one by 
one over the years purchased, at

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Market, when the budget allowed,
none of it matches but all of it

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works function matters more than
appearance in a household where 

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money stays perpetually tight 
and practical concerns trumpists

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aesthetic, ones. 
Your wife slices, the bread with

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Shore Strokes, each piece coming
away even and thick. 

230
00:12:34,700 --> 00:12:38,100
This morning's loaf has had all 
data settle and it cuts 

231
00:12:38,100 --> 00:12:40,000
beautifully. 
Now revealing that perfect 

232
00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:42,200
interior texture. 
That makes good bread. 

233
00:12:42,200 --> 00:12:45,800
So satisfying she's been baking 
your family's bread twice, 

234
00:12:45,800 --> 00:12:49,800
weekly for years now and her 
skills shows in every loaf. 

235
00:12:50,800 --> 00:12:53,600
There's something deeply 
comforting about bread made by 

236
00:12:53,608 --> 00:12:57,600
familiar hands shaped by 
someone, who knows exactly how 

237
00:12:57,600 --> 00:13:00,200
you like it. 
The butter sits in its covered 

238
00:13:00,200 --> 00:13:03,300
dish softened slightly from 
sitting in the warm kitchen, 

239
00:13:03,300 --> 00:13:07,000
your wife's sister gave you this
button dish 3, Christmases ago 

240
00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:10,000
and it's proven to be one of the
most useful gifts you've ever 

241
00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:12,700
received. 
Such small objects, make up the 

242
00:13:12,700 --> 00:13:16,000
texture of daily life. 
The Humble tools that serve 

243
00:13:16,000 --> 00:13:20,300
without Fanfare year after year 
Up stairs, the children's voices

244
00:13:20,300 --> 00:13:22,300
rise in what sounds like 
disagreement. 

245
00:13:22,300 --> 00:13:25,300
You moved toward the stairs to 
investigate but your wife 

246
00:13:25,300 --> 00:13:28,600
catches, your arm gently Let 
them sort it out. 

247
00:13:28,608 --> 00:13:31,400
She says, quietly. 
They need to practice working 

248
00:13:31,400 --> 00:13:34,500
things through. 
She's right, of course the 

249
00:13:34,500 --> 00:13:36,200
argument subsides after a 
moment. 

250
00:13:36,200 --> 00:13:38,600
Anyway, resolved through 
whatever mysterious 

251
00:13:38,600 --> 00:13:42,700
negotiations, children conduct 
among themselves soon, their 

252
00:13:42,700 --> 00:13:45,700
footsteps sound on the stairs 
descending with that particular.

253
00:13:45,700 --> 00:13:48,800
Thunderous quality. 
Only young people seem to 

254
00:13:48,808 --> 00:13:52,000
achieve when using steps. 
They tumble into the kitchen 

255
00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:55,900
with slightly disheveled hair, 
and suspiciously bright eyes. 

256
00:13:55,900 --> 00:13:58,400
Looking both innocent and 
guilty, and that 

257
00:13:58,400 --> 00:14:01,900
quintessentially childlike way, 
your eldest is 10. 

258
00:14:01,900 --> 00:14:05,200
Now, balanced on that cusp 
between childhood and something 

259
00:14:05,200 --> 00:14:07,500
else. 
Still young enough to believe in

260
00:14:07,500 --> 00:14:11,000
Christmas magic, but old enough 
to have started asking 

261
00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:13,600
questions. 
She doesn't quite voice allowed.

262
00:14:13,600 --> 00:14:17,700
Your youngest just turned six, 
and her belief remains pure and 

263
00:14:17,700 --> 00:14:20,800
uncomplicated a bright flame of 
certainty. 

264
00:14:20,800 --> 00:14:24,200
That no doubts of yet, troubled.
They've washed their hands. 

265
00:14:24,200 --> 00:14:27,500
You notice though, perhaps not 
as thoroughly as their mother 

266
00:14:27,500 --> 00:14:30,800
would prefer the compromise 
between perfect cleanliness and 

267
00:14:30,800 --> 00:14:34,100
practical reality characterizes,
much of parenting you've 

268
00:14:34,100 --> 00:14:37,600
discovered you pick your 
battles, decide what really 

269
00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:40,900
matters and let the rest slide 
into that category of 

270
00:14:40,900 --> 00:14:43,600
imperfections. 
You'll address tomorrow or next 

271
00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:48,200
week, or never your wife laid. 
All Super Bowls the same 

272
00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:50,300
vegetable soup. 
You've been eating variations of

273
00:14:50,300 --> 00:14:54,000
all winter, carrots, and turnips
from your garden onions, from 

274
00:14:54,000 --> 00:14:58,200
the market and barley to give 
its substance all simmered 

275
00:14:58,200 --> 00:14:59,300
together into something 
nourishing. 

276
00:14:59,300 --> 00:15:03,200
If not particularly exciting. 
Working Families. 

277
00:15:03,200 --> 00:15:05,600
Don't eat elaborate meals on 
ordinary evenings. 

278
00:15:05,600 --> 00:15:08,700
You save the goose and the 
pudding and the special treats 

279
00:15:08,700 --> 00:15:12,100
for tomorrow when Christmas 
justifies extravagance. 

280
00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:15,500
Tonight calls for simple 
sustenance though. 

281
00:15:15,500 --> 00:15:18,200
The atmosphere makes even plain 
soup tastes special. 

282
00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:21,100
The kitchen fills with the 
particular quality of 

283
00:15:21,100 --> 00:15:24,000
togetherness that comes from a 
family gathered in warm lamp 

284
00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:28,200
light or Darkness presses 
against the windows outside this

285
00:15:28,200 --> 00:15:30,600
room. 
These people, this moment. 

286
00:15:31,600 --> 00:15:34,200
They form a complete World 
sufficient unto itself. 

287
00:15:34,200 --> 00:15:37,600
Whatever exists Beyond these 
walls, can wait. 

288
00:15:38,400 --> 00:15:40,900
Right now, everything you need 
sits within Arms. 

289
00:15:40,900 --> 00:15:44,300
Reach the transition from 
Kitchen to dining room requires 

290
00:15:44,300 --> 00:15:48,000
only a few steps, but it marks a
subtle shift in the evening's 

291
00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:51,500
character, the dining room 
serves multiple purposes in your

292
00:15:51,500 --> 00:15:54,800
modest home functioning as a 
parlor work room and formal 

293
00:15:54,800 --> 00:15:57,800
eating space, depending on the 
dais needs to night. 

294
00:15:57,800 --> 00:16:01,600
It transforms into something 
special through the simplest of 

295
00:16:01,600 --> 00:16:04,600
means, three candles, and good 
intentions. 

296
00:16:05,400 --> 00:16:08,800
Your wife has set the candles in
the center of the table using 

297
00:16:08,800 --> 00:16:11,300
the brass candlesticks that 
belonged to her grandmother. 

298
00:16:11,300 --> 00:16:15,100
These particular candlesticks 
have witnessed perhaps 60 

299
00:16:15,100 --> 00:16:18,800
Christmas Eve's, maybe more 
passing from generation to 

300
00:16:18,800 --> 00:16:22,100
generation with that quiet 
Persistence of useful objects. 

301
00:16:22,100 --> 00:16:26,400
The brass needs polishing, more 
than it gets showing dark 

302
00:16:26,400 --> 00:16:29,600
patches where tarnish is 
established its permanent hold 

303
00:16:29,600 --> 00:16:33,400
but the imperfection adds 
character rather than shame. 

304
00:16:34,200 --> 00:16:37,600
Affection is for people with 
servants and Leisure Time, your 

305
00:16:37,600 --> 00:16:40,100
family makes do with adequacy 
and Good Humor. 

306
00:16:40,100 --> 00:16:44,100
The candle Flames wave a 
slightly as you enter responding

307
00:16:44,100 --> 00:16:45,800
to the air movement. 
Your body's create. 

308
00:16:45,800 --> 00:16:48,500
They cast that particular 
quality of light that 

309
00:16:48,500 --> 00:16:51,800
electricity will someday replace
but never quite duplicate. 

310
00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:55,900
A warm Golden Glow that softens 
edges and makes everything look 

311
00:16:55,900 --> 00:16:59,600
both smaller and more intimate 
Shadows danced along the walls 

312
00:16:59,600 --> 00:17:02,300
performing, their nightly ritual
of appearing and disappearing 

313
00:17:02,300 --> 00:17:06,099
based on the Flames movements 
and your own shifting positions.

314
00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:11,500
The table itself, shows its age 
and history your father built 

315
00:17:11,500 --> 00:17:14,800
this table shortly after his 
marriage shaping each leg on a 

316
00:17:14,800 --> 00:17:18,300
borrowed, lathe fitting, the 
joints with the obsessive care 

317
00:17:18,300 --> 00:17:20,800
of a young man building 
furniture for the home, he just 

318
00:17:20,808 --> 00:17:23,300
established that was 43 years 
ago. 

319
00:17:23,300 --> 00:17:26,599
And the table has served 
Faithfully through four Decades 

320
00:17:26,599 --> 00:17:30,500
of family meals, various 
children, including yourself of 

321
00:17:30,500 --> 00:17:32,900
scratched their initials 
underneath when they thought, no

322
00:17:32,900 --> 00:17:36,200
one was looking generations, of 
spills have left their faint 

323
00:17:36,200 --> 00:17:38,300
marks despite repeated 
scrubbing. 

324
00:17:39,200 --> 00:17:41,100
The wood is darkened with AIDS 
and use. 

325
00:17:41,900 --> 00:17:45,400
Achieving that deep patina that 
only time can create your 

326
00:17:45,400 --> 00:17:47,900
daughter's, take their customary
places without being told 

327
00:17:47,900 --> 00:17:51,400
slipping into their chairs with 
the automatic Precision of 

328
00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:54,200
established habit. 
Your eldest sits on the left, 

329
00:17:54,200 --> 00:17:56,700
nearest, the window where she 
can gaze outside during 

330
00:17:56,700 --> 00:18:00,500
particularly boring meals. 
The youngest claims the chair 

331
00:18:00,500 --> 00:18:04,300
facing the fireplace positioning
herself, where she can watch the

332
00:18:04,300 --> 00:18:07,600
Flames while pretending to pay 
attention to adult conversation 

333
00:18:07,600 --> 00:18:09,700
these. 
Unassigned yet permanent 

334
00:18:09,700 --> 00:18:12,200
positions, demonstrate. 
How families create structure 

335
00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:15,500
through repetition and how 
routine becomes ritual, without 

336
00:18:15,500 --> 00:18:19,500
anyone officially declaring it. 
So your wife carries in the soup

337
00:18:19,500 --> 00:18:22,700
tureen and you follow with the 
Bread Basket and butter dish. 

338
00:18:23,300 --> 00:18:26,000
The meal Simplicity would 
embarrass you if guests were 

339
00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:29,800
present but among family such 
concerns evaporate. 

340
00:18:29,800 --> 00:18:33,500
You know, tomorrow will bring 
abundance today's restraint 

341
00:18:33,500 --> 00:18:35,300
makes tomorrow's Feast more 
meaningful. 

342
00:18:36,300 --> 00:18:39,200
The victorians understand this 
rhythm of anticipation and 

343
00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:41,700
fulfillment. 
This careful building towards 

344
00:18:41,700 --> 00:18:46,100
celebration rather than constant
Indulgence steam rises from the 

345
00:18:46,100 --> 00:18:47,800
soup. 
Bowls, as your wife, ladles out 

346
00:18:47,800 --> 00:18:51,600
portions creating temporary 
ghosts in the candlelight, The 

347
00:18:51,600 --> 00:18:55,300
soup smells earthy and 
wholesome, nothing fancy but 

348
00:18:55,300 --> 00:18:59,100
honestly itself you learned long
ago that the best meals, don't 

349
00:18:59,100 --> 00:19:02,600
necessarily involve complicated 
preparations or exotic 

350
00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:05,700
ingredients. 
Sometimes the best meals are 

351
00:19:05,700 --> 00:19:07,600
simply warm food shared with 
people. 

352
00:19:07,600 --> 00:19:11,100
You love in a comfortable space.
Your youngest daughter attacks, 

353
00:19:11,100 --> 00:19:14,300
her bread with butter spreading 
it with the excessive 

354
00:19:14,300 --> 00:19:16,500
enthusiasm. 
Only children bring to such 

355
00:19:16,500 --> 00:19:21,100
tasks, she manages to get butter
on her fingers, her chin and 

356
00:19:21,100 --> 00:19:24,400
somehow on her elbow, while 
getting comparatively little on 

357
00:19:24,400 --> 00:19:27,600
the bread itself, your wife 
reaches over with a napkin to 

358
00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:29,800
perform damage control and your 
daughter. 

359
00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:32,100
Submits to the cleaning with 
patient resignation. 

360
00:19:32,100 --> 00:19:36,900
This same scene has played out 
of times and will play out 

361
00:19:36,900 --> 00:19:40,700
hundreds more until suddenly one
day, your daughter will be grown

362
00:19:40,700 --> 00:19:44,300
and handling her own butter with
perfect adult competence. 

363
00:19:45,100 --> 00:19:48,000
And you'll miss these messy 
moments more than you can. 

364
00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:52,300
Currently imagine the super 
requires carefully eating, it is

365
00:19:52,308 --> 00:19:55,300
hot enough to burn tongues, but 
too good to wait for proper 

366
00:19:55,300 --> 00:19:57,800
cooling. 
Everyone performs that peculiar 

367
00:19:57,800 --> 00:20:01,500
maneuver of blowing across the 
spoon, then sipping cautiously 

368
00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:04,200
testing the temperature before 
committing to a full. 

369
00:20:04,208 --> 00:20:08,000
Mouthful, your eldest has 
learned to wait demonstrating 

370
00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:12,100
the patients that comes with age
and burned, mouths your youngest

371
00:20:12,100 --> 00:20:15,100
still tries to eat too quickly 
and still hasn't internalized, 

372
00:20:15,100 --> 00:20:19,800
the lesson that eagerness causes
discomfort conversation flows in

373
00:20:19,800 --> 00:20:22,500
the relaxed way of families who 
spend every evening together. 

374
00:20:22,500 --> 00:20:26,500
Your wife mentioned that misses 
Davenport stopped by this 

375
00:20:26,500 --> 00:20:30,500
afternoon, with a small jar of 
her special plum, preserves a 

376
00:20:30,500 --> 00:20:33,100
Christmas tradition between your
families that stretches back. 

377
00:20:33,100 --> 00:20:36,700
Several years, your eldest 
reports that the cat caught 

378
00:20:36,700 --> 00:20:40,100
another mouse Displaying it 
proudly on the doorstep Like A 

379
00:20:40,100 --> 00:20:43,000
Trophy Hunter, your youngest 
allowed. 

380
00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:45,400
Where the Saint Nicholas might 
bring the rag doll she's been 

381
00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:49,200
hoping for Voicing the question 
with study casualness. 

382
00:20:49,200 --> 00:20:51,600
That doesn't quite hide her 
desperate. 

383
00:20:51,600 --> 00:20:54,000
Hope you exchanged glances with 
your wife. 

384
00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:57,400
Over this last comment, 
communicating silently in that 

385
00:20:57,408 --> 00:20:59,600
shorthand language, married 
couples develop. 

386
00:21:00,500 --> 00:21:03,800
The Dole Waits upstairs, 
purchased last month and hidden 

387
00:21:03,800 --> 00:21:06,800
in the wardrobe behind your 
winter clothes, your youngest 

388
00:21:06,800 --> 00:21:09,600
will wake tomorrow to find 
exactly what she's wished for. 

389
00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:14,100
Experiencing that particular Joy
of having desires fulfilled. 

390
00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:18,000
Childhood offers few enough 
opportunities for Pure 

391
00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:22,200
uncomplicated happiness. 
You'll provide this one gladly 

392
00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:25,500
the bread disappears quickly. 
Requiring a second trip to the 

393
00:21:25,500 --> 00:21:28,700
kitchen for more. 
Breaking bread together forms 

394
00:21:28,700 --> 00:21:31,600
the oldest ritual of human 
Fellowship predating 

395
00:21:31,600 --> 00:21:35,300
Christianity by Millennia, 
predating probably even written 

396
00:21:35,300 --> 00:21:37,700
language. 
Something about sharing food 

397
00:21:37,700 --> 00:21:39,800
from a common loaf. 
Connects people at a fundamental

398
00:21:39,800 --> 00:21:44,000
level that transcends culture 
and era tonight eating bread 

399
00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:46,800
together. 
Your small family participate in

400
00:21:46,800 --> 00:21:50,400
that ancient communion linking 
yourself to countless other 

401
00:21:50,400 --> 00:21:53,900
families, across time, and space
who've performed this same 

402
00:21:53,900 --> 00:21:57,100
simple act. 
Your eldest daughter asks about 

403
00:21:57,100 --> 00:22:00,600
tomorrow's schedule, wanting to 
know precise timing for the 

404
00:22:00,600 --> 00:22:02,900
various Christmas. 
Rituals your family observes 

405
00:22:03,900 --> 00:22:07,200
She's reached that age where 
structure provides Comfort when 

406
00:22:07,200 --> 00:22:10,500
knowing what comes next. 
Feels important throughout the 

407
00:22:10,500 --> 00:22:12,700
day. 
Gently church in the morning, 

408
00:22:12,700 --> 00:22:16,600
the big meal in the early 
afternoon, the exchange of small

409
00:22:16,600 --> 00:22:19,700
gifts, afterward then acquired 
evening by the fire. 

410
00:22:19,700 --> 00:22:23,200
The Simplicity of it sounds 
almost to supporting when state 

411
00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:26,000
is so plainly. 
But, you know, the lived 

412
00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:29,800
experience will feel rich and 
full packed with small perfect 

413
00:22:29,800 --> 00:22:32,400
moments that don't show up in 
any summary. 

414
00:22:33,100 --> 00:22:36,700
The candles burn steadily lower 
marking times, passage in the 

415
00:22:36,700 --> 00:22:39,900
gradual way of all analog 
measurements, you'll need to 

416
00:22:39,900 --> 00:22:41,800
replace them before they gutter 
out completely. 

417
00:22:41,800 --> 00:22:46,000
But not yet, they have perhaps 
another hour of life left enough

418
00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:48,900
to see you through this meal and
into the evening's next phase. 

419
00:22:49,700 --> 00:22:52,400
Watching them diminish, remind 
you that nothing lasts forever. 

420
00:22:53,300 --> 00:22:56,800
That every moment exists only 
briefly before becoming memory, 

421
00:22:56,800 --> 00:22:59,000
the thought isn't sad. 
Exactly. 

422
00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:01,400
Just truthful. 
In the way observations about 

423
00:23:01,400 --> 00:23:05,600
reality often are Your wife 
Rises to clear, the soup, bowls 

424
00:23:05,600 --> 00:23:10,100
refusing, your help this time. 
She works efficiently, stacking 

425
00:23:10,100 --> 00:23:13,400
dishes with practice economy of 
motion, leaving the Bread 

426
00:23:13,400 --> 00:23:15,100
Basket, and butter dish for 
second. 

427
00:23:15,100 --> 00:23:19,000
Helping anyone might want the 
brief absence of her Presence at

428
00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:20,600
the table creates a small 
Hollow. 

429
00:23:21,500 --> 00:23:23,100
Fills again. 
The moment she returned. 

430
00:23:24,200 --> 00:23:27,200
From somewhere outside comes, 
the sound of a late carolers 

431
00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:30,800
voices, carrying across the cold
night, air with surprising 

432
00:23:30,800 --> 00:23:34,400
Clarity their singing, The Holly
And The Ivy, and though the 

433
00:23:34,400 --> 00:23:37,200
distance makes words indistinct 
the Melody comes through 

434
00:23:37,200 --> 00:23:40,400
perfectly, your youngest 
daughter's eyes, light up. 

435
00:23:40,400 --> 00:23:44,900
And she begins humming along 
unconsciously a voice, a thin 

436
00:23:44,900 --> 00:23:47,300
sweet thread. 
Weaving through the adult voices

437
00:23:47,300 --> 00:23:50,400
outside, the Carol has passed 
slowly their song. 

438
00:23:50,400 --> 00:23:53,100
Gradually fading as they 
progressed down the lane toward 

439
00:23:53,100 --> 00:23:55,600
other homes, you imagine them 
huddled together. 

440
00:23:55,600 --> 00:23:58,700
Against the cold, sharing this 
music as a gift to their 

441
00:23:58,700 --> 00:24:02,200
neighbors expecting, nothing in 
return, except perhaps a couple 

442
00:24:02,208 --> 00:24:05,700
of cider or a slice of cake from
generous households. 

443
00:24:05,700 --> 00:24:09,200
The tradition of was sailing has
persisted through generations 

444
00:24:09,200 --> 00:24:13,300
adapting but not disappearing 
proving more resilient than 

445
00:24:13,300 --> 00:24:17,100
anyone might expect. 
The dining room settles back 

446
00:24:17,100 --> 00:24:20,600
into its own quiet. 
After the Carol has passed a 

447
00:24:20,600 --> 00:24:23,100
candle flicker, slightly casting
new patterns of shadow. 

448
00:24:24,100 --> 00:24:28,300
Your family sits together in 
companionable silence needing me

449
00:24:28,300 --> 00:24:30,900
the entertainment nor 
conversation to feel content. 

450
00:24:30,900 --> 00:24:34,400
Sometimes, the best moments of 
these, the ones were nothing 

451
00:24:34,400 --> 00:24:37,100
particular happens. 
Except shared presence in warm 

452
00:24:37,100 --> 00:24:40,500
Lamplight. 
On a cold winter evening, Your 

453
00:24:40,500 --> 00:24:42,400
youngest daughter can no longer 
contain herself. 

454
00:24:42,400 --> 00:24:45,400
The question that's been 
building, pressure all evening, 

455
00:24:45,400 --> 00:24:48,900
finally, bursts forth. 
Willie really come tonight. 

456
00:24:48,900 --> 00:24:52,900
Will he really? 
Her eyes searched your face for 

457
00:24:52,900 --> 00:24:55,800
reassurance. 
For confirmation that the magic 

458
00:24:55,800 --> 00:24:57,800
she believes. 
In won't disappoint her. 

459
00:24:57,800 --> 00:25:00,000
You provide the required 
promise. 

460
00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:03,300
Speaking with the solemn 
Authority, that adult voices can

461
00:25:03,300 --> 00:25:04,900
summon when children need 
certainty. 

462
00:25:05,600 --> 00:25:08,100
Yes, Saint Nicholas will make 
his rounds tonight. 

463
00:25:08,100 --> 00:25:11,500
Yes he'll visit. 
Good children who prepared for 

464
00:25:11,500 --> 00:25:13,600
his arrival. 
Yes, the morning will bring 

465
00:25:13,600 --> 00:25:16,000
surprises. 
These comfortable lies that 

466
00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:18,900
every generation tells the next 
form, part of childhood 

467
00:25:18,900 --> 00:25:22,200
essential Magic. 
That brief period when the 

468
00:25:22,200 --> 00:25:26,200
impossible remains possible when
Wonder hasn't yet been strangled

469
00:25:26,200 --> 00:25:30,000
by Logic and experience your 
eldest daughter listens to this 

470
00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:33,000
exchange with an expression. 
You can't quite read. 

471
00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:36,700
She's old enough now to have 
heard schoolyard rumors and to 

472
00:25:36,700 --> 00:25:39,700
have encountered children, who 
claimed Superior knowledge and 

473
00:25:39,700 --> 00:25:42,400
who announced confidently the 
parents, provide the gifts 

474
00:25:42,400 --> 00:25:45,900
attributed to magical visitors 
but she hasn't voiced these 

475
00:25:45,900 --> 00:25:48,800
doubts allowed hasn't yet. 
Forced the conversation that 

476
00:25:48,800 --> 00:25:52,600
will shatter Pleasant illusions.
Perhaps she's consciously 

477
00:25:52,600 --> 00:25:56,900
preserving her own belief, a 
little longer. protecting her 

478
00:25:56,900 --> 00:26:00,100
younger sisters innocence or 
perhaps, you simply playing the 

479
00:26:00,100 --> 00:26:03,900
game, understanding that belief 
and pretense can co-exist in 

480
00:26:03,900 --> 00:26:07,400
that strange liminal space, 
where children live the 

481
00:26:07,400 --> 00:26:10,100
anticipation that fills your 
daughter's, radiates outward 

482
00:26:10,100 --> 00:26:14,400
like heat, Affecting the whole 
rooms atmosphere adults forget 

483
00:26:14,400 --> 00:26:17,700
this feeling or at least its 
intensity diminishes over 

484
00:26:17,700 --> 00:26:21,300
decades until special occasions 
become simply calendar dates. 

485
00:26:21,300 --> 00:26:25,800
Rather than sources of almost 
unbearable excitement watching 

486
00:26:25,800 --> 00:26:28,900
her children, vibrate with 
expectation returns, you briefly

487
00:26:28,900 --> 00:26:32,400
to your own childhood when 
Christmas Eve stretched 

488
00:26:32,400 --> 00:26:36,100
endlessly. 
And sleeping possible because 

489
00:26:36,100 --> 00:26:40,100
morning held such promise your 
youngest begins, cataloging her 

490
00:26:40,100 --> 00:26:42,900
preparations, listing them like 
a ritual incantation. 

491
00:26:44,100 --> 00:26:47,200
A cleaned, my room mostly. 
I shared my bread with Sarah, 

492
00:26:47,200 --> 00:26:50,000
when she dropped hers. 
I helped mama with the dishes 

493
00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:51,800
twice. 
I've been good. 

494
00:26:51,800 --> 00:26:56,200
I've had my mama Each item 
receives careful consideration. 

495
00:26:56,200 --> 00:27:01,000
As if goodness can be Quantified
as if a sufficient accumulation 

496
00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:04,200
of proper behavior will 
guarantee the desired outcome. 

497
00:27:04,200 --> 00:27:07,200
Your wife, confirms that, yes, 
both daughters have been good 

498
00:27:07,200 --> 00:27:11,200
this year acceptably good, at 
least good enough for Saint 

499
00:27:11,200 --> 00:27:14,400
Nicholas's purposes. 
The standard isn't perfection. 

500
00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:18,700
Thank goodness, children aren't 
meant to be perfect and a 

501
00:27:18,700 --> 00:27:20,800
childhood spent in anxious 
pursuit of impossible. 

502
00:27:20,800 --> 00:27:22,800
Standards would be no childhood 
at all. 

503
00:27:22,808 --> 00:27:26,400
It's better to teach that 
reasonable effort, counts, that 

504
00:27:26,400 --> 00:27:30,000
small kindnesses matter, and 
that occasional mistakes don't 

505
00:27:30,000 --> 00:27:32,000
disqualify you from love or 
generosity. 

506
00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:35,500
Your eldest asks what you used 
to receive for Christmas when 

507
00:27:35,500 --> 00:27:38,400
you are small and you find 
yourself reaching back through 

508
00:27:38,400 --> 00:27:41,800
decades to memories that have 
grown some hazy with time. 

509
00:27:41,800 --> 00:27:45,800
You remember wooden Soldier one 
year carved by your uncle and a 

510
00:27:45,800 --> 00:27:49,100
painted in cheerful primary 
colors, and other Christmas 

511
00:27:49,100 --> 00:27:52,600
brought an orange rare and 
precious in your rural Village. 

512
00:27:53,400 --> 00:27:57,500
So special that you made it last
week, passing out sections with 

513
00:27:57,500 --> 00:28:00,800
disciplined pleasure. 
Once you received a book, a 

514
00:28:00,800 --> 00:28:03,100
wonderful thing in a household 
where printed material was 

515
00:28:03,100 --> 00:28:05,600
scared. 
You read that book until it's 

516
00:28:05,600 --> 00:28:07,900
Pages. 
Fell out memorized whole 

517
00:28:07,900 --> 00:28:11,500
passages and lived inside its 
story, whenever your actual 

518
00:28:11,500 --> 00:28:14,100
circumstances felt too small or 
difficult. 

519
00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:18,300
These memories feel, both 
personal and archetypal 

520
00:28:18,300 --> 00:28:21,400
generations of children have 
received simple gifts and 

521
00:28:21,400 --> 00:28:24,500
treasured them. 
Completely, modern, abundance 

522
00:28:24,500 --> 00:28:27,400
hasn't existed long enough to 
have fundamentally changed, 

523
00:28:27,400 --> 00:28:30,900
childhood's essential nature. 
Your daughter's excitement over 

524
00:28:30,900 --> 00:28:33,400
a rag doll and whatever else 
tomorrow morning, reveals 

525
00:28:33,400 --> 00:28:35,800
differs little from your own 
anticipation years ago. 

526
00:28:35,800 --> 00:28:39,400
Despite the different 
circumstances, your youngest 

527
00:28:39,400 --> 00:28:42,100
announces her intention to stay 
awake all night to catch Saint. 

528
00:28:42,100 --> 00:28:43,600
Nicholas in the act of gift 
delivery. 

529
00:28:44,400 --> 00:28:46,700
You and your wife exchange. 
Amused glances. 

530
00:28:46,700 --> 00:28:50,300
This declaration appears every 
Christmas Eve delivered with 

531
00:28:50,300 --> 00:28:53,700
complete sincerity and every 
Christmas morning finds her 

532
00:28:53,700 --> 00:28:55,500
having fallen asleep hours 
early. 

533
00:28:56,600 --> 00:28:59,700
Children, lack, the capacity to 
maintain vigilance against their

534
00:28:59,700 --> 00:29:02,800
own exhaustion. 
The intention itself matters 

535
00:29:02,800 --> 00:29:05,700
more than the execution 
demonstrating, hope and 

536
00:29:05,700 --> 00:29:08,300
determination. 
Even if biology ultimately wins,

537
00:29:09,300 --> 00:29:12,100
The evening grows later though. 
Exactly how late remains 

538
00:29:12,100 --> 00:29:14,300
unclear. 
Your household doesn't own 

539
00:29:14,300 --> 00:29:17,000
enough clocks to Mark each hours
passing with any precision. 

540
00:29:17,700 --> 00:29:21,100
Time feels fluid tonight. 
Anyway, stretched and compressed

541
00:29:21,100 --> 00:29:24,100
simultaneously by anticipation 
and activity. 

542
00:29:24,100 --> 00:29:27,600
The candles of burned down to 
Stubbs requiring replacement 

543
00:29:27,600 --> 00:29:30,100
soon. 
The fire needs tending. 

544
00:29:30,100 --> 00:29:33,700
The regular rhythms of household
maintenance continue, regardless

545
00:29:33,700 --> 00:29:36,700
of the date. 
Significance, your wife Rises to

546
00:29:36,700 --> 00:29:39,600
check various preparations and 
your eldest follows to help 

547
00:29:39,600 --> 00:29:41,900
leaving you alone with your 
youngest daughter. 

548
00:29:41,900 --> 00:29:45,800
She climbs into your lap, 
unbidden settling against your 

549
00:29:45,800 --> 00:29:49,600
chest with the complete trust 
that small children demonstrate 

550
00:29:49,600 --> 00:29:53,300
toward their parents. 
Your her entire world still, 

551
00:29:53,300 --> 00:29:57,000
though soon enough that will 
change soon enough, she'll grow 

552
00:29:57,000 --> 00:30:00,000
independent developing her own 
life separate from yours. 

553
00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:03,300
But tonight she still young 
enough to want her father's lap.

554
00:30:03,300 --> 00:30:05,700
Still certainly your arms 
represent. 

555
00:30:05,700 --> 00:30:08,600
Perfect safety. 
She asks, you to tell her about 

556
00:30:08,600 --> 00:30:11,700
Christmas when you were small 
and you oblige spinning out, 

557
00:30:11,700 --> 00:30:13,800
memories, both real and 
embellished. 

558
00:30:13,800 --> 00:30:17,700
You described the cottage where 
you grew up smaller even than 

559
00:30:17,700 --> 00:30:21,300
this house, where eight people 
shared four rooms and considered

560
00:30:21,300 --> 00:30:24,600
themselves fortunate you recall,
the church service on Christmas 

561
00:30:24,600 --> 00:30:27,100
morning. 
Walking through snow that came 

562
00:30:27,100 --> 00:30:31,200
up past your knees, arriving, 
half Frozen to sing hymns in a 

563
00:30:31,200 --> 00:30:32,900
building. 
Barely warmer than Outdoors. 

564
00:30:32,900 --> 00:30:34,800
You remember, your mother's 
cooking? 

565
00:30:34,800 --> 00:30:38,200
How she could make ordinary 
ingredients, taste, festive 

566
00:30:38,200 --> 00:30:40,900
through some mysterious 
combination of spice and skill 

567
00:30:40,900 --> 00:30:44,200
and love your daughter. 
Listens with that intense, Focus

568
00:30:44,200 --> 00:30:48,200
children bring to stories asking
occasional questions that reveal

569
00:30:48,200 --> 00:30:51,300
how carefully she is tracking 
every detail she wants. 

570
00:30:51,300 --> 00:30:54,200
To know if you had a Christmas 
tree and you explained that such

571
00:30:54,200 --> 00:30:55,700
things weren't common in your 
village. 

572
00:30:55,700 --> 00:30:58,900
Then the German Customs were 
only beginning to spread through

573
00:30:58,900 --> 00:31:02,500
English households. 
She asks, if you hung stockings 

574
00:31:02,500 --> 00:31:05,500
and you describe the single 
large sock, you'd hang on 

575
00:31:05,500 --> 00:31:08,200
Christmas Eve. 
And how impossibly full it 

576
00:31:08,200 --> 00:31:11,000
seemed on Christmas morning, 
despite containing only an 

577
00:31:11,000 --> 00:31:15,400
apple, some nuts, and perhaps a 
small Suite, the comparing of 

578
00:31:15,400 --> 00:31:18,500
Christmases, past, and present 
leads naturally to wondering 

579
00:31:18,500 --> 00:31:21,900
about Christmases future or her 
own children, might experience 

580
00:31:21,900 --> 00:31:24,300
some day. 
You paint possibilities, 

581
00:31:24,300 --> 00:31:28,100
perhaps, indoor plumbing will 
become Universal, sparing, her 

582
00:31:28,100 --> 00:31:30,600
daughter's the morning trip to 
the privy and freezing weather. 

583
00:31:31,600 --> 00:31:34,900
Apps gaslighting will replace 
candles in even modest homes, 

584
00:31:34,900 --> 00:31:37,400
making evening's brighter and 
safer. 

585
00:31:37,400 --> 00:31:40,900
Perhaps, the telegraph system 
will expand until people can 

586
00:31:40,900 --> 00:31:45,000
send messages across, vast 
distances, instantly connecting 

587
00:31:45,000 --> 00:31:49,700
family, separated by geography. 
These speculations feel both 

588
00:31:49,700 --> 00:31:53,700
exciting and slightly Melancholy
progress, brings genuine 

589
00:31:53,700 --> 00:31:57,400
improvements to daily life yet 
something valuable disappears 

590
00:31:57,400 --> 00:32:00,300
with each advance. 
Your daughter won't know the 

591
00:32:00,308 --> 00:32:02,000
particular quality of 
Candlelight. 

592
00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:05,500
The same way you do a children 
might never understand the 

593
00:32:05,500 --> 00:32:08,900
satisfaction of water drawn from
a well and heated over a fire. 

594
00:32:08,900 --> 00:32:13,300
Each generation trades one set 
of experiences for another gain,

595
00:32:13,300 --> 00:32:16,900
some things and losers others 
and no one can say definitively.

596
00:32:16,900 --> 00:32:20,600
Whether the exchange represents 
net Improvement, or just 

597
00:32:20,600 --> 00:32:24,100
difference, your wife returns 
with your eldest in toe, both 

598
00:32:24,100 --> 00:32:28,300
carrying additional candles to 
replace those nearly spent A 

599
00:32:28,300 --> 00:32:31,200
fresh candles, bring renewed 
brightness, pushing back, 

600
00:32:31,200 --> 00:32:34,900
Shadows that have been gradually
advancing light and dark in 

601
00:32:34,900 --> 00:32:38,200
their Eternal negotiation, 
reaching temporary, 

602
00:32:38,200 --> 00:32:40,900
accommodation, that will shift 
again as flames consumed. 

603
00:32:40,900 --> 00:32:42,600
Wax. 
And night deepens toward 

604
00:32:42,600 --> 00:32:47,200
midnight, your youngest yours 
despite her stated intention to 

605
00:32:47,200 --> 00:32:49,700
remain awake. 
The Yawn is so enormous. 

606
00:32:49,700 --> 00:32:52,200
It seems impossible her small 
face could accommodate it. 

607
00:32:52,200 --> 00:32:55,800
She catches you watching and 
tries to Skies the yawn of 

608
00:32:55,800 --> 00:32:58,900
something else stretching 
elaborately and she's just 

609
00:32:58,900 --> 00:33:03,500
exercising The transparent 
fiction makes you smile children

610
00:33:03,500 --> 00:33:07,900
lies carry such Innocents, such 
obvious construction that they 

611
00:33:07,900 --> 00:33:12,100
charm rather than deceive. 
The moment approaches when you 

612
00:33:12,100 --> 00:33:14,700
need to guide your daughter's 
toward bed, but you let it 

613
00:33:14,708 --> 00:33:17,000
linger. 
Just slightly longer these 

614
00:33:17,000 --> 00:33:18,700
hours. 
Feel pressure partly, because 

615
00:33:18,700 --> 00:33:21,500
they're finite. 
Because tomorrow will bring 

616
00:33:21,500 --> 00:33:24,700
different Pleasures but not 
these exact circumstances. 

617
00:33:25,700 --> 00:33:29,200
You're learning slowly to 
inhabit moments, fully rather 

618
00:33:29,200 --> 00:33:31,700
than always rushing toward 
whatever comes next. 

619
00:33:32,500 --> 00:33:35,100
Fire in the sitting room has 
been waiting patiently or 

620
00:33:35,100 --> 00:33:37,900
evening maintaining itself. 
Through careful initial 

621
00:33:37,900 --> 00:33:40,100
construction. 
You built it this afternoon 

622
00:33:40,100 --> 00:33:42,700
using the method your 
grandfather taught you decades 

623
00:33:42,700 --> 00:33:45,500
ago. 
Kindling arranged in a careful 

624
00:33:45,500 --> 00:33:49,000
lattice Coldplay strategically 
to catch and hold Heat. 

625
00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:52,400
And the whole structure designed
to burn steadily for hours with 

626
00:33:52,400 --> 00:33:56,100
minimal tending, a good fire, 
reflects both knowledge and 

627
00:33:56,100 --> 00:34:01,000
attention, understanding of how 
air flows and heat radiates Your

628
00:34:01,000 --> 00:34:03,800
family settles into familiar 
positions around this fire. 

629
00:34:03,800 --> 00:34:07,600
Each person claiming their 
customary spot with automatic 

630
00:34:07,600 --> 00:34:10,500
Precision. 
You take the chair near the coal

631
00:34:10,500 --> 00:34:13,100
scuttle positioned where you can
easily add fuel when needed. 

632
00:34:14,000 --> 00:34:15,600
Your wife sits opposite in the 
chair. 

633
00:34:15,600 --> 00:34:18,400
That was her mother's. 
A sturdy piece with arms. 

634
00:34:18,400 --> 00:34:21,000
Worn, Smooth by years of hands, 
resting on them. 

635
00:34:21,000 --> 00:34:24,100
Your daughter's claim. 
The Hoth Road sitting 

636
00:34:24,100 --> 00:34:27,800
cross-legged on the rugs faded. 
Packing close enough to the fire

637
00:34:27,800 --> 00:34:30,000
that their faces flush. 
Pink from the heat. 

638
00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:33,300
The sitting room contains your 
household small collection of 

639
00:34:33,300 --> 00:34:35,600
treasures. 
The objects two valuable or 

640
00:34:35,600 --> 00:34:39,199
fragile for daily use. 
The China shepherdess stands on 

641
00:34:39,208 --> 00:34:43,100
the mantle one arm chipped off 
years ago, but still lovely in 

642
00:34:43,100 --> 00:34:46,600
her pastoral pose three books 
occupy pride of place on the 

643
00:34:46,600 --> 00:34:49,100
Shelf. 
Their leather bindings cracked 

644
00:34:49,100 --> 00:34:52,699
but their contents intact a 
framed silhouette portrait of 

645
00:34:52,699 --> 00:34:55,500
your wife's, grandmother gazes 
out from the wall. 

646
00:34:55,500 --> 00:34:59,200
With that Stern expression, 
people assumed for photographs 

647
00:34:59,200 --> 00:35:02,500
and portraits. 
As if smiling might constitute 

648
00:35:02,500 --> 00:35:05,800
for volatility tonight, calls 
for the tradition of story 

649
00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:08,800
sharing the oral history that 
binds families across 

650
00:35:08,800 --> 00:35:12,100
Generations. 
Your wife begins as she often 

651
00:35:12,100 --> 00:35:15,400
does with the story of her 
great, aunt who supposedly 

652
00:35:15,400 --> 00:35:17,800
danced with a minor princes at 
some long ago. 

653
00:35:17,800 --> 00:35:21,200
Christmas ball the tale has 
grown more, elaborate with each 

654
00:35:21,200 --> 00:35:24,600
retelling, a crewing details, 
that may or may not reflect 

655
00:35:24,600 --> 00:35:27,900
actual events. 
Truth matters less than meaning 

656
00:35:27,900 --> 00:35:30,700
in such Stories. 
The point isn't historical 

657
00:35:30,700 --> 00:35:33,400
accuracy, but rather the 
demonstration that your family 

658
00:35:33,400 --> 00:35:35,800
has connections to romance and 
Grandeur. 

659
00:35:35,800 --> 00:35:39,200
However tenuous your eldest 
daughter has heard this story 

660
00:35:39,200 --> 00:35:43,300
before but listens attentively. 
Anyway understanding that family

661
00:35:43,300 --> 00:35:47,200
Tales require proper respect. 
Regardless of repetition your 

662
00:35:47,200 --> 00:35:50,600
youngest interrupts with 
questions wanting clarification 

663
00:35:50,600 --> 00:35:54,200
about what exactly makes someone
a prince whether the great aunt 

664
00:35:54,200 --> 00:35:58,000
wore a fancy dress and if there 
was music each question, 

665
00:35:58,000 --> 00:36:01,300
receives patient answers that 
expand the story further. 

666
00:36:01,300 --> 00:36:04,200
Adding layers that will become 
permanent parts of its 

667
00:36:04,200 --> 00:36:06,100
structure. 
You can contribute your own 

668
00:36:06,100 --> 00:36:09,400
family story about the Christmas
when your uncle won a goose in a

669
00:36:09,400 --> 00:36:12,500
card game, brought it home alive
and proceeded, to chase it 

670
00:36:12,500 --> 00:36:14,400
around the cottage. 
While everyone shouted 

671
00:36:14,400 --> 00:36:17,900
contradictory advice the goose 
of eventually escaped through an

672
00:36:17,900 --> 00:36:21,200
open window, Taking Flight with 
a parent relief and leaving the 

673
00:36:21,200 --> 00:36:23,500
family to make do with a small 
ham for their Christmas. 

674
00:36:23,500 --> 00:36:26,700
Feast this story gets reliable 
Laughs. 

675
00:36:26,700 --> 00:36:29,300
Particularly when you act out 
the goose, chase with 

676
00:36:29,300 --> 00:36:31,900
appropriate sound effects and 
dramatic gestures. 

677
00:36:32,900 --> 00:36:36,200
Fire crackles and Pops. 
Providing percussion for your 

678
00:36:36,200 --> 00:36:40,100
stories occasionally, a coal 
shifts position, sending up 

679
00:36:40,100 --> 00:36:42,800
Sparks that die before reaching 
the chimneys opening. 

680
00:36:43,400 --> 00:36:48,300
Flames create hypnotic patterns.
Never repeating always changing 

681
00:36:48,300 --> 00:36:51,000
and you find your gaze drawn to 
their dance. 

682
00:36:51,000 --> 00:36:54,100
Even while speaking or 
listening, your wife tells about

683
00:36:54,100 --> 00:36:57,100
the winter when snow fell. 
So heavily, the houses 

684
00:36:57,100 --> 00:37:00,400
disappeared up to their Windows.
When her father had to Tunnel 

685
00:37:00,400 --> 00:37:02,900
through drifts to reach the barn
and milk the cow. 

686
00:37:02,900 --> 00:37:06,100
She describes the strange 
quality of light when you're 

687
00:37:06,100 --> 00:37:09,800
surrounded by snow wolves. 
How sounds become muffled, and 

688
00:37:09,800 --> 00:37:13,600
distorted and how the world 
shrinks to whatever small space.

689
00:37:13,600 --> 00:37:15,800
You can keep clear these 
stories. 

690
00:37:15,800 --> 00:37:18,300
Serve multiple purposes, Beyond 
Simple entertainment. 

691
00:37:18,300 --> 00:37:22,400
They teach your daughter's about
persistence and humor about how 

692
00:37:22,400 --> 00:37:24,700
people cope with difficulty and 
celebrate Joy. 

693
00:37:24,700 --> 00:37:27,900
They establish your family's 
place in a longer narrative, 

694
00:37:27,900 --> 00:37:31,000
that predates, their births. 
And will presumably continue 

695
00:37:31,000 --> 00:37:35,100
after your deaths, they create a
sense of belonging. of being 

696
00:37:35,100 --> 00:37:37,900
part of something larger than 
just, these four people in this 

697
00:37:37,900 --> 00:37:42,300
small house on this particular, 
Christmas Eve, Your eldest 

698
00:37:42,300 --> 00:37:45,300
daughter asks about your wedding
wanting details, you haven't 

699
00:37:45,300 --> 00:37:48,800
shared before you and your wife 
trade, the story telling back 

700
00:37:48,800 --> 00:37:52,700
and forth, describing the modest
Church ceremony, the simple 

701
00:37:52,700 --> 00:37:56,000
breakfast afterward, and how 
rain threatened, but held off 

702
00:37:56,000 --> 00:37:59,200
until evening, you mentioned the
yellow dress, your wife wore and

703
00:37:59,200 --> 00:38:02,600
she corrects you insisting. 
It was cream colored and you 

704
00:38:02,600 --> 00:38:05,100
argue amicably about this for a 
moment before agreeing that 

705
00:38:05,100 --> 00:38:06,500
perhaps it was cream colored 
yellow. 

706
00:38:06,500 --> 00:38:09,000
Whatever. 
That might mean the wedding 

707
00:38:09,000 --> 00:38:12,000
story is leading naturally to 
courting stories, and you 

708
00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:14,400
described the elaborate 
charades, you performed to 

709
00:38:14,400 --> 00:38:18,900
encounter your future wife 
accidentally at the market at 

710
00:38:18,900 --> 00:38:22,800
church and at the Village, well,
your daughter's find these Tales

711
00:38:22,800 --> 00:38:25,100
simultaneously, romantic, and 
embarrassing. 

712
00:38:25,100 --> 00:38:28,400
Unable to quite imagine their 
parents as young people 

713
00:38:28,400 --> 00:38:32,700
navigating attraction and 
uncertainty to them. 

714
00:38:32,700 --> 00:38:37,500
You've always existed as parents
fully formed ancient not as 

715
00:38:37,500 --> 00:38:41,400
individuals who want nervous and
hopeful and desperately wanted. 

716
00:38:41,600 --> 00:38:45,300
To impress someone special, your
youngest asks, how people know 

717
00:38:45,300 --> 00:38:48,300
their in love posing. 
The question with genuine 

718
00:38:48,300 --> 00:38:52,000
curiosity, rather than any 
personal application you and 

719
00:38:52,000 --> 00:38:54,400
your wife. 
Both The Temptations talking 

720
00:38:54,400 --> 00:38:57,100
about feeling comfortable 
together, wanting to share 

721
00:38:57,100 --> 00:38:59,500
experiences. 
And thinking about someone 

722
00:38:59,500 --> 00:39:03,200
constantly, when there are 
absent, Your explanation sound 

723
00:39:03,200 --> 00:39:05,000
inadequate? 
Even as you offer them. 

724
00:39:05,000 --> 00:39:07,400
Love defies complete 
articulation. 

725
00:39:07,400 --> 00:39:09,900
Operating. 
In space is language, can't 

726
00:39:09,900 --> 00:39:13,400
quite reach. 
Fire Burns, lower, requiring 

727
00:39:13,400 --> 00:39:15,800
attention, you, add cold 
carefully. 

728
00:39:15,800 --> 00:39:17,600
Placing each piece where it will
catch. 

729
00:39:17,600 --> 00:39:20,700
Most effectively, the coal hiss 
is slightly as it begins 

730
00:39:20,708 --> 00:39:24,000
heating. 
Releasing trapped moisture, new 

731
00:39:24,000 --> 00:39:27,800
Flames, bring up licking around.
The fresh fuel finding purchase 

732
00:39:27,800 --> 00:39:30,400
on surfaces that will feed them 
for the next several hours. 

733
00:39:30,400 --> 00:39:33,300
Your wife remembers the 
Christmas, her grandmother make 

734
00:39:33,300 --> 00:39:37,100
candy boiling sugar until it 
reach that precise temperature 

735
00:39:37,100 --> 00:39:40,900
where it would Harden properly, 
but not burn the whole family. 

736
00:39:40,900 --> 00:39:44,500
Watched the process with anxious
attention knowing how easily 

737
00:39:44,500 --> 00:39:48,400
expensive sugar could be ruined.
When the candy finally, cooled 

738
00:39:48,400 --> 00:39:51,500
and cracked into Amber 
fragments, they rationed it out 

739
00:39:51,500 --> 00:39:55,200
over the entire 12 Days of 
Christmas making it last, as 

740
00:39:55,200 --> 00:39:58,000
long as possible. 
These stories of scarcity and 

741
00:39:58,000 --> 00:40:01,300
making, do might sound sad to 
wealthier families, but you 

742
00:40:01,300 --> 00:40:04,700
don't experience them that way. 
They're honest to counts of how 

743
00:40:04,700 --> 00:40:08,400
most people live and have always
lived making the best of limited

744
00:40:08,400 --> 00:40:12,000
resources and finding Joy. 
Anyway, abundance brings his own

745
00:40:12,000 --> 00:40:15,400
Pleasures, certainly, but you 
sometimes suspect that constant 

746
00:40:15,400 --> 00:40:17,200
plenty might diminish 
appreciation. 

747
00:40:18,000 --> 00:40:21,700
When treats come rarely, they 
taste sweeter, your daughter's 

748
00:40:21,700 --> 00:40:25,500
absorb these stories like soil 
absorbing rain, soaking them, 

749
00:40:25,500 --> 00:40:28,300
deep into whatever, internal 
Reservoir holds family 

750
00:40:28,300 --> 00:40:30,600
knowledge. 
Someday they'll tell their own 

751
00:40:30,600 --> 00:40:32,900
children. 
The same Tales probably 

752
00:40:32,900 --> 00:40:35,800
embellished further. 
Probably combining elements and 

753
00:40:35,800 --> 00:40:39,300
new ways the stories will 
outlive everyone currently in 

754
00:40:39,300 --> 00:40:43,200
this room taking on Independent 
existence in the same way that 

755
00:40:43,200 --> 00:40:45,200
folktales persist across 
centuries. 

756
00:40:46,500 --> 00:40:49,900
The clock, strikes, nine and the
sound briefly interrupts, your 

757
00:40:49,900 --> 00:40:52,300
storytelling 9:00 on Christmas 
Eve. 

758
00:40:52,300 --> 00:40:55,900
The evening has progressed. 
Exactly as planned moving 

759
00:40:55,900 --> 00:40:59,100
through its established sequence
without surprise or deviation, 

760
00:41:00,000 --> 00:41:03,300
This predictability feels 
comforting, rather than boring 

761
00:41:03,300 --> 00:41:07,000
Traditions work precisely 
because they repeat creating 

762
00:41:07,000 --> 00:41:09,400
reliable patterns in an 
unpredictable World. 

763
00:41:09,400 --> 00:41:13,600
Your wife suggests one final 
story before the girls go to bed

764
00:41:13,600 --> 00:41:16,200
and your eldest immediately 
requests. 

765
00:41:16,200 --> 00:41:19,600
The tale of the Christmas ghost.
The one story that slightly 

766
00:41:19,600 --> 00:41:23,700
scary but not terrifying. 
You tell it slowly building 

767
00:41:23,700 --> 00:41:27,900
suspense with calculated. 
Pauses describing how a selfish 

768
00:41:27,900 --> 00:41:31,000
man encounters a spectre on 
Christmas Eve, who shows him 

769
00:41:31,000 --> 00:41:33,100
visions of past present and 
future. 

770
00:41:33,100 --> 00:41:36,400
Your youngest huddles closer to 
her sister during the 

771
00:41:36,400 --> 00:41:39,900
frightening parts, or 
simultaneously refusing to stop 

772
00:41:39,900 --> 00:41:42,900
listening, the ghost story 
resolves and Redemption. 

773
00:41:42,900 --> 00:41:46,300
The selfish man transforming 
into a generous Soul, who 

774
00:41:46,300 --> 00:41:48,400
spreads joy throughout his 
community. 

775
00:41:48,400 --> 00:41:50,700
The moral lands with the 
appropriate weight. 

776
00:41:50,700 --> 00:41:54,400
Christmas calls people toward 
their better Nature's toward 

777
00:41:54,400 --> 00:41:56,400
charity and compassion and 
connection. 

778
00:41:56,400 --> 00:41:59,100
You could simply tell your 
daughter's to be kind. 

779
00:42:00,000 --> 00:42:02,500
That stories convey lessons more
effectively than direct 

780
00:42:02,500 --> 00:42:06,100
instruction, ever could the fire
has achieved that ideal state 

781
00:42:06,100 --> 00:42:09,100
where it requires minimal 
attention burning steadily, 

782
00:42:09,100 --> 00:42:12,900
without smoking or sputtering. 
The rooms temperature has 

783
00:42:12,900 --> 00:42:16,600
reached perfect equilibrium, 
warm enough for Comfort but not 

784
00:42:16,600 --> 00:42:19,300
so hot as to cause drowsiness 
outside. 

785
00:42:19,300 --> 00:42:22,500
The wind has picked up slightly 
making the windows rattle 

786
00:42:22,500 --> 00:42:26,000
occasionally in their frames. 
The contrast between interior 

787
00:42:26,000 --> 00:42:29,500
warmth and exterior cold 
heightens, your appreciation of 

788
00:42:29,500 --> 00:42:34,000
shelter of walls and roof and 
fire your youngest yawns again 

789
00:42:34,000 --> 00:42:36,900
less able this time to disguise 
it as something else. 

790
00:42:37,800 --> 00:42:41,600
Evenings events have accumulated
their inevitable effect soon. 

791
00:42:41,600 --> 00:42:43,300
Your guide both daughter's up 
stairs. 

792
00:42:43,300 --> 00:42:45,500
Help them through bed, time 
preparations. 

793
00:42:45,500 --> 00:42:49,300
And listen to their prayers. 
But not quite yet a few more 

794
00:42:49,300 --> 00:42:52,100
minutes of firelight and family.
Closeness won't hurt anything. 

795
00:42:52,100 --> 00:42:56,300
The transition toward bed time 
begins with gentle inevitability

796
00:42:56,300 --> 00:43:01,300
like night following day. 
Your wife Rises first smoothing 

797
00:43:01,300 --> 00:43:04,200
her skirt in that automatic 
gesture, women seem to learn 

798
00:43:04,200 --> 00:43:06,500
universally. 
She announces with without 

799
00:43:06,500 --> 00:43:08,700
Fanfare. 
That the hour is come, that 

800
00:43:08,700 --> 00:43:11,400
tomorrow will arrive only after 
tonight's proper sleep. 

801
00:43:12,600 --> 00:43:15,200
Your daughter's accept this 
pronouncement with resignation 

802
00:43:15,200 --> 00:43:18,600
rather than protest. 
Understanding that some 

803
00:43:18,600 --> 00:43:22,200
boundaries admit? 
No negotiation, the stairs Creak

804
00:43:22,200 --> 00:43:24,700
under your combined weight, as 
the family procession moves 

805
00:43:24,700 --> 00:43:28,200
upward, the particular sounds of
your home have become so 

806
00:43:28,200 --> 00:43:29,900
familiar that you barely 
register them. 

807
00:43:29,900 --> 00:43:33,300
Consciously yet, you'd notice 
immediately of any creaking 

808
00:43:33,300 --> 00:43:37,600
change pitch or location, These 
acoustic signatures Define the 

809
00:43:37,600 --> 00:43:41,100
space as much as its physical 
dimensions years from now 

810
00:43:41,100 --> 00:43:44,300
decades, from now, you'll 
remember exactly how these 

811
00:43:44,300 --> 00:43:47,800
stairs sound underfoot steps, 
how the third step from the 

812
00:43:47,800 --> 00:43:51,200
bottom complains more loudly 
than its neighbors, the upstairs

813
00:43:51,200 --> 00:43:54,300
bed chamber, your daughter share
remains cold, despite the fire 

814
00:43:54,300 --> 00:43:57,700
burning below. 
Heat rises certainly, but only 

815
00:43:57,700 --> 00:44:00,800
so much warmth makes it through 
the old floorboards and up the 

816
00:44:00,800 --> 00:44:03,500
narrow stairwell. 
Your breath shows faintly in the

817
00:44:03,500 --> 00:44:06,000
air up here and you can feel the
temperature difference 

818
00:44:06,000 --> 00:44:08,600
immediately. 
Your daughter's will sleep under

819
00:44:08,600 --> 00:44:12,100
heavy quilts tonight borrowed, 
deep into bedding that traps 

820
00:44:12,100 --> 00:44:16,500
body heat and keeps the cold at 
Bay a single candle illuminates.

821
00:44:16,500 --> 00:44:18,800
This room, casting more Shadow 
than light. 

822
00:44:19,700 --> 00:44:22,200
Your wife has already placed 
warming Stones wrapped in 

823
00:44:22,208 --> 00:44:26,200
flannel at the foot of each bed 
heated by the fire and carried 

824
00:44:26,200 --> 00:44:28,000
up during a Fireside 
storytelling. 

825
00:44:28,000 --> 00:44:31,100
These small preparations 
demonstrate the constant 

826
00:44:31,100 --> 00:44:33,900
attention required to make a 
Victorian household function. 

827
00:44:33,900 --> 00:44:38,000
The endless small tasks that 
ensure basic comfort and safety 

828
00:44:38,000 --> 00:44:41,000
your daughter's change into 
their nightgowns with the 

829
00:44:41,000 --> 00:44:44,500
efficiency of a long practice. 
Helping each other with buttons 

830
00:44:44,500 --> 00:44:46,400
and ties. 
That Awkward angles, make 

831
00:44:46,400 --> 00:44:50,100
difficult to manage alone, the 
nightgowns themselves are heavy 

832
00:44:50,100 --> 00:44:52,700
cotton somewhat worn but still 
serve usable. 

833
00:44:53,500 --> 00:44:57,000
Passed down and patched. 
And expected to last several, 

834
00:44:57,000 --> 00:45:00,400
more years, nothing in this 
household gets discarded while 

835
00:45:00,400 --> 00:45:02,900
it still serves its purpose in 
clothing. 

836
00:45:02,900 --> 00:45:05,800
Often serves long past the point
where wealthier families would 

837
00:45:05,800 --> 00:45:09,100
replace it, your youngest 
insists on keeping her window, 

838
00:45:09,100 --> 00:45:11,700
curtains opened despite the cold
air that leaks through in 

839
00:45:11,700 --> 00:45:14,600
perfect seals. 
She wants to watch for Saint 

840
00:45:14,600 --> 00:45:17,000
Nicholas. 
Still conventional managed to 

841
00:45:17,000 --> 00:45:18,700
stay awake. 
Despite all evidence to the 

842
00:45:18,700 --> 00:45:21,200
contrary. 
You allow this small Rebellion 

843
00:45:21,200 --> 00:45:25,100
knowing the curtains can be 
closed later after sleepers 

844
00:45:25,100 --> 00:45:29,000
claimed her completely. 
The bedtime prayers, follow 

845
00:45:29,000 --> 00:45:32,600
their customary form spoken 
kneeling beside the beds with 

846
00:45:32,600 --> 00:45:37,400
hands folded and heads bowed 
your eldest leads to night, her 

847
00:45:37,400 --> 00:45:40,100
voice, clear and Steady As She 
recites, the familiar words 

848
00:45:40,100 --> 00:45:43,700
asking God's blessing on family 
members living and dead on 

849
00:45:43,700 --> 00:45:47,200
friends and neighbors. 
And on all those who suffer or 

850
00:45:47,200 --> 00:45:49,700
struggle, the prayers your 
daughter, speak of the same 

851
00:45:49,700 --> 00:45:52,800
ones, you spoke as a child 
inherited from previous 

852
00:45:52,800 --> 00:45:56,100
generations and presumably 
destined to continue forward 

853
00:45:56,100 --> 00:45:59,700
into future ones, your youngest 
adds her own personal prayer, 

854
00:45:59,700 --> 00:46:03,100
asking something, Nicholas for 
safe travels and thanking God 

855
00:46:03,100 --> 00:46:05,000
for her family. 
And for the promise of Tomorrow,

856
00:46:05,000 --> 00:46:08,700
her voice holds that completes 
sincerity children, bring to 

857
00:46:08,700 --> 00:46:12,500
prayer the absolute conviction 
that someone is listening and 

858
00:46:12,500 --> 00:46:15,400
cares about their concerns. 
You remember possessing that 

859
00:46:15,400 --> 00:46:18,900
certainty yourself wants before 
age and experience. 

860
00:46:18,900 --> 00:46:22,600
Complicated everything. 
You add your own silent prayers 

861
00:46:22,600 --> 00:46:26,700
to theirs asking for health and 
safety and sufficient income to 

862
00:46:26,700 --> 00:46:29,000
meet your family's modest needs 
you. 

863
00:46:29,000 --> 00:46:31,300
Pray that tomorrow will bring 
your daughter's The Joy. 

864
00:46:31,300 --> 00:46:35,100
They anticipate that the careful
preparations will translate into

865
00:46:35,100 --> 00:46:36,300
lasting. 
Happy memories. 

866
00:46:36,300 --> 00:46:40,600
He prayed generally for peace 
and prosperity for wisdom to 

867
00:46:40,600 --> 00:46:43,800
guide your children properly and
for strength to meet whatever 

868
00:46:43,800 --> 00:46:47,400
challenges arise, the prayers 
conclude with a collective. 

869
00:46:47,400 --> 00:46:50,800
Amen, the word hanging briefly 
in the cold air before 

870
00:46:50,800 --> 00:46:54,600
dissolving into silence your 
wife Tuck's each daughter in 

871
00:46:54,600 --> 00:46:57,600
carefully. 
Smoothing blankets and adjusting

872
00:46:57,600 --> 00:47:00,900
pillows performing. 
The Bedtime ritual with the same

873
00:47:00,900 --> 00:47:03,600
attention, she's brought to it 
every night for years. 

874
00:47:03,600 --> 00:47:07,700
These small consistent acts of 
care, accumulate into loves 

875
00:47:07,700 --> 00:47:11,100
daily demonstration. 
Proving through repetition what 

876
00:47:11,100 --> 00:47:15,100
words alone can't adequately 
convey, your daughter settle 

877
00:47:15,100 --> 00:47:18,400
into their beds and you can see 
sleep already reaching for them 

878
00:47:18,400 --> 00:47:20,900
despite earlier promises to 
remain alert. 

879
00:47:20,900 --> 00:47:24,500
Your youngest eyes blink. 
Slower with each passing second.

880
00:47:24,500 --> 00:47:27,800
A determined expression. 
Gradually softening into 

881
00:47:27,800 --> 00:47:31,600
involuntary relaxation. 
Your eldest lasts slightly 

882
00:47:31,600 --> 00:47:36,500
longer but even she can't 
resistors patient Paul you stand

883
00:47:36,500 --> 00:47:38,800
in the doorway with your wife, 
watching your daughter's 

884
00:47:38,800 --> 00:47:41,900
surrender to sleep. 
The scene possesses that 

885
00:47:41,900 --> 00:47:45,600
particular poignancy parents 
recognize that Bitter, Sweet 

886
00:47:45,600 --> 00:47:48,000
awareness. 
That childhood is fleeting that 

887
00:47:48,000 --> 00:47:51,300
these exact moments will never 
occur tomorrow. 

888
00:47:51,300 --> 00:47:53,200
Your daughter's will be 
incrementally older. 

889
00:47:53,200 --> 00:47:57,400
Infinite testimony changed and 
the accumulation of such 

890
00:47:57,400 --> 00:48:00,300
changes, will eventually 
transform them into adults, who 

891
00:48:00,300 --> 00:48:01,900
forgotten? 
Most of what you remember? 

892
00:48:01,900 --> 00:48:06,100
So clearly, your wife, squeezes 
your hand briefly sharing the 

893
00:48:06,108 --> 00:48:08,200
moments of emotional without 
need for words. 

894
00:48:08,200 --> 00:48:11,500
After eight years of marriage 
you've developed fluently in the

895
00:48:11,500 --> 00:48:15,200
language of gesturing, glance 
the Silent Communication, that 

896
00:48:15,200 --> 00:48:17,100
happens between people who've 
learned each other. 

897
00:48:17,100 --> 00:48:21,000
Thoroughly, you leave the candle
burning its flame standing 

898
00:48:21,000 --> 00:48:24,000
guard, while your daughter's 
sleep, The light provides 

899
00:48:24,000 --> 00:48:25,600
Comfort, should you wake during 
the night? 

900
00:48:25,600 --> 00:48:29,600
And it will burn out naturally 
in an hour or so, extinguishing 

901
00:48:29,600 --> 00:48:32,000
itself. 
When the wax runs out, the 

902
00:48:32,000 --> 00:48:35,300
symbolic protection, it offers 
matters, more than any practical

903
00:48:35,300 --> 00:48:39,000
illumination Downstairs. 
The house seems different with 

904
00:48:39,000 --> 00:48:42,000
the children asleep. 
A particular quiet, settles over

905
00:48:42,000 --> 00:48:45,500
the rooms, not quite silent, but
rather the absence of Young 

906
00:48:45,500 --> 00:48:49,000
Voices and footsteps, you and 
your wife move through final 

907
00:48:49,000 --> 00:48:52,400
preparations for tomorrow. 
Setting out the small gifts that

908
00:48:52,400 --> 00:48:54,800
will transform into Christmas 
Magic by morning. 

909
00:48:54,800 --> 00:48:58,500
The rag doll emerges from its 
hiding place, along with a 

910
00:48:58,508 --> 00:49:01,500
small, wooden horse for your 
eldest and a few other modest 

911
00:49:01,500 --> 00:49:04,400
Treasures. 
Them carefully where your 

912
00:49:04,400 --> 00:49:07,200
daughter's will see them 
immediately upon waking these 

913
00:49:07,200 --> 00:49:10,700
humble presents, represent 
sacrifice and planning, money 

914
00:49:10,700 --> 00:49:14,600
carefully saved, and spent with 
great deliberation The Joy. 

915
00:49:14,600 --> 00:49:16,800
They'll produce tomorrow 
outweighs, their modest, 

916
00:49:16,800 --> 00:49:18,800
monetary value by orders of 
magnitude. 

917
00:49:18,800 --> 00:49:22,300
Your wife adds a small portion 
of the mince pies to the 

918
00:49:22,300 --> 00:49:25,700
arrangement, the traditional 
offering left for some Nicholas.

919
00:49:26,600 --> 00:49:29,000
By morning, these will have been
consumed. 

920
00:49:29,000 --> 00:49:32,500
The crumbs carefully disposed of
to maintain the fiction. 

921
00:49:32,500 --> 00:49:37,000
Such small deceptions in servers
of Wonder, cause no harm and 

922
00:49:37,000 --> 00:49:40,000
create memories that will last 
far longer than the temporary 

923
00:49:40,000 --> 00:49:43,200
belief that produces them. 
The house settles around. 

924
00:49:43,200 --> 00:49:46,500
You, various materials, 
Contracting slightly in the 

925
00:49:46,508 --> 00:49:49,800
cooling night are old buildings.
Speak their own language through

926
00:49:49,800 --> 00:49:53,500
creeks, and size through 
settling sounds and wind caused 

927
00:49:53,500 --> 00:49:55,700
rattles. 
You've learned to distinguish. 

928
00:49:55,700 --> 00:49:59,500
Normal house noises from those 
required investigation, and can 

929
00:49:59,500 --> 00:50:02,900
I identify by sound alone? 
Which floorboard complains or 

930
00:50:02,900 --> 00:50:05,100
which window fits in perfectly 
in its frame? 

931
00:50:05,800 --> 00:50:08,100
Fire in the city room as burned 
down to glowing. 

932
00:50:08,100 --> 00:50:11,200
Coals radiating. 
Steady heat without visible 

933
00:50:11,200 --> 00:50:14,000
flame, you bank. 
It carefully for the night 

934
00:50:14,000 --> 00:50:17,300
ensuring, it will maintain some 
warmth until morning when you'll

935
00:50:17,300 --> 00:50:20,000
rebuild it. 
The art of fire management, like

936
00:50:20,000 --> 00:50:22,700
so many household skills 
requires more knowledge than 

937
00:50:22,700 --> 00:50:25,500
people who've never done. 
It might imagine your wife 

938
00:50:25,508 --> 00:50:28,800
extinguishes candles throughout 
the house, leaving only one 

939
00:50:28,800 --> 00:50:31,900
burning in your bedroom, the 
darkness that follows isn't 

940
00:50:31,900 --> 00:50:35,900
complete as Moonlight enters 
through uncut and windows 

941
00:50:35,900 --> 00:50:39,000
painting, everything in shades 
of Silver and Shadow. 

942
00:50:40,300 --> 00:50:43,300
The Familiar rooms take on a 
mysterious character in this 

943
00:50:43,300 --> 00:50:48,000
light becoming simultaneously 
strange and known, you check the

944
00:50:48,000 --> 00:50:51,100
door, locks confirming that your
home is secure for the night. 

945
00:50:51,900 --> 00:50:55,300
Not that you fear robbery, 
particularly living, as you do 

946
00:50:55,308 --> 00:50:58,500
in a village where everyone 
knows everyone and theft remains

947
00:50:58,500 --> 00:51:02,300
relatively uncommon. 
But habits, persist and the act 

948
00:51:02,300 --> 00:51:05,100
of checking locks provides 
psychological Comfort regardless

949
00:51:05,100 --> 00:51:08,800
of actual necessity. 
The sacred calm of Christmas 

950
00:51:08,800 --> 00:51:12,600
Eve, settles over everything 
like snow muffling, edges, and 

951
00:51:12,600 --> 00:51:15,100
softening. 
Boundaries tomorrow will bring 

952
00:51:15,100 --> 00:51:18,600
excitement and activity. 
But tonight offers this perfect 

953
00:51:18,600 --> 00:51:23,300
peaceful moment, the suspended 
space between anticipation and 

954
00:51:23,300 --> 00:51:25,608
fulfillment. 
You stand at the bottom of the 

955
00:51:25,616 --> 00:51:28,500
stairs listening to the house, 
breathe around you feeling 

956
00:51:28,500 --> 00:51:31,300
grateful for this home, this 
family, and this particular 

957
00:51:31,300 --> 00:51:34,700
life, you live in your own bed. 
Feels a specially, Welcome to 

958
00:51:34,700 --> 00:51:36,900
Night. 
The quilts heaped, High 

959
00:51:36,900 --> 00:51:40,400
promising, warmth against the 
cold that steadily intensifying 

960
00:51:40,400 --> 00:51:44,100
outside you and your wife settle
under the covers with that small

961
00:51:44,100 --> 00:51:46,500
sigh of relief that comes after 
long days. 

962
00:51:46,500 --> 00:51:50,400
That moment when horizontal 
finally becomes possible again 

963
00:51:50,400 --> 00:51:53,100
and tired body's can stop 
holding themselves. 

964
00:51:53,100 --> 00:51:56,700
Upright the bedroom remains 
cold, despite the warming Stone,

965
00:51:56,700 --> 00:52:00,600
your wife, placed early Between 
the Sheets, These Stones heated 

966
00:52:00,600 --> 00:52:03,700
by the fire and wrapped 
carefully and flannel provide 

967
00:52:03,700 --> 00:52:06,100
temporary warmth that will 
dissipate over the next few 

968
00:52:06,100 --> 00:52:09,300
hours by morning. 
The bed will be cold again but 

969
00:52:09,300 --> 00:52:13,300
for now this pocket of warmth 
feels luxurious a small daily 

970
00:52:13,300 --> 00:52:15,900
comfort that never quite loses 
its appeal. 

971
00:52:17,000 --> 00:52:19,500
Through the window Moonlight 
illuminates, the winter 

972
00:52:19,500 --> 00:52:22,800
landscape with surprising 
Clarity, the frost that's been 

973
00:52:22,800 --> 00:52:25,800
threatening all evening has 
finally arrived in Earnest, 

974
00:52:25,800 --> 00:52:29,600
coating every surface with 
delicate, crystalline structures

975
00:52:29,600 --> 00:52:33,500
to find to see individually. 
But collectively creating that 

976
00:52:33,500 --> 00:52:36,800
distinctive Shimmer the world 
outside looks Enchanted 

977
00:52:36,800 --> 00:52:40,300
transformed by Ice into 
something otherworldly and 

978
00:52:40,300 --> 00:52:44,400
beautiful. 
Church bells, 10 times its sound

979
00:52:44,400 --> 00:52:47,100
carrying across the frozen air 
with bell like Clarity. 

980
00:52:47,100 --> 00:52:50,800
That's a joke, obviously, but 
the points stands, cold air 

981
00:52:50,800 --> 00:52:54,400
transmit sound differently than 
warm air making distant noises 

982
00:52:54,400 --> 00:52:57,500
seem closer and clearer. 
The bell resonates in your chest

983
00:52:57,500 --> 00:53:00,400
even from this distance. 
It's bronze voice. 

984
00:53:00,400 --> 00:53:03,200
Marking another hours passage 
with mechanical precision. 

985
00:53:04,400 --> 00:53:07,900
Night sounds begin, their 
familiar concert and owl calls 

986
00:53:07,900 --> 00:53:10,100
from somewhere in the direction 
of the Thompson's Barn. 

987
00:53:10,100 --> 00:53:13,200
It's hunting crime, both eerie 
and oddly comforting. 

988
00:53:13,900 --> 00:53:16,500
You've heard that particular 
owl, many nights over the years 

989
00:53:16,500 --> 00:53:19,200
and its presence has become part
of the expected. 

990
00:53:19,200 --> 00:53:22,300
Soundscape somewhere, a dog 
barks, and his answered by 

991
00:53:22,308 --> 00:53:25,300
another dog further away, and 
then silence returns. 

992
00:53:26,200 --> 00:53:29,700
Your wife, shifts position 
beside you, adjusting her pillow

993
00:53:29,700 --> 00:53:32,700
and pulling the quilts higher 
around her shoulders, she 

994
00:53:32,700 --> 00:53:35,700
murmurs something about hoping 
the girls were warm enough, then

995
00:53:35,700 --> 00:53:39,300
settles into that particular 
Stillness, that precedes sleep. 

996
00:53:40,400 --> 00:53:43,600
You listen to her breathing 
gradually, slow, and deepen. 

997
00:53:44,300 --> 00:53:46,800
Following its Rhythm without 
conscious intention. 

998
00:53:46,800 --> 00:53:50,600
Your own sleep, doesn't arrive 
immediately, your mind can 

999
00:53:50,600 --> 00:53:53,600
continue processing the day, 
reviewing moments and 

1000
00:53:53,600 --> 00:53:55,900
conversations and planning 
tomorrow's activities. 

1001
00:53:55,900 --> 00:53:59,000
This is typical for you this 
delay. 

1002
00:53:59,000 --> 00:54:03,000
Before sleep, finally comes your
wife has learned to fall asleep 

1003
00:54:03,000 --> 00:54:06,300
almost instantly while you 
require this transition period. 

1004
00:54:06,300 --> 00:54:10,600
This gradual quieting of 
thoughts and concerns a log 

1005
00:54:10,600 --> 00:54:12,200
shift. 
Somewhere in the house, probably

1006
00:54:12,200 --> 00:54:15,300
in the kitchen range where coals
will remain hot and till 

1007
00:54:15,300 --> 00:54:19,000
morning. 
The sound seems unnaturally loud

1008
00:54:19,000 --> 00:54:22,300
in the nighttime. 
Quiet a sharp crack followed by 

1009
00:54:22,300 --> 00:54:26,500
smaller settling noises, then 
silence returns deeper than 

1010
00:54:26,500 --> 00:54:29,500
before. 
From your daughter's room comes 

1011
00:54:29,500 --> 00:54:33,200
a small sound, perhaps one of 
them turning over in bed or 

1012
00:54:33,200 --> 00:54:35,000
making some small noise in their
sleep. 

1013
00:54:35,000 --> 00:54:39,200
You listen intently for a moment
ready to investigate if needed, 

1014
00:54:39,200 --> 00:54:42,600
but no further sounds follow. 
The deeply asleep. 

1015
00:54:42,600 --> 00:54:46,300
Now lost in whatever dreams 
children dream on Christmas Eve,

1016
00:54:46,300 --> 00:54:49,800
the wind picks up slightly 
testing The house's defenses, 

1017
00:54:49,800 --> 00:54:53,500
finding every Gap and crack 
where cold air might infiltrate 

1018
00:54:54,300 --> 00:54:57,400
The window panes rattle gently 
in their frames and you make a 

1019
00:54:57,400 --> 00:54:59,200
mental note to check the putty. 
Come spring. 

1020
00:54:59,200 --> 00:55:02,300
Always something needing 
attention, always some small 

1021
00:55:02,300 --> 00:55:06,200
repair, waiting its turn. 
Houses require constant 

1022
00:55:06,200 --> 00:55:09,300
maintenance and constant 
vigilance against the entropy 

1023
00:55:09,300 --> 00:55:11,200
that works. 
Steadily to undo, all human 

1024
00:55:11,200 --> 00:55:13,400
construction. 
You think about Christmas 

1025
00:55:13,400 --> 00:55:17,000
mornings from your own childhood
remembering that electric 

1026
00:55:17,000 --> 00:55:19,800
excitement of waking? 
While it was still dark outside?

1027
00:55:19,800 --> 00:55:24,200
Wondering if the day had finally
arrived, you remember your 

1028
00:55:24,200 --> 00:55:27,300
parents patients with children, 
two, excited to sleep properly 

1029
00:55:27,300 --> 00:55:29,800
and their willingness to wake 
her early and begin 

1030
00:55:29,808 --> 00:55:31,900
celebrations. 
Even when they must have wanted 

1031
00:55:31,900 --> 00:55:34,000
more rest. 
Now, you're the parent, 

1032
00:55:34,000 --> 00:55:37,000
maintaining Traditions creating 
the magic, your children will 

1033
00:55:37,000 --> 00:55:40,800
remember decades hence The 
responsibility feels both 

1034
00:55:40,800 --> 00:55:44,200
weighty and precious these 
moments your constructing. 

1035
00:55:44,200 --> 00:55:46,400
So carefully will become your 
daughter's foundational 

1036
00:55:46,400 --> 00:55:48,700
memories. 
The standard against which 

1037
00:55:48,700 --> 00:55:50,500
they'll measure all future 
Christmases. 

1038
00:55:50,500 --> 00:55:52,700
A mouse scratches somewhere in 
the walls. 

1039
00:55:52,700 --> 00:55:55,300
It's tiny claws. 
Surprisingly audible in the 

1040
00:55:55,300 --> 00:55:59,600
silence Miser inevitable, in Old
Country houses, and you've 

1041
00:55:59,600 --> 00:56:01,100
mostly made peace with their 
presence. 

1042
00:56:01,100 --> 00:56:05,300
The cat keeps their population, 
somewhat controlled and you've 

1043
00:56:05,300 --> 00:56:07,800
learned to store food where 
small thieves, can't reach it. 

1044
00:56:08,600 --> 00:56:12,100
These accommodations with other 
species characterize Rural Life,

1045
00:56:12,100 --> 00:56:15,700
teaching acceptance of what 
can't be completely controlled 

1046
00:56:15,700 --> 00:56:18,300
Moonlight shifts. 
Slightly as clouds. 

1047
00:56:18,300 --> 00:56:22,100
Crosses face causing shadows in 
the room to dance briefly before

1048
00:56:22,100 --> 00:56:26,000
settling again, the quality of 
Darkness changes becoming more 

1049
00:56:26,000 --> 00:56:28,900
absolute for a few moments 
before the moon re-emerges and 

1050
00:56:28,900 --> 00:56:30,700
restores its silvery 
illumination. 

1051
00:56:30,700 --> 00:56:33,900
These natural fluctuations in 
lichen Shadow would go 

1052
00:56:33,900 --> 00:56:35,300
unnoticed. 
If you were asleep. 

1053
00:56:35,300 --> 00:56:39,000
But awake. 
You register each subtle change.

1054
00:56:39,700 --> 00:56:42,800
Your wife's breathing has 
achieved that deep regular 

1055
00:56:42,800 --> 00:56:45,200
rhythm of true sleep. 
You're careful. 

1056
00:56:45,200 --> 00:56:48,400
Not to move much, not wanting to
disturb her rest. 

1057
00:56:48,400 --> 00:56:52,200
She works hard every day and 
these hours of sleep represent 

1058
00:56:52,200 --> 00:56:56,000
her body's chance to recover and
prepare for tomorrow's demands, 

1059
00:56:56,000 --> 00:56:59,300
the least you can do is remain 
still and let her rest 

1060
00:56:59,300 --> 00:57:02,300
peacefully. 
Sleep begins approaching you 

1061
00:57:02,300 --> 00:57:06,200
finally bringing that Pleasant 
heaviness to your limbs that 

1062
00:57:06,200 --> 00:57:09,500
gentle fogging of thought that 
marks the transition from 

1063
00:57:09,500 --> 00:57:14,000
waking, to Dreaming your eyes 
closed, open, briefly and close 

1064
00:57:14,000 --> 00:57:17,500
again for longer. 
Sounds of night continued their 

1065
00:57:17,500 --> 00:57:20,600
subtle Symphony around you but 
they're becoming more distant. 

1066
00:57:20,600 --> 00:57:24,100
Less immediate you think 
drowsily about tomorrow, 

1067
00:57:24,100 --> 00:57:27,600
imagining your daughter's faces 
when they discover what Saint? 

1068
00:57:27,600 --> 00:57:31,900
Nicholas has brought. 
That moment of pure joy that 

1069
00:57:31,900 --> 00:57:35,400
complete Delight makes all the 
years struggles worth. 

1070
00:57:35,400 --> 00:57:39,700
While everything you do every 
day, you work, and every 

1071
00:57:39,700 --> 00:57:42,700
challenge you meet ultimately 
serves the purpose of creating 

1072
00:57:42,700 --> 00:57:46,700
such moments for your children. 
The house settles in to its 

1073
00:57:46,700 --> 00:57:50,600
deepest nighttime quiet. 
Even the wind has calmed leaving

1074
00:57:50,600 --> 00:57:52,700
behind a Stillness. 
So profound it seems almost 

1075
00:57:52,700 --> 00:57:55,600
alive a presence rather than an 
absent. 

1076
00:57:55,600 --> 00:57:59,300
This particular quality of 
Silence only exists later at 

1077
00:57:59,300 --> 00:58:02,000
night in winter. 
When cold has stilled 

1078
00:58:02,000 --> 00:58:05,000
everything. 
When even the usual small sounds

1079
00:58:05,000 --> 00:58:08,500
pause, as if resting your 
breathing, synchronizes with 

1080
00:58:08,500 --> 00:58:12,100
your wife's without conscious 
decision, both of you, inhaling 

1081
00:58:12,100 --> 00:58:15,200
and exhaling in the same rhythm.
This happens. 

1082
00:58:15,200 --> 00:58:18,000
Sometimes after years, of 
sleeping beside the same person,

1083
00:58:18,000 --> 00:58:20,300
bodies finding Harmony without 
trying. 

1084
00:58:21,100 --> 00:58:24,300
The synchronization feels 
peaceful connecting you even in 

1085
00:58:24,300 --> 00:58:27,400
sleep. 
Christmas Eve is ending sliding 

1086
00:58:27,400 --> 00:58:31,900
inevitably toward Christmas Day.
Midnight, approaches that 

1087
00:58:31,900 --> 00:58:34,200
mystical moment. 
When one day becomes another, 

1088
00:58:34,200 --> 00:58:38,400
when celebration can officially 
begin, but you won't be awake to

1089
00:58:38,408 --> 00:58:41,300
Market. 
Sleep is claiming you finally 

1090
00:58:41,300 --> 00:58:44,800
pulling you down into that warm 
Darkness, where Consciousness 

1091
00:58:44,800 --> 00:58:49,100
dissolves and dreams begin? 
Your last waking thought is 

1092
00:58:49,100 --> 00:58:53,600
gratitude simple, and 
uncomplicated gratitude for 

1093
00:58:53,600 --> 00:58:57,800
warmth and shelter for family 
and health for the accumulated. 

1094
00:58:57,800 --> 00:59:00,200
Small blessings that constitute 
a good life. 

1095
00:59:01,100 --> 00:59:04,500
Then sleep takes you completely 
and Christmas Eve surrenders to 

1096
00:59:04,500 --> 00:59:07,500
Christmas morning. 
Something wakes you though. 

1097
00:59:07,500 --> 00:59:09,300
You can't immediately identify 
what? 

1098
00:59:10,900 --> 00:59:14,000
The room remains dark. 
The kind of complete darkness 

1099
00:59:14,000 --> 00:59:18,000
that suggests very early morning
hours yet, Before Sunrise. 

1100
00:59:19,200 --> 00:59:21,900
July. 
Still listening, trying to 

1101
00:59:21,900 --> 00:59:25,000
determine what Disturbed your 
sleep, then you hear it. 

1102
00:59:25,700 --> 00:59:28,900
Soft footsteps overhead. 
Small feet. 

1103
00:59:28,900 --> 00:59:33,200
Moving with exaggerated care in 
an attempt at stealth Your 

1104
00:59:33,200 --> 00:59:36,500
daughters are awake, 
discovering, their gifts, trying

1105
00:59:36,500 --> 00:59:39,300
simultaneously to explore and 
remain quiet. 

1106
00:59:39,300 --> 00:59:42,600
The contradiction produces 
results that are endearing 

1107
00:59:42,600 --> 00:59:46,300
rather than successful. 
Every few seconds comes from 

1108
00:59:46,300 --> 00:59:49,500
small, sound a suppressed, 
giggle, or a whispered 

1109
00:59:49,500 --> 00:59:52,600
conversation or the Creak of a 
floorboard, despite careful 

1110
00:59:52,600 --> 00:59:56,900
placement of feet, the wife 
stirs beside, you also awakened.

1111
00:59:56,900 --> 01:00:01,200
By the sound of you exchanged 
glances in the darkness sharing,

1112
01:00:01,200 --> 01:00:04,300
Amusement to your daughter's 
predictable Behavior, every 

1113
01:00:04,300 --> 01:00:07,600
Christmas morning follows this 
same pattern and every year you 

1114
01:00:07,600 --> 01:00:10,400
pretend surprised when the girls
eventually burst into your room 

1115
01:00:10,400 --> 01:00:14,100
to announcement Nicholas's. 
Visit the waiting game continues

1116
01:00:14,100 --> 01:00:17,600
for perhaps 10 minutes. 
The Sounds overhead gradually 

1117
01:00:17,600 --> 01:00:20,400
increase in volume as 
excitement, overcomes caution. 

1118
01:00:21,200 --> 01:00:24,200
Finally, as expected your 
daughter's restraint collapses, 

1119
01:00:24,200 --> 01:00:28,800
completely footsteps, thunder on
the stairs and both girls burst 

1120
01:00:28,800 --> 01:00:31,600
through your bedroom door with 
news delivered at maximum 

1121
01:00:31,600 --> 01:00:34,900
volume. 
Kane, he really came. 

1122
01:00:34,900 --> 01:00:36,500
Saint. 
Nicholas was here. 

1123
01:00:37,400 --> 01:00:40,800
He respond with appropriate, 
amazement allowing yourself to 

1124
01:00:40,800 --> 01:00:43,400
be pulled from your warm bed 
into the cold room. 

1125
01:00:43,400 --> 01:00:46,800
Following your daughter's 
downstairs to admire properly, 

1126
01:00:46,800 --> 01:00:49,700
what they've already discovered,
your youngest, clutches the 

1127
01:00:49,700 --> 01:00:52,100
Ragdoll, to her chest with 
Fierce possession. 

1128
01:00:52,100 --> 01:00:55,300
Her eyes shining with joy. 
So pure, it makes your throat, 

1129
01:00:55,300 --> 01:00:59,200
tighten your eldest, examines 
her wooden horse with careful 

1130
01:00:59,200 --> 01:01:02,700
appreciation, running her 
fingers over, its carved details

1131
01:01:02,700 --> 01:01:04,600
with the beginning of that adult
awareness. 

1132
01:01:04,600 --> 01:01:08,400
That recognizes craftsmanship 
and effort the house. 

1133
01:01:08,400 --> 01:01:11,800
Gradually warms, as you rebuild,
fires and light candles. 

1134
01:01:12,700 --> 01:01:15,200
Christmas morning unfolds, 
according to its traditional 

1135
01:01:15,200 --> 01:01:18,500
schedule. 
Simple breakfast church service,

1136
01:01:18,500 --> 01:01:22,500
the major meal in the early 
afternoon, then a quiet evening 

1137
01:01:22,500 --> 01:01:25,400
by the fire, each phase brings 
its own Pleasures. 

1138
01:01:25,400 --> 01:01:30,800
Its particular character and 
meaning at church, The Familiar 

1139
01:01:30,800 --> 01:01:34,200
hymns sound, especially 
beautiful dozens of voices 

1140
01:01:34,200 --> 01:01:36,100
joining in celebration of the 
holy day. 

1141
01:01:36,100 --> 01:01:39,400
The youngest daughter sings 
enthusiastically, from not quite

1142
01:01:39,400 --> 01:01:43,400
accurately while your eldest has
developed sufficient musical ear

1143
01:01:43,400 --> 01:01:46,400
to carry the melody properly, 
the church building itself, 

1144
01:01:46,400 --> 01:01:50,500
looks festive decorated with 
Evergreen boughs, and Holly that

1145
01:01:50,500 --> 01:01:52,000
someone cut an arranged 
yesterday. 

1146
01:01:53,200 --> 01:01:56,400
The Christmas goose prepared 
according to your wife's careful

1147
01:01:56,400 --> 01:02:00,200
recipe, turns out perfect. 
The meat Falls tender from the 

1148
01:02:00,200 --> 01:02:04,100
bone and the skin achieves that 
ideal combination of crispy and 

1149
01:02:04,100 --> 01:02:07,500
golden alongside the goose, your
wife has prepared, all the 

1150
01:02:07,500 --> 01:02:11,200
traditional accompaniments 
potatoes, roasted in goose fat 

1151
01:02:11,200 --> 01:02:15,400
parsnips glazed with butter and 
honey and Brussels sprouts done 

1152
01:02:15,400 --> 01:02:18,300
simply. 
But well, the Christmas pudding 

1153
01:02:18,300 --> 01:02:21,800
that follows made weeks ago and 
aged properly flame 

1154
01:02:21,800 --> 01:02:25,200
spectacularly, when your wife 
douses it with Brandy and sets 

1155
01:02:25,208 --> 01:02:29,400
it alight, This meal represents 
the years, coloring Pinnacle, 

1156
01:02:29,400 --> 01:02:32,700
the one occasion when you eat 
truly extravagantly. 

1157
01:02:32,700 --> 01:02:36,000
The contrast with your usual 
plane, fare makes the feast 

1158
01:02:36,000 --> 01:02:39,200
tasty even better. 
It's guess City and abundance 

1159
01:02:39,200 --> 01:02:42,400
restraint and Indulgence. 
They create meaning through 

1160
01:02:42,400 --> 01:02:46,300
their interplay constant luxury,
would cease to feel luxurious, 

1161
01:02:46,300 --> 01:02:49,900
but this annual celebration 
retains its special character 

1162
01:02:49,900 --> 01:02:52,500
precisely because it comes only 
once a year. 

1163
01:02:53,400 --> 01:02:56,400
After noon slips into evening, 
as the winter day hurries, 

1164
01:02:56,400 --> 01:03:00,300
towards its early Darkness, you 
gather Again by the fire, your 

1165
01:03:00,300 --> 01:03:03,100
daughter's playing with their 
new Treasures, or you and your 

1166
01:03:03,108 --> 01:03:06,500
wife, relax into that, Pleasant 
exhaustion that follows 

1167
01:03:06,500 --> 01:03:09,500
successful celebration. 
The day has met all 

1168
01:03:09,500 --> 01:03:12,300
expectations. 
Delivered on all its promises 

1169
01:03:12,300 --> 01:03:14,200
and provided exactly what it 
should. 

1170
01:03:15,000 --> 01:03:17,600
Your youngest daughter 
eventually, abandons her play 

1171
01:03:17,600 --> 01:03:20,300
and climbs into your lap, 
bringing her doll with her. 

1172
01:03:20,300 --> 01:03:23,500
She's tired. 
Now, the days excitement having 

1173
01:03:23,500 --> 01:03:26,900
burned through her energy 
reserves, but she fights sleep. 

1174
01:03:26,900 --> 01:03:29,400
Stubbornly, tell me about next 
Christmas. 

1175
01:03:29,400 --> 01:03:32,500
She requests wanting to know 
that this won't be the last 

1176
01:03:32,500 --> 01:03:35,100
celebration that another awaits 
12 months. 

1177
01:03:35,100 --> 01:03:39,300
Hence, you describe next year in
general terms painting a picture

1178
01:03:39,300 --> 01:03:42,300
very similar to today's events 
because tradition depends on 

1179
01:03:42,300 --> 01:03:46,400
repetition Same church service. 
Same family gathering. 

1180
01:03:46,400 --> 01:03:49,700
Same essential activities 
performed in the same essential 

1181
01:03:49,700 --> 01:03:52,100
order. 
The predicted ability provides 

1182
01:03:52,100 --> 01:03:55,100
Comfort rather than boredom and 
create structure and meaning 

1183
01:03:55,100 --> 01:03:59,100
through its reliable recurrence.
But even as you described next 

1184
01:03:59,100 --> 01:04:02,000
Christmas, you're aware that 
nothing truly repeats. 

1185
01:04:02,000 --> 01:04:04,400
Exactly. 
Your daughter's will be older, 

1186
01:04:04,400 --> 01:04:07,700
next year changed in ways, both 
obvious and subtle. 

1187
01:04:08,500 --> 01:04:11,900
Your eldest will be 11 possibly 
pass the age of believing in 

1188
01:04:11,900 --> 01:04:14,800
Saint Nicholas and possibly 
ready to help maintain the 

1189
01:04:14,800 --> 01:04:17,900
fiction for her young sister, 
your youngest will have shared 

1190
01:04:17,900 --> 01:04:21,400
some of her current Innocents 
taken another step along that 

1191
01:04:21,400 --> 01:04:23,000
inevitable path toward 
adulthood. 

1192
01:04:23,900 --> 01:04:27,100
You yourself will be older 
carrying another Year's worth of

1193
01:04:27,100 --> 01:04:31,000
experiences and changes your 
parents continue aging moving 

1194
01:04:31,000 --> 01:04:32,900
steadily toward the end of their
lives. 

1195
01:04:32,900 --> 01:04:36,600
New babies will be born in the 
village elderly, people will 

1196
01:04:36,600 --> 01:04:39,900
die, young couples, will marry 
and families will move away, or 

1197
01:04:39,900 --> 01:04:43,300
move in the community that 
celebrates next Christmas will 

1198
01:04:43,300 --> 01:04:45,100
differ from the one celebrating 
today. 

1199
01:04:45,100 --> 01:04:49,100
Even if the difference is C 
minor individually, this is 

1200
01:04:49,100 --> 01:04:52,900
life's essential nature. 
You reflect this constant flow 

1201
01:04:52,900 --> 01:04:55,700
of change occurring within 
Frameworks of continuity. 

1202
01:04:56,600 --> 01:04:59,500
Traditions, persist across 
Generations while the people 

1203
01:04:59,500 --> 01:05:02,900
observing those Traditions 
continuously change the 

1204
01:05:02,900 --> 01:05:05,500
Christmas celebration itself. 
Predates, your birth by 

1205
01:05:05,500 --> 01:05:09,100
centuries, and will presumably 
continue centuries after your 

1206
01:05:09,100 --> 01:05:15,200
death Yet, each Christmas exists
only once unrepeatable precious 

1207
01:05:15,200 --> 01:05:18,200
in its ephemeral specificity 
your youngest. 

1208
01:05:18,200 --> 01:05:21,500
Daughter has fallen asleep in 
your arms, her doll clutched to 

1209
01:05:21,500 --> 01:05:24,600
get against her chest. 
You hold still and willing to 

1210
01:05:24,600 --> 01:05:28,300
disturb her rest content to 
serve as human furniture for a 

1211
01:05:28,300 --> 01:05:30,500
while. 
Longer, these moments won't last

1212
01:05:30,500 --> 01:05:33,700
much longer soon shall be too 
big to comfortably sit in your 

1213
01:05:33,708 --> 01:05:36,600
lap and to Independent to want 
such close physical contact. 

1214
01:05:37,600 --> 01:05:39,400
But tonight she's still your 
small daughter. 

1215
01:05:39,400 --> 01:05:42,400
Still young enough to need her 
father's arms. 

1216
01:05:42,400 --> 01:05:46,000
Your wife catches your eye 
across the room and something 

1217
01:05:46,000 --> 01:05:50,300
passes between you some shared 
understanding that requires no 

1218
01:05:50,300 --> 01:05:53,200
articulation. 
You're both aware that you're 

1219
01:05:53,200 --> 01:05:56,000
living through your children's 
childhood that these years will 

1220
01:05:56,000 --> 01:05:59,800
someday seem simultaneously 
endless and heartbreakingly 

1221
01:05:59,800 --> 01:06:02,500
brief. 
The Paradox of parenting is that

1222
01:06:02,500 --> 01:06:05,100
you simultaneously. 
Wish time would slow down and 

1223
01:06:05,100 --> 01:06:08,300
speed up wanting to preserve 
perfect moments. 

1224
01:06:08,300 --> 01:06:11,000
While also being curious about 
who your children will become 

1225
01:06:11,000 --> 01:06:14,300
your eldest daughter looks up 
from her wooden horse and asks 

1226
01:06:14,300 --> 01:06:18,300
suddenly when you tell your 
grandchildren about tonight, The

1227
01:06:18,308 --> 01:06:20,700
question surprises you with its 
sophistication. 

1228
01:06:20,700 --> 01:06:24,400
It's awareness of future 
generations and the passage of 

1229
01:06:24,400 --> 01:06:29,200
time you can consider carefully 
before answering I'll tell them 

1230
01:06:29,200 --> 01:06:30,800
about all of this. 
You say finally. 

1231
01:06:31,600 --> 01:06:34,100
About the goose and the mints 
pies about church. 

1232
01:06:34,100 --> 01:06:36,900
And singing him's about you and 
your sister. 

1233
01:06:36,900 --> 01:06:40,200
And this house and this fire, 
I'll tell them about a Christmas

1234
01:06:40,200 --> 01:06:45,000
and 1873 when everything was 
exactly as it should be, She 

1235
01:06:45,000 --> 01:06:48,500
nods satisfied with this answer 
and returns to her play. 

1236
01:06:49,500 --> 01:06:53,200
But the question lingers in your
mind, what stories will you tell

1237
01:06:53,200 --> 01:06:55,700
future Generations? 
What will you remember? 

1238
01:06:55,700 --> 01:06:59,000
As essential as worth preserving
and passing forward? 

1239
01:06:59,700 --> 01:07:03,300
You'll remember this warmth. 
Certainly this feeling of family

1240
01:07:03,300 --> 01:07:05,300
gathered together in safety and 
comfort. 

1241
01:07:05,300 --> 01:07:09,200
You'll remember your daughter's 
faces and firelight young and 

1242
01:07:09,200 --> 01:07:12,500
unburdened, by the complications
that adult life brings. 

1243
01:07:12,500 --> 01:07:15,800
You'll remember, your wife's 
patience and skill in creating 

1244
01:07:15,800 --> 01:07:19,400
this celebration, a quiet 
competence in managing all the 

1245
01:07:19,400 --> 01:07:23,500
details that make magic possible
but more than specific memories 

1246
01:07:23,500 --> 01:07:27,200
you'll try to convey a feeling 
and atmosphere a quality of 

1247
01:07:27,208 --> 01:07:30,300
life, that's difficult to 
capture in words, you'll want 

1248
01:07:30,300 --> 01:07:33,300
future generations to understand
that happiness doesn't require 

1249
01:07:33,300 --> 01:07:36,600
well or luxury. 
That Simple Pleasures are Feist 

1250
01:07:36,600 --> 01:07:38,100
when approached with proper 
appreciation. 

1251
01:07:38,100 --> 01:07:41,300
You'll want them to know that 
people have always loved their 

1252
01:07:41,300 --> 01:07:44,900
children always gather together 
to Mark, significant occasions 

1253
01:07:44,900 --> 01:07:48,000
and always found reasons for 
celebration even during 

1254
01:07:48,000 --> 01:07:51,600
difficult times. 
Fire Burns, lower require, 

1255
01:07:51,600 --> 01:07:53,400
requiring attention you 
carefully. 

1256
01:07:53,400 --> 01:07:56,700
Transfer your sleeping daughter 
to your wife, who settles her 

1257
01:07:56,700 --> 01:07:59,200
gently on the half, rug with a 
cushion beneath her head. 

1258
01:08:00,000 --> 01:08:03,100
You add cold to the fire 
performing this familiar tasks 

1259
01:08:03,100 --> 01:08:05,700
with the automatic Precision of 
long practice. 

1260
01:08:06,400 --> 01:08:09,800
The fresh coal catches quickly, 
flame springing up to embrace 

1261
01:08:09,800 --> 01:08:14,300
the new fuel outside night as 
Fallen completely Stars. 

1262
01:08:14,300 --> 01:08:17,200
Populate, the clear sky in 
numbers, you never see in summer

1263
01:08:17,200 --> 01:08:20,800
Winters cold are providing 
crystalline Clarity. 

1264
01:08:20,800 --> 01:08:23,899
That makes celestial bodies 
seemed close enough to touch 

1265
01:08:24,700 --> 01:08:27,899
Plow hangs in its customary 
position that reliable 

1266
01:08:27,899 --> 01:08:30,000
constellation. 
That's guided Travelers and 

1267
01:08:30,000 --> 01:08:33,500
marks seasons for millennia. 
Your eldest daughter asks if you

1268
01:08:33,500 --> 01:08:36,399
can go outside to see the stars 
and you agreed, despite the 

1269
01:08:36,399 --> 01:08:40,500
cold, the three of you who are 
awake, bundle into coats and 

1270
01:08:40,500 --> 01:08:42,600
step out into the frigid night 
air. 

1271
01:08:43,399 --> 01:08:47,200
Your breath creates clouds that 
dissipate immediately Carried 

1272
01:08:47,200 --> 01:08:51,300
Away by the slight breeze. 
The cold bite had Exposed Skin 

1273
01:08:51,300 --> 01:08:54,200
sharp and immediate but bearable
for short exposure. 

1274
01:08:55,200 --> 01:08:57,800
The Stars overwhelm with their 
number and brightness. 

1275
01:08:58,800 --> 01:09:02,500
Stirred across the sky with such
abundance that identifying 

1276
01:09:02,500 --> 01:09:06,100
individual constellations 
becomes challenging the Milky 

1277
01:09:06,100 --> 01:09:10,000
Way stretches like scattered 
flower that Great River of stars

1278
01:09:10,000 --> 01:09:14,100
that you now know consists of 
countless individual Sons, two 

1279
01:09:14,100 --> 01:09:17,100
distant to distinguish 
separately, other people on 

1280
01:09:17,100 --> 01:09:19,200
other stars. 
Your daughter asks and your 

1281
01:09:19,200 --> 01:09:20,500
answer honestly that no one 
knows. 

1282
01:09:22,100 --> 01:09:25,399
Perhaps, there are other worlds,
other families looking up at 

1283
01:09:25,399 --> 01:09:27,700
their own skies on their own 
special evenings. 

1284
01:09:27,700 --> 01:09:30,300
Perhaps you're completely alone 
in the universe. 

1285
01:09:30,300 --> 01:09:34,100
Either possibilities seems 
equally extraordinary equally 

1286
01:09:34,100 --> 01:09:36,500
humbling. 
You stand together in the cold. 

1287
01:09:36,500 --> 01:09:39,500
Looking upward. 
Three generations of your family

1288
01:09:39,500 --> 01:09:42,200
connected by Blood and history 
of the shared moment. 

1289
01:09:42,200 --> 01:09:45,500
Of Wonder the stars shine 
without regard for human, 

1290
01:09:45,500 --> 01:09:49,500
concerns blazing through space. 
At distance is the mind can 

1291
01:09:49,500 --> 01:09:52,899
barely comprehend yet. 
Somehow they're cold to distant 

1292
01:09:52,899 --> 01:09:55,900
light feels comforting 
suggesting that beauty and 

1293
01:09:55,900 --> 01:09:59,100
mystery persist Beyond human 
understanding or control. 

1294
01:10:00,000 --> 01:10:03,500
After a few minutes, the cold 
drives you back inside to the 

1295
01:10:03,508 --> 01:10:06,300
fires warmth. 
You settle back into your chair 

1296
01:10:06,300 --> 01:10:09,200
and your daughter resume her 
position beside her sleeping 

1297
01:10:09,200 --> 01:10:11,600
sister. 
The house feels even more 

1298
01:10:11,600 --> 01:10:15,000
comfortable, after the shark 
called outside the contrast, 

1299
01:10:15,000 --> 01:10:17,400
heightening your appreciation 
for shelter and warmth. 

1300
01:10:18,200 --> 01:10:21,000
The evening wins toward its 
conclusion naturally without 

1301
01:10:21,000 --> 01:10:25,000
rush or Force transition. 
Your wife carefully lifts your 

1302
01:10:25,000 --> 01:10:28,300
youngest daughter and carries 
her upstairs to bed your elders 

1303
01:10:28,300 --> 01:10:31,700
follows after a brief protest 
accepting that even Christmas 

1304
01:10:31,700 --> 01:10:34,100
Day. 
Must eventually end you remain 

1305
01:10:34,100 --> 01:10:37,000
by the fire. 
While longer watching, Flames 

1306
01:10:37,000 --> 01:10:40,700
consumed cold thinking about the
day and the years and the 

1307
01:10:40,700 --> 01:10:44,800
generations that stretch behind 
and ahead, this Christmas Eve in

1308
01:10:44,800 --> 01:10:49,400
1873 will fade into memory 
details blurring over time until

1309
01:10:49,400 --> 01:10:53,100
only impressions are remain. 
Something of it will persist and

1310
01:10:53,100 --> 01:10:56,400
will be carried forward through 
stories and traditions through 

1311
01:10:56,400 --> 01:10:58,800
the lessons. 
You teach your daughters and the

1312
01:10:58,808 --> 01:11:01,200
values. 
They absorb through observation 

1313
01:11:01,200 --> 01:11:05,100
rather than instruction, the 
lasting Legacy isn't any single 

1314
01:11:05,100 --> 01:11:07,200
moment. 
But rather the accumulation of 

1315
01:11:07,208 --> 01:11:11,200
all moments, the total texture 
of a life, lived with attention 

1316
01:11:11,200 --> 01:11:14,900
and care, you're not creating 
anything Grand or historically 

1317
01:11:14,900 --> 01:11:18,400
significant, You're simply 
trying to live well to love your

1318
01:11:18,400 --> 01:11:21,100
family properly and to 
appreciate what you have while 

1319
01:11:21,100 --> 01:11:23,100
working toward gradual 
Improvement. 

1320
01:11:24,100 --> 01:11:28,900
The fire burns low and you don't
rebuild it tomorrow will bring 

1321
01:11:28,900 --> 01:11:31,800
its own fires. 
Its own warmth, and its own 

1322
01:11:31,800 --> 01:11:36,200
demands and Pleasures to served 
its purpose delivered. 

1323
01:11:36,200 --> 01:11:38,700
What it promised and give you 
and your family? 

1324
01:11:38,700 --> 01:11:41,600
Exactly what you needed. 
Climb the stairs. 

1325
01:11:41,600 --> 01:11:44,200
One final time. 
Checking on your daughter's 

1326
01:11:44,200 --> 01:11:47,400
before retiring to your own bed.
They sleep peacefully. 

1327
01:11:47,400 --> 01:11:51,300
Their face is relaxed in that 
complete surrender only children

1328
01:11:51,300 --> 01:11:55,000
achieve whatever dreams occupy 
them remain private. 

1329
01:11:56,000 --> 01:11:58,900
Playing out behind closed, eyes 
in that mysterious theater of 

1330
01:11:58,900 --> 01:12:01,700
the sleeping mine. 
In your own bed. 

1331
01:12:01,700 --> 01:12:05,400
Wrapped in quilts with your 
wife, warm beside you, you 

1332
01:12:05,400 --> 01:12:07,500
review the day with 
satisfaction. 

1333
01:12:07,500 --> 01:12:09,500
Nothing. 
Remarkable happened. 

1334
01:12:09,500 --> 01:12:13,000
No great. 
Dramas or surprises, just a 

1335
01:12:13,000 --> 01:12:15,500
Victorian family, observing 
Christmas in the modest way of 

1336
01:12:15,508 --> 01:12:17,700
available. 
To people of a limited means and

1337
01:12:17,700 --> 01:12:20,500
simple tastes just. 
Another Christmas Eve that will 

1338
01:12:20,500 --> 01:12:23,600
blend eventually with all the 
others, distinguished only by 

1339
01:12:23,600 --> 01:12:27,400
the fact that you lived it fully
attended to it properly and 

1340
01:12:27,400 --> 01:12:29,000
appreciated it while it was 
happening. 

1341
01:12:29,000 --> 01:12:32,000
The house. 
Settles into nighttime silence 

1342
01:12:32,000 --> 01:12:36,200
outside the Stars continue, 
their ancient vigil in different

1343
01:12:36,200 --> 01:12:40,200
and eternal. 
Inside your family, sleep secure

1344
01:12:40,200 --> 01:12:44,800
and warm gathered Under One Roof
protected by walls and love, 

1345
01:12:44,800 --> 01:12:47,700
from whatever Darkness, Waits 
Beyond tomorrow. 

1346
01:12:47,700 --> 01:12:52,200
The Ordinary World will reassert
itself, demanding attention and 

1347
01:12:52,200 --> 01:12:54,800
effort. 
But tonight belongs to 

1348
01:12:54,800 --> 01:12:59,400
Celebration to tradition and to 
the quiet satisfaction of having

1349
01:12:59,400 --> 01:13:03,100
marked another Christmas 
properly tonight, A some things 

1350
01:13:03,108 --> 01:13:05,600
endure. 
Despite all changes that family 

1351
01:13:05,600 --> 01:13:07,300
and home. 
And Simple Pleasures, remain 

1352
01:13:07,300 --> 01:13:09,000
constant even as everything 
else. 

1353
01:13:09,000 --> 01:13:13,400
Transformed you close your eyes 
and welcome sleep carrying with 

1354
01:13:13,400 --> 01:13:17,000
you, into dreams the days 
accumulated warmth the echo of 

1355
01:13:17,008 --> 01:13:20,300
your daughter's laughter. 
And the feeling of being exactly

1356
01:13:20,300 --> 01:13:24,800
where you belong, Christmas Eve 
in 1873 slides into history, 

1357
01:13:24,800 --> 01:13:27,200
taking its place. 
Among countless other 

1358
01:13:27,200 --> 01:13:31,300
celebrations, ordinary and 
extraordinary forgotten and 

1359
01:13:31,300 --> 01:13:34,300
remembered each one precious in 
His Own Way. 

1360
01:13:34,300 --> 01:13:38,800
The Legacy continues forward 
generation following generation 

1361
01:13:38,800 --> 01:13:42,600
each Christmas building on all 
the Christmases that came before

1362
01:13:42,600 --> 01:13:45,300
while creating a foundation for 
all those yet to come. 

1363
01:13:45,300 --> 01:13:49,100
This is how Traditions. 
Persist how meaning a 

1364
01:13:49,100 --> 01:13:52,300
accumulates and how simple 
moments transformed into lasting

1365
01:13:52,300 --> 01:13:54,700
significance. 
And somewhere in the future. 

1366
01:13:54,700 --> 01:13:56,700
Perhaps your grandchildren will 
indeed. 

1367
01:13:56,700 --> 01:14:00,100
Ask about tonight about this. 
Christmas Eve when you were 

1368
01:14:00,100 --> 01:14:03,300
young and your daughter's small 
and the world moved at 

1369
01:14:03,300 --> 01:14:06,300
candlelight Pace, he'll tell 
them everything you can 

1370
01:14:06,300 --> 01:14:09,600
remember, painting the picture 
of a Victorian Christmas as 

1371
01:14:09,600 --> 01:14:13,400
accurately as memory allows 
You'll try to convey, not just 

1372
01:14:13,400 --> 01:14:18,500
facts, but feelings, not just 
events but atmosphere but more 

1373
01:14:18,500 --> 01:14:20,600
importantly they'll carry 
forward. 

1374
01:14:20,600 --> 01:14:23,100
Something intangible that you've
passed to them through these 

1375
01:14:23,100 --> 01:14:26,100
celebrations, through your 
careful, observance of 

1376
01:14:26,100 --> 01:14:28,400
traditions and through the love 
and attention. 

1377
01:14:28,400 --> 01:14:31,900
You've invested in creating 
meaningful moments, they'll 

1378
01:14:31,900 --> 01:14:35,300
understand perhaps without fully
articulating it, that 

1379
01:14:35,300 --> 01:14:39,700
celebration matters that family 
matters that taking time to Mark

1380
01:14:39,700 --> 01:14:43,000
special occasions in Rich's 
life, in ways that practical 

1381
01:14:43,000 --> 01:14:47,200
concerns alone never could sleep
claims you finally and 

1382
01:14:47,200 --> 01:14:49,200
Christmas. 
Eve, become Christmas passed 

1383
01:14:49,200 --> 01:14:52,600
stored away in memory where it 
will keep company with all your 

1384
01:14:52,600 --> 01:14:57,500
other treasured moments, Outside
the night continues, its cold 

1385
01:14:57,500 --> 01:15:02,600
vigil inside, your family, rests
secure, held safe by walls and 

1386
01:15:02,600 --> 01:15:05,900
warmth and the invisible bonds 
that make force separate people 

1387
01:15:05,900 --> 01:15:10,300
into one unified family. 
Fire in the city room Burns. 

1388
01:15:10,300 --> 01:15:14,000
To Ash, its heat, gradually 
dissipating into the surrounding

1389
01:15:14,000 --> 01:15:17,300
air by morning. 
It will be cold again, requiring

1390
01:15:17,300 --> 01:15:19,100
fresh building and careful 
tending. 

1391
01:15:19,800 --> 01:15:23,800
But that's tomorrow's concern to
night at this moment. 

1392
01:15:23,800 --> 01:15:28,400
Everything is exactly as it 
should be and that ultimately is

1393
01:15:28,400 --> 01:15:30,700
the greatest gift any Christmas 
can offer. 

1394
01:15:31,600 --> 01:15:35,200
Simple satisfaction of knowing 
that your living well, loving 

1395
01:15:35,200 --> 01:15:38,500
properly and creating meaning 
through attention and Care. 

1396
01:15:38,500 --> 01:15:42,300
The Victorian Christmas, you've 
celebrated tonight embodies 

1397
01:15:42,300 --> 01:15:45,000
these values. 
Perfectly demonstrating through 

1398
01:15:45,000 --> 01:15:47,300
humble means what truly matters 
in life. 

1399
01:15:47,300 --> 01:15:52,400
The Legacy, persists generation 
after generation each Christmas.

1400
01:15:52,400 --> 01:15:56,200
Echoing, all the others while 
remaining uniquely itself and 

1401
01:15:56,200 --> 01:15:59,800
somewhere in that continuity, in
that persistent returning to 

1402
01:15:59,800 --> 01:16:03,200
Ritual, and tradition, like 
something profound about human 

1403
01:16:03,200 --> 01:16:07,000
nature about our need for 
pattern, and meaning and about 

1404
01:16:07,000 --> 01:16:10,600
our desire to connect past and 
present and future through 

1405
01:16:10,600 --> 01:16:15,300
shared celebration sleep. 
Well, then on this Christmas Eve

1406
01:16:15,300 --> 01:16:19,000
in, 1873 Sleep. 
Well, knowing that you've done 

1407
01:16:19,000 --> 01:16:23,000
your part maintain your 
traditions and created memories 

1408
01:16:23,000 --> 01:16:25,300
that will Outlast your own life 
sleep. 

1409
01:16:25,300 --> 01:16:28,300
Well, secure in the knowledge 
that love and family and Simple 

1410
01:16:28,300 --> 01:16:31,300
Pleasures remain constant even 
as everything else changes. 

1411
01:16:32,100 --> 01:16:34,600
Tomorrow Waits with its own 
promises and demands. 

1412
01:16:34,600 --> 01:16:39,100
But tonight belongs to rest to 
satisfaction to the gentle 

1413
01:16:39,100 --> 01:16:40,800
closing of another Christmas 
Eve. 

1414
01:16:41,600 --> 01:16:45,300
The stars shine overhead, the 
house stands solid against the 

1415
01:16:45,300 --> 01:16:48,800
cold and your family sleeps in 
peace beneath your protective 

1416
01:16:48,800 --> 01:16:52,200
roof. 
All is calm, all is bright. 

1417
01:16:52,200 --> 01:17:04,800
All is exactly as it should be. 
Born in 69 BCE Cleopatra. 

1418
01:17:04,800 --> 01:17:08,300
The seventh Philippa came from a
family that had controlled Egypt

1419
01:17:08,300 --> 01:17:11,700
for over three centuries. 
These were the ptolemies who 

1420
01:17:11,700 --> 01:17:14,100
were descended from a general 
under Alexander the Great. 

1421
01:17:14,900 --> 01:17:17,700
The ptolemaic empire was a 
peculiar hybrid, by the time 

1422
01:17:17,700 --> 01:17:20,900
Cleopatra was born a 
greek-speaking monarchy 

1423
01:17:20,900 --> 01:17:23,100
situated. 
Atop A deeply Egyptian Terrain. 

1424
01:17:23,800 --> 01:17:27,800
The dynasty itself was plagued 
by Family feuds political 

1425
01:17:27,800 --> 01:17:31,700
assassinations and tense truces 
with growing Roman Authority, 

1426
01:17:31,700 --> 01:17:36,400
despite the capital Alexandria 
being a global Center of 

1427
01:17:36,408 --> 01:17:39,500
scholarship. 
Tradition frequently, portrays 

1428
01:17:39,500 --> 01:17:43,700
Cleopatra's a captivating Queen 
who captivated influential men. 

1429
01:17:43,700 --> 01:17:47,400
However that portrayal disregard
her extensive educational 

1430
01:17:47,400 --> 01:17:50,700
linguistic, proficiency and 
strategic savvy. 

1431
01:17:51,400 --> 01:17:55,100
She pursued studies in 
philosophy, astronomy medicine 

1432
01:17:55,100 --> 01:17:58,300
and Mathematics in the renowned 
Library of Alexandria. 

1433
01:17:59,100 --> 01:18:02,600
Cleopatra was raised in society 
that demanded Royals demonstrate

1434
01:18:02,600 --> 01:18:07,000
their abilities, as each 
prospective are faced the risk 

1435
01:18:07,000 --> 01:18:11,500
of being outwitted by cunning 
family members in a quart. 

1436
01:18:11,500 --> 01:18:14,900
Notorious for backstabbing 
mental acuity was just as 

1437
01:18:14,900 --> 01:18:17,900
important to survival as 
Birthright for a large portion 

1438
01:18:17,900 --> 01:18:22,100
of his rule her father Ptolemy 
the 12th Orleans, had to 

1439
01:18:22,100 --> 01:18:24,100
balance, local unrest with Roman
favor. 

1440
01:18:24,800 --> 01:18:27,400
Despite the ptolemies claims to 
Divine Heritage. 

1441
01:18:27,400 --> 01:18:32,000
Roman power, actually Loom big 
to gain Roman political support 

1442
01:18:32,000 --> 01:18:36,800
athletes paid Hefty prices which
put Egypt's finance's in 

1443
01:18:36,800 --> 01:18:39,400
jeopardy. 
As she observed, these 

1444
01:18:39,400 --> 01:18:42,200
discussions clear Patra learned 
early on that money could 

1445
01:18:42,200 --> 01:18:44,700
purchase allies but could never 
ensure true respect. 

1446
01:18:45,600 --> 01:18:48,100
She also saw how quickly a 
monarch may lose their position 

1447
01:18:48,100 --> 01:18:51,500
of authority if they made a 
mistake that alienated those in 

1448
01:18:51,500 --> 01:18:54,200
charge. 
When Cleopatra was a little 

1449
01:18:54,200 --> 01:18:57,500
girl, she traveled to Rome with 
or late 80s on diplomatic 

1450
01:18:57,500 --> 01:19:00,700
missions and saw civilization on
the verge of enormous growth. 

1451
01:19:01,600 --> 01:19:03,800
She watched the Senate's 
operations there as well as the 

1452
01:19:03,800 --> 01:19:06,500
moves of powerful people like 
Julius, Caesar and Pompey. 

1453
01:19:07,400 --> 01:19:10,100
She had a first-hand Insight 
from these experience that few 

1454
01:19:10,100 --> 01:19:11,700
Egyptian Royals had ever 
experienced. 

1455
01:19:12,700 --> 01:19:14,200
Cleopatra's route to the 
Egyptian. 

1456
01:19:14,200 --> 01:19:17,600
Throne was uncertain to maintain
the unity of the bloodline. 

1457
01:19:17,600 --> 01:19:20,900
Ptolemaic lore, encouraged 
sibling, marriage Partnerships 

1458
01:19:20,900 --> 01:19:22,700
and her father had other 
children. 

1459
01:19:23,700 --> 01:19:26,700
An ancient Macedonian custom 
that the ptolemies had taken to 

1460
01:19:26,708 --> 01:19:29,600
extremes. 
This Behavior was startling to 

1461
01:19:29,600 --> 01:19:33,300
Modern ears as a result. 
Cleopatra's Destiny was 

1462
01:19:33,300 --> 01:19:35,700
intertwined. 
With her brothers, one of whom 

1463
01:19:35,700 --> 01:19:38,500
would at least in theory, share 
power with her. 

1464
01:19:39,400 --> 01:19:41,900
Everyone knew that a puppet 
sibling could be used to 

1465
01:19:41,900 --> 01:19:44,908
overthrow a more ambitious 
relative and the tension in the 

1466
01:19:44,916 --> 01:19:48,600
royal family was evident. 
History frequently reduces clear

1467
01:19:48,600 --> 01:19:52,300
Patrick to an exotic character, 
who courted Roman rulers, but 

1468
01:19:52,300 --> 01:19:54,500
she was developing her 
diplomatic abilities from an 

1469
01:19:54,500 --> 01:19:56,800
early age. 
She acquired multilingual 

1470
01:19:56,800 --> 01:19:59,200
skills. 
In addition to Greek, she 

1471
01:19:59,200 --> 01:20:02,500
reportedly knew Aramaic 
Ethiopian and probably Hebrew 

1472
01:20:02,500 --> 01:20:06,200
well, as well as an Egyptian, 
which most of her ptolemaic 

1473
01:20:06,200 --> 01:20:07,800
predecessors never tried to 
master. 

1474
01:20:07,800 --> 01:20:10,900
She was able to avoid having her
comments misinterpreted by 

1475
01:20:10,908 --> 01:20:14,500
interpreters by speaking to 
courtiers Merchants and foreign 

1476
01:20:14,500 --> 01:20:17,800
envoys in their own tongues. 
Her ability to communicate 

1477
01:20:17,800 --> 01:20:21,100
directly became one of her. 
Most powerful Assets in enabling

1478
01:20:21,100 --> 01:20:24,500
her to bridge cultural gaps. 
The domestic politics of Egypt 

1479
01:20:24,500 --> 01:20:27,900
were very complicated as they 
had done for thousands of years.

1480
01:20:27,900 --> 01:20:30,300
Priesthoods held, considerable 
power. 

1481
01:20:30,300 --> 01:20:34,700
Careful supervision was required
of the surrogation system grain,

1482
01:20:34,700 --> 01:20:37,300
shipments fuel the kingdoms 
economy by feeding, both the 

1483
01:20:37,300 --> 01:20:40,800
gyptians and international 
markets, Cleopatra was aware of 

1484
01:20:40,800 --> 01:20:42,800
the fragility, underlying, the 
opulence of the Court, 

1485
01:20:42,800 --> 01:20:47,300
spectacles in ancient times, 
grain was valuable, and managing

1486
01:20:47,300 --> 01:20:49,400
the Niles. 
Resources, meant managing the 

1487
01:20:49,400 --> 01:20:53,000
money needed to survive to keep 
the Roman Bankers, happy the 

1488
01:20:53,000 --> 01:20:56,400
priest placated and the crop 
steady a wise ruler was 

1489
01:20:56,400 --> 01:20:59,200
required. 
However, when her father passed 

1490
01:20:59,200 --> 01:21:03,600
away in 51 BCE Cleopatra, was 
still a young woman, she and her

1491
01:21:03,608 --> 01:21:06,600
younger brother Ptolemy. 
The 13th were designated as 

1492
01:21:06,600 --> 01:21:09,900
joint rulers in the will. 
This Arrangement was less about 

1493
01:21:09,900 --> 01:21:12,200
true balance and more about 
ceremonial tradition. 

1494
01:21:13,000 --> 01:21:14,900
Groups in the court. 
Tried to influence the young 

1495
01:21:14,900 --> 01:21:18,400
boy, King against his sister. 
Very immediately Cleopatra had 

1496
01:21:18,400 --> 01:21:21,400
to decide whether to submit to 
these power struggles or to 

1497
01:21:21,400 --> 01:21:24,200
stand up for herself at the risk
of starting a civil war. 

1498
01:21:25,300 --> 01:21:28,500
Cleopatra's early life prepared,
her for her eventual, decisive 

1499
01:21:28,500 --> 01:21:31,500
actions, even though most people
only recall her later 

1500
01:21:31,500 --> 01:21:33,600
involvements with Mark Antony in
Julius Caesar. 

1501
01:21:34,400 --> 01:21:37,100
Her background learning at the 
library, observing Roman 

1502
01:21:37,100 --> 01:21:40,700
politics and negotiating, a 
contentious Court formed the 

1503
01:21:40,708 --> 01:21:42,800
foundation of her strategic 
perspective. 

1504
01:21:43,600 --> 01:21:46,600
She was adamant that ambitious, 
Roman should not use Egypt as a 

1505
01:21:46,608 --> 01:21:49,700
prize or a province. 
Although, the road ahead was 

1506
01:21:49,700 --> 01:21:52,600
dangerous Cleopatra. 
Had been well prepared by her 

1507
01:21:52,600 --> 01:21:55,100
upbringing. 
She wasn't a passive character. 

1508
01:21:55,100 --> 01:21:58,200
She was already planning ahead 
and prepared to play a political

1509
01:21:58,200 --> 01:22:00,500
chess game, that would decide 
her Kingdom's destiny. 

1510
01:22:01,700 --> 01:22:05,700
Cleopatra who was 18 at the time
of Ptolemy, the 12th death found

1511
01:22:05,700 --> 01:22:07,100
herself. 
Sharing the kingdom with her 

1512
01:22:07,100 --> 01:22:11,100
brother Ptolemy, the 13th, he 
was only 10 or 11 years old at 

1513
01:22:11,100 --> 01:22:13,300
the time. 
Although there were classified 

1514
01:22:13,300 --> 01:22:16,700
as equals in their official 
titles Cleopatra was aware of 

1515
01:22:16,700 --> 01:22:18,900
the covert power structures, and
the Royal Court. 

1516
01:22:19,600 --> 01:22:22,500
The young kings advisors saw an 
opportunity to marginalize her 

1517
01:22:22,500 --> 01:22:25,600
by portraying her, as an 
intrusive sister, who posed a 

1518
01:22:25,600 --> 01:22:27,500
danger to the boys, legitimate 
Authority. 

1519
01:22:28,300 --> 01:22:31,800
Political scheming by a flurry 
of courtiers, including the 

1520
01:22:31,800 --> 01:22:34,800
powerful, Regent, athenas and a 
general, by the name of a 

1521
01:22:34,800 --> 01:22:38,100
Killers soon, compelled 
Cleopatra, to leave Alexandria. 

1522
01:22:39,000 --> 01:22:41,800
Cleopatra was sent into Exile 
because she would not concede 

1523
01:22:41,800 --> 01:22:44,200
defeat. 
Instead of Disappearing Into 

1524
01:22:44,200 --> 01:22:47,600
Obscurity, she gathered a small 
troupe and set up camp east of 

1525
01:22:47,600 --> 01:22:50,600
the Nile Delta to wait. 
She made appeals to border 

1526
01:22:50,600 --> 01:22:53,800
troops who were devoted her 
father's Legacy Merchants, who 

1527
01:22:53,800 --> 01:22:56,900
were upset over the Mayhem in 
Alexandria and local allies. 

1528
01:22:57,800 --> 01:22:59,600
Cleopatra closely monitored 
Rome's. 

1529
01:22:59,600 --> 01:23:01,100
Internal conflicts during this 
period. 

1530
01:23:01,900 --> 01:23:04,100
Caesar's previous, Ally, the 
Roman general. 

1531
01:23:04,100 --> 01:23:07,800
Ganias Pompey was now losing a 
civil war against his ass, while

1532
01:23:07,800 --> 01:23:11,600
comrade the alexandrian court 
made the tragic choice to have 

1533
01:23:11,600 --> 01:23:15,000
Pompey killed when he landed in 
Egypt in search of resources and

1534
01:23:15,000 --> 01:23:17,500
safety. 
The Killing was likely done to 

1535
01:23:17,500 --> 01:23:20,300
appease Julius Caesar who was 
pursuing Pompeii. 

1536
01:23:20,300 --> 01:23:23,500
However the results of this 
heinous deed were not what they 

1537
01:23:23,500 --> 01:23:26,300
had hoped for. 
Caesar personally landed in 

1538
01:23:26,300 --> 01:23:28,700
Alexandria in the fall of 48 
BCE. 

1539
01:23:29,700 --> 01:23:32,900
Stable monarchy or at least a 
compliant Administration that 

1540
01:23:32,900 --> 01:23:35,800
would pay for his wartime. 
Expenses was what he hoped to 

1541
01:23:35,800 --> 01:23:38,800
discover. 
Instead, he found himself in a 

1542
01:23:38,800 --> 01:23:41,600
country that was embroiled in a 
fraternal war with Ptolemy. 

1543
01:23:41,600 --> 01:23:44,700
The 13th Camp fighting for 
control of the city in Cleopatra

1544
01:23:44,700 --> 01:23:47,900
in Exile Caesar was apparently 
horrified to learn of his 

1545
01:23:47,900 --> 01:23:50,900
assassination since he had 
planned to capture Pompey rather

1546
01:23:50,900 --> 01:23:52,700
than have him killed by 
Outsiders. 

1547
01:23:52,700 --> 01:23:56,100
Seeing her chance Cleopatra, 
came up with a bold scheme to 

1548
01:23:56,100 --> 01:23:57,900
meet Caesar in private and make 
her case. 

1549
01:23:58,700 --> 01:24:02,600
According to Legend to get past 
ptolemies, guards Cleopatra plan

1550
01:24:02,600 --> 01:24:05,400
to be smuggled into the palace 
rolled up in a carpet or bag. 

1551
01:24:06,200 --> 01:24:08,200
Well though, some historians 
disagree with the precise 

1552
01:24:08,200 --> 01:24:10,600
approach. 
Everyone agrees that Cleopatra's

1553
01:24:10,600 --> 01:24:13,700
first-hand meeting with Caesar 
was a persuasive Master stroke. 

1554
01:24:13,700 --> 01:24:16,400
She portrayed herself as a 
legitimate Queen whose brothers 

1555
01:24:16,400 --> 01:24:19,600
Court had turned treacherous 
rather than as a defenseless 

1556
01:24:19,600 --> 01:24:21,500
Exile. 
She knew Latin well enough to 

1557
01:24:21,500 --> 01:24:24,400
communicate directly with Cesar.
He was said to be as fascinated 

1558
01:24:24,400 --> 01:24:27,800
by her intelligence and humor as
he was by her royal demeanor. 

1559
01:24:28,400 --> 01:24:31,500
Caesar a master strategist. 
Believed that Cleopatra was a 

1560
01:24:31,500 --> 01:24:34,000
better Ally than her younger 
brother, in ensuring Egypt's 

1561
01:24:34,000 --> 01:24:36,200
stability. 
The siblings must get back 

1562
01:24:36,200 --> 01:24:37,400
together and Rule together 
again. 

1563
01:24:37,400 --> 01:24:41,400
He said, the counselors to 
Ptolemy the 13th refused to obey

1564
01:24:41,400 --> 01:24:43,300
because they felt their 
Authority was in jeopardy. 

1565
01:24:44,300 --> 01:24:47,100
As tensions increased the 
alexandrian war broke out. 

1566
01:24:47,900 --> 01:24:50,700
Alexandria streets and docks 
became battlefields when 

1567
01:24:50,700 --> 01:24:53,800
seizures Army engaged in combat 
with Ptolemy, the 13th 

1568
01:24:53,800 --> 01:24:56,500
supporters. 
Although reports differ on the 

1569
01:24:56,500 --> 01:24:59,100
extent and timing of the 
destruction, the renowned 

1570
01:24:59,100 --> 01:25:01,300
Library itself, may have 
sustained some damage during 

1571
01:25:01,300 --> 01:25:03,200
this fight. 
Cleopatra. 

1572
01:25:03,200 --> 01:25:05,200
Remain calm in the face of 
chaos. 

1573
01:25:05,200 --> 01:25:08,700
She collaborated closely with 
Caesar providing local 

1574
01:25:08,700 --> 01:25:11,800
intelligence and resources. 
She understood that while she 

1575
01:25:11,800 --> 01:25:14,800
required Seasons help. 
She also possess power because 

1576
01:25:14,800 --> 01:25:18,400
Caesar wanted a stable monarchy 
and control over Egypt's grain. 

1577
01:25:18,400 --> 01:25:22,000
Supply was vital to Rome, They 
eventually routed Ptolemy, the 

1578
01:25:22,008 --> 01:25:24,900
13th Army. 
While attempting to escape, he 

1579
01:25:24,900 --> 01:25:28,100
himself perished in the Nile to 
maintain the illusion of a 

1580
01:25:28,108 --> 01:25:30,700
dynastic tradition, Cleopatra's 
younger brother. 

1581
01:25:30,700 --> 01:25:34,200
Tommy, the 14th was appointed as
a nominal co-ruler. 

1582
01:25:34,200 --> 01:25:38,400
However, Cleopatra held the real
power after the Civil War was 

1583
01:25:38,400 --> 01:25:40,400
done Cleopatra sided with 
Caesar. 

1584
01:25:40,400 --> 01:25:44,100
And according to many fell in 
love with him, caesarian the 

1585
01:25:44,100 --> 01:25:46,100
child, they would have 
eventually have symbolized the 

1586
01:25:46,108 --> 01:25:49,100
marriage of Egyptian ancestry 
with Roman ambition. 

1587
01:25:50,000 --> 01:25:53,400
Nevertheless Cleopatra never saw
herself as a simple consort. 

1588
01:25:54,100 --> 01:25:56,200
Her goal was to bring her 
kingdom back to life. 

1589
01:25:56,200 --> 01:25:58,900
While juggling Roman interests 
and preserving some degree of 

1590
01:25:58,900 --> 01:26:01,400
autonomy. 
She lavished Caesar with 

1591
01:26:01,400 --> 01:26:04,000
hospitality throwing lavish 
Feast that could only be 

1592
01:26:04,000 --> 01:26:07,300
supported by the Niles wealth. 
Beneath these extravagant 

1593
01:26:07,300 --> 01:26:09,400
outbursts. 
However she engaged in 

1594
01:26:09,400 --> 01:26:12,700
painstaking negotiations to 
secure her rules continuation 

1595
01:26:12,700 --> 01:26:14,500
after Caesars, inevitable 
departure. 

1596
01:26:15,500 --> 01:26:18,100
Alexandria had been returned to 
Cleopatra at the end of this 

1597
01:26:18,100 --> 01:26:21,300
turbulent time, she was no 
longer the helpless fugitive. 

1598
01:26:21,300 --> 01:26:25,208
Instead, she had become Egypt's,
Undisputed Monarch will be at 

1599
01:26:25,216 --> 01:26:27,600
one who was closely associated 
with Roman Authority. 

1600
01:26:28,300 --> 01:26:31,000
She had forged a complicated 
alliance with the most powerful 

1601
01:26:31,000 --> 01:26:33,900
man in the Mediterranean, by 
navigating war and conspiracies.

1602
01:26:33,900 --> 01:26:37,600
There were new obstacles in the 
way primarily how to balance 

1603
01:26:37,600 --> 01:26:39,700
Egypt sovereignty with Rome's 
demands. 

1604
01:26:39,700 --> 01:26:43,000
However, Cleopatra had 
demonstrated that she was more 

1605
01:26:43,000 --> 01:26:45,900
than capable of skillfully 
navigating through situations 

1606
01:26:45,900 --> 01:26:47,700
that would shatter a less 
powerful ruler. 

1607
01:26:48,400 --> 01:26:51,600
Following the alexandrian war 
Cleopatra, oversaw a court that 

1608
01:26:51,600 --> 01:26:54,700
combined Roman and Hellenistic 
elements with old Egyptian 

1609
01:26:54,700 --> 01:26:58,500
customs she reclaimed trade 
routes, vital to Egypt's growth 

1610
01:26:58,500 --> 01:27:01,100
and dispatched invoice to 
negotiate border records to 

1611
01:27:01,100 --> 01:27:03,900
regain control over areas, lost 
during previous crisis. 

1612
01:27:05,000 --> 01:27:08,700
Beyond politics Cleopatra, 
prioritized cultural patronage. 

1613
01:27:09,500 --> 01:27:12,100
She provided financial support 
for academic, Pursuits 

1614
01:27:12,100 --> 01:27:15,700
sponsored, building projects and
made sure that Egypt's temples, 

1615
01:27:15,700 --> 01:27:18,700
particularly those honoring, the
Goddess Isis, who she came to 

1616
01:27:18,700 --> 01:27:21,400
identifying increasingly with 
received Royal backing. 

1617
01:27:22,700 --> 01:27:25,000
She and Julius Caesar's 
relationship kept changing. 

1618
01:27:25,700 --> 01:27:28,300
Caesar attracted by Cleopatra's 
companionship as well as 

1619
01:27:28,300 --> 01:27:30,400
political motives stayed in 
Egypt. 

1620
01:27:30,400 --> 01:27:33,800
Longer than many Roman Senators 
thought was wise, their well, 

1621
01:27:33,800 --> 01:27:36,000
known Nile Crews which was later
romanticized. 

1622
01:27:36,000 --> 01:27:40,200
Served two strategic purposes. 
Caesar learned about the areas 

1623
01:27:40,200 --> 01:27:43,300
resources and fortifications 
first hand while Cleopatra, 

1624
01:27:43,300 --> 01:27:45,000
demonstrated the size of her 
Dominion. 

1625
01:27:45,900 --> 01:27:48,200
Though, some Alexandria's 
questioned, the expenditure 

1626
01:27:48,200 --> 01:27:51,900
Cleopatra recognized, the 
importance of spectacle and her 

1627
01:27:51,900 --> 01:27:54,400
Tales of sumptuous feasts on 
Royal boats. 

1628
01:27:55,400 --> 01:27:57,700
She wanted the Egyptians, and 
Romans to understand that the 

1629
01:27:57,700 --> 01:28:00,700
ptolemaic throne had not lost. 
Its Majesty in a time when the 

1630
01:28:00,700 --> 01:28:04,400
ability to Dazzle was frequently
used to gauge one's level of 

1631
01:28:04,400 --> 01:28:08,300
authority, Caesar and Cleopatra.
However were unable to deny 

1632
01:28:08,300 --> 01:28:11,600
Rome's restlessness after 
defeating pompies allies. 

1633
01:28:11,600 --> 01:28:14,600
Sees a solidified. 
His hold on Power and his status

1634
01:28:14,600 --> 01:28:16,800
as dictator was both admirable 
and vulnerable. 

1635
01:28:18,000 --> 01:28:21,500
He brought Cleopatra back to 
Roman 46, BCE, but not as a 

1636
01:28:21,500 --> 01:28:24,000
simple concubine. 
She successfully positioned 

1637
01:28:24,000 --> 01:28:27,000
herself on the Roman stage by 
arriving, with her retinue, 

1638
01:28:27,000 --> 01:28:29,100
which included the baby 
caesarean. 

1639
01:28:30,100 --> 01:28:33,200
Conservative Romans, who 
disapproved of her alien status 

1640
01:28:33,200 --> 01:28:36,300
and her alleged aspirations were
scandalized by this. 

1641
01:28:37,200 --> 01:28:39,700
Caesar gave Cleopatra a 
privileged position that no 

1642
01:28:39,700 --> 01:28:42,600
other foreign ruler had. 
However, by letting her remain 

1643
01:28:42,600 --> 01:28:45,900
at a villa across the Tiber 
Within the city's political 

1644
01:28:45,900 --> 01:28:49,400
circles rumors circulated that 
Caesar made declare himself King

1645
01:28:49,400 --> 01:28:52,600
and Cleopatra his Queen, a 
notion that was unappealing to 

1646
01:28:52,600 --> 01:28:55,300
Roman's who had Vivid memories 
of overthrowing monoxide 

1647
01:28:55,300 --> 01:28:58,200
centuries before. 
Both xenophobic animosity and 

1648
01:28:58,200 --> 01:29:01,900
curiosity was stoked by 
Cleopatra's appearance, her 

1649
01:29:01,900 --> 01:29:04,500
attire and her Entourage of 
Egyptian, courtiers. 

1650
01:29:05,400 --> 01:29:08,800
In the meantime, she researched 
the tribunes the Senate and the 

1651
01:29:08,800 --> 01:29:11,800
network of patronage that 
connected aristocratic family in

1652
01:29:11,800 --> 01:29:14,500
Rome. 
She realized how shaky roams 

1653
01:29:14,500 --> 01:29:17,700
acceptance of her was 
Nevertheless, she engaged in 

1654
01:29:17,700 --> 01:29:20,100
diplomatic Outreach, 
establishing connections with 

1655
01:29:20,100 --> 01:29:23,500
powerful senators and their 
spouse's giving presents and 

1656
01:29:23,500 --> 01:29:25,300
organising. 
Cultural events that showcase 

1657
01:29:25,300 --> 01:29:29,300
Alexandria's refinement But 
Cleopatra's primary goal was to 

1658
01:29:29,300 --> 01:29:32,900
ensure the future of her dinny. 
From the Egyptian perspective, 

1659
01:29:32,900 --> 01:29:35,600
she desired cesareans 
recognition as his Heir. 

1660
01:29:35,600 --> 01:29:39,000
Even if it wasn't official. 
Caesar gave cesarean 

1661
01:29:39,000 --> 01:29:41,900
preferential treatment, even 
though he never legally declared

1662
01:29:41,900 --> 01:29:44,800
him, his son under Roman law, 
Caesars. 

1663
01:29:44,800 --> 01:29:47,100
Continuous success appeared to 
be the key to the Future. 

1664
01:29:48,000 --> 01:29:51,000
However, the tide of Roman 
politics was shifting and many 

1665
01:29:51,000 --> 01:29:53,500
were disturbed by Caesar's 
acquisition of awards and 

1666
01:29:53,500 --> 01:29:56,200
display of monarchical. 
Accoutrements Caesar was 

1667
01:29:56,200 --> 01:29:59,400
assassinated on the Ides of 
March in 44, BCE as a result of 

1668
01:29:59,400 --> 01:30:01,900
a conspiracy. 
Cleopatra. 

1669
01:30:01,900 --> 01:30:04,200
Shocked and exposed was in a 
dangerous situation. 

1670
01:30:04,200 --> 01:30:08,200
In Rome, she swiftly retreated 
amid, the confusion returning to

1671
01:30:08,200 --> 01:30:10,700
Alexandria with cesarean and her
on her Ash. 

1672
01:30:12,100 --> 01:30:14,900
According to some accounts, she 
thought about siding with Mark 

1673
01:30:14,900 --> 01:30:17,000
Antony or other groups in the 
ensuing power War. 

1674
01:30:17,700 --> 01:30:19,200
Cleopatra, however, was 
realistic. 

1675
01:30:19,200 --> 01:30:22,700
She understood that Romans would
fight for the Republic once more

1676
01:30:22,700 --> 01:30:26,100
and before making any dangerous 
agreements, she needed to know 

1677
01:30:26,100 --> 01:30:29,100
who would win. 
Securely established in Egypt, 

1678
01:30:29,100 --> 01:30:32,200
she concentrated on bolstering, 
the economy and defense of her 

1679
01:30:32,200 --> 01:30:35,600
realm while she awaited the next
Roman ruler to initiate contact.

1680
01:30:36,500 --> 01:30:39,100
She made a deliberate decision 
to stay out of Rome during this 

1681
01:30:39,100 --> 01:30:45,500
rough time, if she had stayed, 
see your Madame one side or the 

1682
01:30:45,508 --> 01:30:49,300
other might have exploited her 
as a pawn rather she withdrew to

1683
01:30:49,300 --> 01:30:51,000
a world in which she was truly 
in charge. 

1684
01:30:51,800 --> 01:30:54,100
She developed an image of 
herself at home as a 

1685
01:30:54,100 --> 01:30:55,800
conventional. 
Pharaoh, in addition to being a 

1686
01:30:55,800 --> 01:30:59,500
Hellenistic, Queen A picture 
with a diadem occasionally with 

1687
01:30:59,500 --> 01:31:02,600
subtle references to Egyptian 
iconography was featured on 

1688
01:31:02,600 --> 01:31:05,100
coins. 
Bearing her name to guarantee 

1689
01:31:05,100 --> 01:31:06,600
that the priesthood 
acknowledged. 

1690
01:31:06,600 --> 01:31:08,800
Her son cesarean as a prince to 
centered from God. 

1691
01:31:08,800 --> 01:31:13,300
She funded religious ceremonies 
Cleopatra cemented, her position

1692
01:31:13,300 --> 01:31:16,300
among her subjects by fusing 
traditional Egyptian devotion 

1693
01:31:16,300 --> 01:31:19,400
with classical Greek Elegance. 
Though, she was aware that 

1694
01:31:19,400 --> 01:31:22,100
Egypt's, Destiny would 
unavoidably be shaped by the 

1695
01:31:22,100 --> 01:31:25,700
next wave of Rome Civil War. 
She never cut off, contact with 

1696
01:31:25,700 --> 01:31:29,100
Roman politicians. 
Cleopatra's top objective amid, 

1697
01:31:29,100 --> 01:31:31,900
the chaos that followed Caesar's
murder, was to maintain her 

1698
01:31:31,900 --> 01:31:34,000
independence to the greatest 
extent feasible. 

1699
01:31:34,800 --> 01:31:37,800
Although she had already 
navigated the maze, the Roman 

1700
01:31:37,800 --> 01:31:40,600
stage was about to change. 
Again, bringing new performers 

1701
01:31:40,600 --> 01:31:43,900
who would test her wits She 
would have to carefully consider

1702
01:31:43,900 --> 01:31:46,500
her options now that she could 
no longer rely on season's 

1703
01:31:46,500 --> 01:31:50,100
favor, forming alliances and 
battling for time in a game 

1704
01:31:50,100 --> 01:31:53,400
where the outcome could affect 
the mediterranean's future after

1705
01:31:53,400 --> 01:31:56,100
season's death. 
Rome fell into Civil War, 

1706
01:31:56,100 --> 01:32:00,400
creating a power vacuum on one 
side with the Assassin's led by 

1707
01:32:00,408 --> 01:32:03,800
Brutus and Cassius advocating 
for a return to a republican 

1708
01:32:03,800 --> 01:32:06,300
ideals. 
The second triumvirat brought 

1709
01:32:06,300 --> 01:32:09,100
together three important figures
Octavian. 

1710
01:32:09,100 --> 01:32:13,500
Caesar's adopted son and Heir, 
Mark Antony a seasoned General, 

1711
01:32:13,500 --> 01:32:17,700
and close Ally of Caesar and 
lepidus whose influence quickly 

1712
01:32:17,700 --> 01:32:20,000
diminished. 
In the following two years. 

1713
01:32:20,000 --> 01:32:22,800
These factions fought for 
dominance from Alexandria 

1714
01:32:22,800 --> 01:32:25,200
Cleopatra. 
Observed knowing Egypt's. 

1715
01:32:25,200 --> 01:32:26,800
Wealth could become a bargaining
chip again. 

1716
01:32:27,700 --> 01:32:31,300
Mark Antony had previously been 
kind to clear, Patra, he visited

1717
01:32:31,300 --> 01:32:34,100
Alexandria, during season's time
and enjoyed the courts 

1718
01:32:34,100 --> 01:32:36,900
hospitality. 
As the triumvirate faced Brutus 

1719
01:32:36,900 --> 01:32:40,900
and Cassius Anthony required 
resources grain ships and money 

1720
01:32:40,900 --> 01:32:45,800
to strengthen his position. 
Called Cleopatra to Tarsus Asia 

1721
01:32:45,800 --> 01:32:49,500
Minor to negotiate terms. 
The summons was not just a 

1722
01:32:49,500 --> 01:32:52,200
polite request. 
Ignoring it could provoke Roman 

1723
01:32:52,200 --> 01:32:56,700
anger, Cleopatra recognized an 
opportunity negotiating from a 

1724
01:32:56,708 --> 01:32:59,400
strong position, could help her 
gain recognition for cesarean 

1725
01:32:59,400 --> 01:33:03,100
and assert her autonomy. 
Her arrival in Tarsus turned 

1726
01:33:03,100 --> 01:33:06,500
into a legendary tale rather 
than seeming like a beggar. 

1727
01:33:06,500 --> 01:33:10,400
She glided up the river Sydney 
on an ornate barge adorned with 

1728
01:33:10,408 --> 01:33:14,300
luxurious fabrics and fragrant 
sales, musicians, played as 

1729
01:33:14,300 --> 01:33:16,500
clear. 
Patra adorned as the goddess, 

1730
01:33:16,500 --> 01:33:20,200
Aphrodite or Isis based on the 
source, invited Anthony to 

1731
01:33:20,200 --> 01:33:23,000
witness a display of opulence, 
akin to a royal Festival 

1732
01:33:23,900 --> 01:33:26,600
Cleopatra recognize the 
significance of spectacle. 

1733
01:33:27,300 --> 01:33:29,800
Her dramatic entrance 
overshadowed rumors of Egyptian 

1734
01:33:29,800 --> 01:33:33,000
subservience Anthony realized he
was not in charge of a 

1735
01:33:33,000 --> 01:33:35,600
subordinate, but was instead 
welcoming a king in full 

1736
01:33:35,600 --> 01:33:38,000
splendor. 
He was impressed and accepted 

1737
01:33:38,000 --> 01:33:40,800
her invitation to dine on her 
vessel where her wit and 

1738
01:33:40,800 --> 01:33:43,300
cultural sophistication 
captivated him as much as the 

1739
01:33:43,300 --> 01:33:46,900
luxuries. 
And Alliance began political and

1740
01:33:46,900 --> 01:33:49,700
romantic that would shape the 
Eastern mediterranean's fate. 

1741
01:33:50,500 --> 01:33:53,700
Their relationship was complex 
and Anthony aimed to gain. 

1742
01:33:53,700 --> 01:33:56,500
Clear, patra's, loyalty and 
resources, to tackle the ongoing

1743
01:33:56,500 --> 01:33:59,300
challenges to the triumvirate. 
Cleopatra. 

1744
01:33:59,300 --> 01:34:01,800
Demanded, the return of 
Egyptian, territories lost under

1745
01:34:01,800 --> 01:34:05,400
previous ptolemaic rulers. 
She urged for formal, Roman 

1746
01:34:05,400 --> 01:34:08,600
recognition of cesarean 
significance, at least in Egypt.

1747
01:34:10,000 --> 01:34:13,000
What started as a tactical 
partnership evolved in to a 

1748
01:34:13,000 --> 01:34:15,400
personal Bond. 
Anthony spent the winter in 

1749
01:34:15,400 --> 01:34:18,100
Alexandria enjoying the city's 
Lively culture. 

1750
01:34:18,100 --> 01:34:22,100
He took part in festivals in 
joyed, hunts along the Nile and 

1751
01:34:22,100 --> 01:34:25,600
even created a drinking Society 
with Cleopatra, humorously 

1752
01:34:25,600 --> 01:34:29,600
called the inimitable livers 
Cleopatra remained focused on 

1753
01:34:29,600 --> 01:34:32,200
her political goals despite the 
distractions of revelry. 

1754
01:34:33,000 --> 01:34:34,800
She maneuvered through Court 
intrigues. 

1755
01:34:34,800 --> 01:34:38,300
Handled the Egyptian bureaucracy
and protected her throne. 

1756
01:34:38,300 --> 01:34:41,300
Despite rumors that Anthony was 
suing to her spell. 

1757
01:34:42,100 --> 01:34:43,900
He's reema's. 
Extended Beyond me. 

1758
01:34:43,900 --> 01:34:47,600
A gossip in Rome, Octavian, 
identities, actions, wearily 

1759
01:34:47,600 --> 01:34:51,700
Octavian ruled the West while 
Antony managed the east as 

1760
01:34:51,700 --> 01:34:55,300
co-rulers of the Roman World 
Antoni is extravagant gestures 

1761
01:34:55,300 --> 01:34:58,400
toward Cleopatra, reinforced, 
the idea that he was abandoning 

1762
01:34:58,400 --> 01:35:01,300
Roman values for Eastern excess.
Cleopatra. 

1763
01:35:01,300 --> 01:35:03,600
Understood the gravity of 
octavian's propaganda. 

1764
01:35:04,300 --> 01:35:06,600
She had encountered Roman 
disdain previously. 

1765
01:35:06,600 --> 01:35:10,300
Now, the risks were greater loss
of Antony's favor. 

1766
01:35:10,300 --> 01:35:12,200
In Rome could jeopardize, clear 
patra's position. 

1767
01:35:13,200 --> 01:35:16,700
And his early campaigns in the 
East had some success, he 

1768
01:35:16,700 --> 01:35:19,400
reaffirmed Roman Authority and 
rebellious areas and granted 

1769
01:35:19,400 --> 01:35:23,500
Cleopatra, land in Pharr Venetia
Cypress and parts of Crete and 

1770
01:35:23,500 --> 01:35:25,500
Syria. 
These grants in Hance Egypt's 

1771
01:35:25,500 --> 01:35:27,300
power and filled Cleopatra's 
Treasury. 

1772
01:35:28,100 --> 01:35:31,600
At the same time, the 
triumvirate on raveled leopardus

1773
01:35:31,600 --> 01:35:34,600
was sidelined intensifying the 
Rivalry between Antony and 

1774
01:35:34,600 --> 01:35:38,000
Octavian Cleopatra and Antony 
had children starting with 

1775
01:35:38,000 --> 01:35:40,100
twins. 
And then another son who Anthony

1776
01:35:40,100 --> 01:35:43,000
acknowledged publicly children 
were given territories 

1777
01:35:43,000 --> 01:35:46,400
culminating in the notable 
donations of Alexandria 

1778
01:35:46,400 --> 01:35:48,900
ceremony. 
Where Cleopatra and her children

1779
01:35:48,900 --> 01:35:52,300
don't regalia representing their
rule over vast regions of the 

1780
01:35:52,300 --> 01:35:55,000
near East. 
Roman observers were shocked, 

1781
01:35:55,000 --> 01:35:57,400
the event, resembled the 
establishment of a new 

1782
01:35:57,408 --> 01:36:00,300
Hellenistic Empire at the cost 
of Rome. 

1783
01:36:01,200 --> 01:36:04,000
Cleopatra understood that her 
fate depended on Anthony's 

1784
01:36:04,000 --> 01:36:06,700
military achievements. 
Anthony found himself 

1785
01:36:06,700 --> 01:36:10,400
increasingly conflicted between 
the East where Cleopatra, held 

1786
01:36:10,400 --> 01:36:14,200
Sway and the Roman Heartland 
were Octavian was turning public

1787
01:36:14,200 --> 01:36:17,000
sentiment against him. 
Cleopatra. 

1788
01:36:17,000 --> 01:36:19,800
Employed her diplomatic skills 
to secure, local alliances 

1789
01:36:19,800 --> 01:36:23,700
ensuring that if War arose, she 
could gather sufficient Egyptian

1790
01:36:23,700 --> 01:36:26,100
Manpower and Naval power to be 
taken seriously. 

1791
01:36:27,300 --> 01:36:28,700
She noticed the cracks 
appearing. 

1792
01:36:29,400 --> 01:36:32,400
As Anthony embraced his Eastern 
identity by adopting, Greek, 

1793
01:36:32,400 --> 01:36:34,700
customs and granting Grand 
titles to clear. 

1794
01:36:34,700 --> 01:36:38,500
Patrick hostility intensified 
Octavian. 

1795
01:36:38,500 --> 01:36:41,800
Waited, patiently Gathering 
proof to label Antonia traitor 

1796
01:36:41,800 --> 01:36:45,900
influenced by an oriental Queen.
This delicate balance endured 

1797
01:36:45,900 --> 01:36:49,300
for years, lending Cleopatra's 
Reign, a sense of renewed 

1798
01:36:49,300 --> 01:36:51,600
Grandeur alongside looming storm
clouds. 

1799
01:36:52,400 --> 01:36:54,900
She had journeyed from uncertain
exile to commanding Queen. 

1800
01:36:55,900 --> 01:36:58,600
But the Horizon suggested a 
final confrontation that could 

1801
01:36:58,600 --> 01:37:02,400
overshadow all her previous 
struggles, by the mid-30s BCE 

1802
01:37:02,400 --> 01:37:05,600
tensions between Antony and 
Octavian, nearly insured. 

1803
01:37:05,600 --> 01:37:08,800
Another Roman Civil War to mend,
the divide and sunny wet 

1804
01:37:08,800 --> 01:37:12,700
octavian's sister Octavia while 
still maintaining his affair 

1805
01:37:12,700 --> 01:37:15,300
with clear Patra. 
He attempted to balance these 

1806
01:37:15,300 --> 01:37:19,200
conflicting responsibilities. 
However, the political alliances

1807
01:37:19,200 --> 01:37:22,800
proved too weak, an Octavian 
exploited, Anthony's ongoing. 

1808
01:37:22,800 --> 01:37:27,400
Stay in Egypt, as proof of 
treachery in 32 BCE after 

1809
01:37:27,400 --> 01:37:31,100
Anthony divorced, Octavia. 
Octavian claimed that Anthony 

1810
01:37:31,100 --> 01:37:34,500
had turned into Cleopatra's 
puppet labeling her as the 

1811
01:37:34,500 --> 01:37:38,200
master manipulator. 
Cleopatra, sensing Rome's, 

1812
01:37:38,200 --> 01:37:40,400
growing animosity prepared for 
battle. 

1813
01:37:41,300 --> 01:37:44,900
Strength and the Egyptian Coast 
gathered grain and grew her 

1814
01:37:44,900 --> 01:37:47,600
Navy. 
Despite the strength of Egyptian

1815
01:37:47,600 --> 01:37:51,100
forces facing Rome's legionary 
machine was inundating 

1816
01:37:51,100 --> 01:37:53,800
Cleopatra. 
Thought that Victory, relied on 

1817
01:37:53,800 --> 01:37:56,900
Anthony skill in maintaining the
Loyalty of his Legions and 

1818
01:37:56,900 --> 01:37:59,300
uniting Eastern clients States 
under his leadership. 

1819
01:38:00,100 --> 01:38:02,800
Has War approached, his support 
started to weaken. 

1820
01:38:03,600 --> 01:38:06,900
Several Allied Kings. 
Hesitated, Roman Senators, who 

1821
01:38:06,900 --> 01:38:09,900
want supported Anthony switched 
their allegiance to Octavian 

1822
01:38:09,900 --> 01:38:12,600
driven by fear or political 
strategy. 

1823
01:38:13,300 --> 01:38:17,300
A propaganda War intensified. 
Octavian depicted Cleopatra as a

1824
01:38:17,300 --> 01:38:20,000
foreign seductress aiming to 
enslave roam. 

1825
01:38:20,000 --> 01:38:22,900
Stoking xenophobia among the 
Roman people. 

1826
01:38:23,800 --> 01:38:27,900
In 31 BCE, the decisive 
confrontation occurred of 

1827
01:38:27,900 --> 01:38:30,400
Greece's western coast near 
actium. 

1828
01:38:31,000 --> 01:38:34,800
Hampton Inn Cleopatra gathered a
significant Fleet but Agrippa 

1829
01:38:34,800 --> 01:38:39,400
octavian's Admiral and 
supplement row, outsmarted them 

1830
01:38:39,400 --> 01:38:43,100
historians may argue over 
specifics but the result is 

1831
01:38:43,100 --> 01:38:47,500
evident Anthony's Navy became 
desperate, lacking supplies and 

1832
01:38:47,500 --> 01:38:50,400
troubled by grippers better, 
Naval strategies and the 

1833
01:38:50,408 --> 01:38:54,000
climactic battle Cleopatra. 
Leading her Squadron suddenly 

1834
01:38:54,000 --> 01:38:57,000
broke away and fled to Egypt, 
Anthony realizing. 

1835
01:38:57,000 --> 01:39:00,500
She was leaving, gave up the 
fight to pursue her the fleet's 

1836
01:39:00,500 --> 01:39:03,100
Fate was sealed. 
Lacking unified leadership. 

1837
01:39:03,100 --> 01:39:06,900
Anthony his Naval forces fell 
apart, allowing Octavian to 

1838
01:39:06,900 --> 01:39:10,600
achieve a decisive Victory 
rumors about Cleopatra's Escape 

1839
01:39:10,600 --> 01:39:13,800
circulated. 
Was it Panic strategy or 

1840
01:39:13,800 --> 01:39:17,100
pre-arranged plan? 
If the situation worse and some 

1841
01:39:17,100 --> 01:39:20,200
accuser of betrayal, While 
others believe she realized the 

1842
01:39:20,200 --> 01:39:23,600
battle was lost and tried to 
salvage what she could hacked 

1843
01:39:23,600 --> 01:39:25,300
him. 
Delta severe blow to Anthony's 

1844
01:39:25,300 --> 01:39:28,700
cause afterward Cleopatra. 
Hurry to strengthen, Egypt, 

1845
01:39:28,700 --> 01:39:30,900
hoping to rebuild, defenses and 
negoti. 

1846
01:39:31,000 --> 01:39:34,200
Diplomatic deal. 
Octavian had the momentum on his

1847
01:39:34,208 --> 01:39:37,700
side, he waited patiently 
systematically restructuring, 

1848
01:39:37,700 --> 01:39:40,700
his forces, rejecting 
Cleopatra's, negotiation 

1849
01:39:40,700 --> 01:39:43,900
proposals, unless they met his 
conditions and to me and 

1850
01:39:43,900 --> 01:39:47,100
Cleopatra's relationship. 
Once adorned with splendored 

1851
01:39:47,100 --> 01:39:50,600
under the burden of the loss, 
Antony experienced shame in 

1852
01:39:50,600 --> 01:39:53,900
front of his troops, many of 
whom abandoned him Cleopatra, 

1853
01:39:53,900 --> 01:39:56,700
confronted the truth that her 
meticulously built Eastern 

1854
01:39:56,700 --> 01:40:00,500
Empire was falling apart she 
attempted to negotiate once more

1855
01:40:00,500 --> 01:40:04,400
wood Octavian, allow cesarean to
rule as co-regent, if she 

1856
01:40:04,400 --> 01:40:07,800
surrendered Antony Historical 
records indicate clear. 

1857
01:40:07,800 --> 01:40:11,100
Patrick considered various 
Escape options yet. 

1858
01:40:11,100 --> 01:40:13,400
Octavian remained ruthless 
viewed. 

1859
01:40:13,400 --> 01:40:17,400
Clear Patra as a danger named to
remove her from Power cesarean 

1860
01:40:17,400 --> 01:40:21,900
being seizures, biological son 
complicated, his claim to Rome's

1861
01:40:21,900 --> 01:40:25,000
Legacy. 
Removing both mother and child 

1862
01:40:25,000 --> 01:40:27,800
would pave the way for octavians
unchallenged dominance. 

1863
01:40:28,900 --> 01:40:33,100
In the summer of 30 BCE Octavian
launched, an invasion of Egypt. 

1864
01:40:33,900 --> 01:40:36,700
And his efforts to organize a 
defense crumbled, due to 

1865
01:40:36,708 --> 01:40:38,900
desertion and a superior Roman 
Force. 

1866
01:40:39,700 --> 01:40:42,700
According to Legend upon hearing
a false report of Cleopatra's 

1867
01:40:42,700 --> 01:40:47,200
death, Antony took his own life 
by stabbing himself mortally 

1868
01:40:47,200 --> 01:40:49,200
wounded. 
He discovered the queen was 

1869
01:40:49,200 --> 01:40:50,700
still alive and was brought to 
her. 

1870
01:40:51,700 --> 01:40:54,400
The last meeting marked a sad 
end to a once glamorous 

1871
01:40:54,400 --> 01:40:57,100
partnership. 
Anthony passed away in her 

1872
01:40:57,100 --> 01:41:00,300
Embrace forcing Cleopatra to 
face Octavian by herself. 

1873
01:41:01,000 --> 01:41:05,100
Octavian's victory was certain. 
Cleopatra's final Hope was to 

1874
01:41:05,100 --> 01:41:08,300
maintain a trace of her Dynasty 
or Escape The Shame of being 

1875
01:41:08,300 --> 01:41:11,400
displayed in Rome. 
She locked herself inside a 

1876
01:41:11,400 --> 01:41:14,500
mausoleum, she had constructed 
filled with her treasures and 

1877
01:41:14,500 --> 01:41:18,400
said to hold, concealed toxins 
Octavian aimed to capture her 

1878
01:41:18,400 --> 01:41:21,900
alive, likely planning to 
Showcase her in his triumphs as 

1879
01:41:21,900 --> 01:41:24,000
a trophy representing Rome's 
victory, over the East, 

1880
01:41:24,000 --> 01:41:27,700
understanding the futility of 
resistance Cleopatra. 

1881
01:41:27,700 --> 01:41:30,300
Did herself for a final act that
would echo through history, 

1882
01:41:30,300 --> 01:41:34,200
various accounts of her death 
exists, but the most well known 

1883
01:41:34,200 --> 01:41:36,600
as the tale of an ass sneaked 
into her Hideout. 

1884
01:41:36,600 --> 01:41:39,500
By biting her arm and bringing a
quick though. 

1885
01:41:39,500 --> 01:41:42,400
Painful demise some say she took
poison. 

1886
01:41:42,400 --> 01:41:45,600
She made the decision to face 
death on her own terms, rather 

1887
01:41:45,600 --> 01:41:47,500
than accepting it as the living 
Conquest. 

1888
01:41:48,300 --> 01:41:50,900
Cleopatra's death marked, the 
end of the ptolemaic dynasty 

1889
01:41:50,900 --> 01:41:53,500
leading to Egypt becoming a 
Roman province. 

1890
01:41:53,500 --> 01:41:57,200
Cesarean was captured and 
executed on octavian's orders. 

1891
01:41:57,200 --> 01:42:00,500
Removing any threat to his rise 
as Rome's first emperor. 

1892
01:42:00,500 --> 01:42:04,600
Augustus. 
Cleopatra's Reign ended, but her

1893
01:42:04,600 --> 01:42:08,300
Legend was just beginning. 
Destined to be recounted in ways

1894
01:42:08,300 --> 01:42:10,600
that often masked the woman 
behind the myth. 

1895
01:42:11,700 --> 01:42:15,600
After Cleopatra's death, Roman 
accounts, depicted her, as a 

1896
01:42:15,600 --> 01:42:18,300
cunning temptress, whose 
Ambitions LED Antony astray from

1897
01:42:18,300 --> 01:42:21,400
Roman virtue. 
Poets and historians aligned 

1898
01:42:21,400 --> 01:42:24,900
with Octavian who would become 
Augustus reflected the official 

1899
01:42:24,900 --> 01:42:27,600
narrative that Cleopatra 
represented the corrupt East. 

1900
01:42:28,500 --> 01:42:32,000
Her final stand, the Gilded 
Mausoleum and the tale of the 

1901
01:42:32,000 --> 01:42:35,100
ASP became material for 
moralizing treatises and 

1902
01:42:35,100 --> 01:42:38,500
Sensational storytelling. 
Despite the Roman's vilification

1903
01:42:38,500 --> 01:42:40,500
they could not deny her 
important. 

1904
01:42:40,500 --> 01:42:44,600
She was the final Monarch of the
once Mighty Dynasty and her 

1905
01:42:44,600 --> 01:42:47,000
false signified Rome's. 
Cleared dominance in the 

1906
01:42:47,000 --> 01:42:51,500
Mediterranean Egypt, transformed
under Roman control, Cleopatra's

1907
01:42:51,500 --> 01:42:54,900
administrative Frameworks, such 
as tax systems, Land Management,

1908
01:42:54,900 --> 01:42:58,100
and Temple, support remained, 
intact with Roman officials. 

1909
01:42:58,100 --> 01:43:01,400
Now at the helm Alexandria 
remained, a significant cultural

1910
01:43:01,400 --> 01:43:04,100
Hub, despite no longer being a 
royal capital. 

1911
01:43:05,200 --> 01:43:07,800
Cleopatra's memory in Egypt, 
became intertwined with the 

1912
01:43:07,800 --> 01:43:11,400
local folklore over time, some 
viewed her as a tragic figure 

1913
01:43:11,400 --> 01:43:13,700
aiming to safeguard the land 
from foreign control. 

1914
01:43:13,700 --> 01:43:17,400
Some swayed by Roman propaganda 
held her responsible for leading

1915
01:43:17,400 --> 01:43:20,400
the nation into war. 
The temples showcased images of 

1916
01:43:20,400 --> 01:43:23,600
ptolemaic rulers and fairy. 
Annika Tire reflecting the 

1917
01:43:23,600 --> 01:43:27,300
hybrid World Cleopatra once 
ruled Rome gained a vast 

1918
01:43:27,300 --> 01:43:29,000
Province and a compelling 
narrative. 

1919
01:43:29,000 --> 01:43:32,300
The victory of a clear Patra. 
Symbolized the Triumph of Roman 

1920
01:43:32,300 --> 01:43:36,200
discipline over Eastern luxury. 
Augustus leveraged, this 

1921
01:43:36,200 --> 01:43:38,000
narrative to consolidate his 
power. 

1922
01:43:38,000 --> 01:43:40,800
He erected monuments to 
commemorate his conquest of 

1923
01:43:40,800 --> 01:43:45,200
Egypt minted coins, declaring 
peace restored and influence the

1924
01:43:45,200 --> 01:43:48,300
Roman mindset to see clear 
patra's downfall as unavoidable 

1925
01:43:49,300 --> 01:43:52,200
Behind the propaganda was an 
acknowledgment that Cleopatra 

1926
01:43:52,200 --> 01:43:55,700
was an extraordinary opponent. 
She matched Roman Statesman in 

1927
01:43:55,700 --> 01:43:59,400
diplomacy commanded resources 
and nearly forged a new 

1928
01:43:59,408 --> 01:44:02,400
political reality. 
If actium had unfolded 

1929
01:44:02,400 --> 01:44:04,800
differently, The Narrative of 
Rome could have changed 

1930
01:44:04,800 --> 01:44:08,100
significantly. 
Over the centuries Cleopatra's 

1931
01:44:08,100 --> 01:44:11,800
reputation changed, numerous 
times, Roman playwrights 

1932
01:44:11,800 --> 01:44:14,700
depicted her, as a witch 
captivating Antony with his 

1933
01:44:14,700 --> 01:44:18,500
potions and spells early 
Christian writers used her as a 

1934
01:44:18,500 --> 01:44:21,400
cautionary, tale about the 
dangers of lust and power 

1935
01:44:21,400 --> 01:44:26,400
emphasizing moral lessons. 
However, there were also more 

1936
01:44:26,400 --> 01:44:30,100
understanding perspectives 
chroniclers, particularly of 

1937
01:44:30,100 --> 01:44:33,800
Greek descent lauded her 
intelligence, multilingual, 

1938
01:44:33,800 --> 01:44:35,800
abilities and cultural 
refinement. 

1939
01:44:36,800 --> 01:44:39,900
Alternative accounts reveal her 
negotiations with local Elites 

1940
01:44:39,900 --> 01:44:44,000
philanthropic gestures to the 
alexandrian poor and efforts to 

1941
01:44:44,000 --> 01:44:47,900
maintain Egyptian autonomy. 
These insights provided an 

1942
01:44:47,900 --> 01:44:50,000
alternative to the prevailing, 
Roman story. 

1943
01:44:50,800 --> 01:44:53,800
In the medieval period. 
Much classical literature 

1944
01:44:53,800 --> 01:44:57,700
remained in monasteries. 
Cleopatra appeared occasionally 

1945
01:44:57,700 --> 01:45:01,500
in moral Tales or collections of
notable women frequently 

1946
01:45:01,500 --> 01:45:03,600
overshadowed by biblical 
figures. 

1947
01:45:05,100 --> 01:45:06,700
The Renaissance Revival of 
classical. 

1948
01:45:06,700 --> 01:45:10,800
Learning sparked new curiosity. 
Scholars found Greek. 

1949
01:45:10,800 --> 01:45:14,400
And Roman texts, revealing 
Cleopatra, as a multi-faceted, 

1950
01:45:14,400 --> 01:45:17,900
figure artist drew inspiration 
from her, dramatic life, 

1951
01:45:17,900 --> 01:45:23,100
creating paintings plays and 
poems, Shakespeare's, Antony and

1952
01:45:23,100 --> 01:45:25,400
Cleopatra portrays her with the 
tragic grandeur. 

1953
01:45:26,100 --> 01:45:29,700
Shakespeare partly, followed 
Roman biases, portraying her as 

1954
01:45:29,700 --> 01:45:32,600
theatrical and manipulative yet.
He also revealed her depth. 

1955
01:45:32,600 --> 01:45:35,700
Showcasing the fiery 
intelligence that fueled her 

1956
01:45:35,708 --> 01:45:38,400
earlier. 
Subsequent centuries witnessed 

1957
01:45:38,400 --> 01:45:41,800
an additional reinterpretations 
Enlightenment thinkers. 

1958
01:45:41,800 --> 01:45:44,800
Debated, if Cleopatra was an 
enlightened ruler or a reckless 

1959
01:45:44,800 --> 01:45:48,700
Tyrant, the Romantic saw her as 
a symbol of passionate Defiance 

1960
01:45:48,700 --> 01:45:53,300
against a cold practical Empire,
In the 19th and early 20th. 

1961
01:45:53,300 --> 01:45:57,600
Centuries, European orientalist 
views transformed Cleopatra into

1962
01:45:57,600 --> 01:46:01,700
the symbol of Exotica year. 
Painters depicted her in 

1963
01:46:01,700 --> 01:46:05,300
extravagant setting, focusing on
her beauty and wealth while 

1964
01:46:05,300 --> 01:46:08,100
overlooking her administrative 
skills and political acumen. 

1965
01:46:09,000 --> 01:46:12,500
Hollywood Embrace this image 
creating epic films that 

1966
01:46:12,500 --> 01:46:17,000
highlighted spectacle Grand 
sets, intricate costumes and a 

1967
01:46:17,000 --> 01:46:20,000
clear, Patra, who captivated 
famous Romans with the luring 

1968
01:46:20,000 --> 01:46:24,600
glasses, however, beneath these 
depictions historical research, 

1969
01:46:24,600 --> 01:46:29,100
dismantled the stereotypes in 
the 20th and 21st, centuries 

1970
01:46:29,100 --> 01:46:31,500
Scholars. 
Refocused on Cleopatra's 

1971
01:46:31,500 --> 01:46:35,400
intelligence linguistic, Sports 
skills her role as a living 

1972
01:46:35,400 --> 01:46:38,800
goddess in Egyptian tradition 
and her Adept rule during 

1973
01:46:38,800 --> 01:46:42,400
challenging times recent 
archaeological discoveries and 

1974
01:46:42,400 --> 01:46:44,500
fresh interpretations of primary
sources. 

1975
01:46:44,500 --> 01:46:48,300
Portray her not just as a femme 
fatale but as a state's woman 

1976
01:46:48,300 --> 01:46:52,200
faceing, the mightiest Empire of
her time This change in 

1977
01:46:52,208 --> 01:46:54,900
Viewpoint, highlighted, the 
conflict between Cleopatra's 

1978
01:46:54,900 --> 01:46:59,200
real governance, managing taxes 
suppressing, uprisings directing

1979
01:46:59,200 --> 01:47:01,600
foreign policy, and the 
narrative crafted by those, who 

1980
01:47:01,600 --> 01:47:05,200
aim to rationalize her defeat. 
Cleopatra's reputation changed 

1981
01:47:05,200 --> 01:47:08,800
with Borussia era's, agendas 
reflecting, cultural fantasies 

1982
01:47:08,800 --> 01:47:12,700
and fears her True Legacy, her 
efforts to preserve a sovereign 

1983
01:47:12,700 --> 01:47:16,900
Egypt against Rome's expansion, 
endures as a testament to her 

1984
01:47:16,900 --> 01:47:19,600
strategic prowess. 
Even if overshadowed, by the 

1985
01:47:19,600 --> 01:47:23,000
highlights of her, personal 
liaison's Cleopatra is a figure 

1986
01:47:23,000 --> 01:47:26,500
that urges us to see beyond 
stereotypes highlighting that 

1987
01:47:26,500 --> 01:47:29,200
the true complexity of history 
is often lost in the propaganda 

1988
01:47:29,200 --> 01:47:32,500
and entertainment of the era. 
Cleopatra's story still 

1989
01:47:32,500 --> 01:47:35,800
captivates in our Modern Age, 
she has become an icon that 

1990
01:47:35,800 --> 01:47:40,200
transcended time symbolizing, 
female, power, political skill, 

1991
01:47:40,200 --> 01:47:44,100
cultural Fusion, and the tragedy
of lost sovereignty. 

1992
01:47:45,700 --> 01:47:49,200
To truly appreciate clear. 
Patrick one must view her not as

1993
01:47:49,208 --> 01:47:52,800
an exotic siren or a mere 
footnote in Rome story, but as 

1994
01:47:52,800 --> 01:47:55,800
the Pinnacle of a unique 
Dynasty, navigating a rapidly 

1995
01:47:55,800 --> 01:47:58,900
changing world. 
Her important stems from the 

1996
01:47:58,900 --> 01:48:01,100
careful balance. 
She maintained from the moment 

1997
01:48:01,100 --> 01:48:04,500
she assumed power. 
Cleopatra forged alliances with 

1998
01:48:04,500 --> 01:48:06,500
Caesar and negotiated with Mark 
Antony. 

1999
01:48:07,400 --> 01:48:10,500
Expanded her Kingdom's 
territories and maintained the 

2000
01:48:10,500 --> 01:48:14,200
reverence of Egypt's priesthoods
orchestrating a precarious 

2001
01:48:14,200 --> 01:48:17,100
dance. 
She encountered a Rome shifting 

2002
01:48:17,100 --> 01:48:20,900
from Republic to autocracy, a 
superpower in transition and 

2003
01:48:20,900 --> 01:48:24,500
certain of its future Cleopatra 
understood that to protect 

2004
01:48:24,500 --> 01:48:26,800
Egypt. 
She needed to navigate Roman 

2005
01:48:26,800 --> 01:48:29,900
politics while embodying. 
The role of pharaoh, merging 

2006
01:48:29,900 --> 01:48:32,500
Greek and Egyptian Traditions, 
more effectively than her 

2007
01:48:32,500 --> 01:48:35,200
predecessors. 
Cleopatra's intellectual 

2008
01:48:35,200 --> 01:48:38,700
interests, deserve greater Focus
growing up in Alexandria's 

2009
01:48:38,700 --> 01:48:40,200
vibrant. 
Intellectual atmosphere. 

2010
01:48:41,100 --> 01:48:43,400
She gained both, scholarly and 
practical knowledge. 

2011
01:48:43,400 --> 01:48:47,300
She authored works on medicine 
cosmetics and possibly 

2012
01:48:47,300 --> 01:48:49,800
Linguistics. 
But these writings of now 

2013
01:48:49,800 --> 01:48:53,100
vanished, She communicated with 
the subject people's in their 

2014
01:48:53,100 --> 01:48:56,400
languages and ability that 
granted real legitimacy in the 

2015
01:48:56,400 --> 01:48:59,000
eyes of those unfamiliar with 
greek-speaking, ptolemaic 

2016
01:48:59,000 --> 01:49:01,800
rulers. 
Cleopatra, engages with Roman 

2017
01:49:01,800 --> 01:49:05,100
Elites and Greek or Latin and 
leads Egyptian ceremonies in the

2018
01:49:05,100 --> 01:49:08,600
local language, showcasing, her 
cultural fluency as a political 

2019
01:49:08,600 --> 01:49:12,900
asset Story highlights how 
quickly propaganda can distort a

2020
01:49:12,900 --> 01:49:16,500
legacy Roman accounts. 
Depicted Cleopatra's is 

2021
01:49:16,500 --> 01:49:18,900
seductive. 
Foreign Queen overshadowing her 

2022
01:49:18,900 --> 01:49:20,400
contributions as a state's 
woman. 

2023
01:49:21,300 --> 01:49:25,000
The caricature persisted over 
the centuries influencing art 

2024
01:49:25,000 --> 01:49:26,900
and theater while reducing her 
complexity. 

2025
01:49:27,700 --> 01:49:30,800
By piecing together scattered 
evidence from coins with her 

2026
01:49:30,800 --> 01:49:33,200
profile to Greek historians 
descriptions. 

2027
01:49:33,200 --> 01:49:37,400
We Glimpse the real Cleopatra, a
determined Monarch making 

2028
01:49:37,400 --> 01:49:40,100
Monumental decisions. 
In a time of colliding, Global 

2029
01:49:40,100 --> 01:49:43,900
Powers their ultimate demise 
highlights, the weaknesses of a 

2030
01:49:43,900 --> 01:49:45,200
smaller State trapped among 
Roman. 

2031
01:49:45,200 --> 01:49:48,200
Factions Cleopatra's 
relationship with Anthony was 

2032
01:49:48,200 --> 01:49:51,000
both personal and practical yet 
in the competitive realm of 

2033
01:49:51,000 --> 01:49:53,400
Roman politics. 
It served as a tool for 

2034
01:49:53,400 --> 01:49:57,400
octavians Ambitions, the Empire 
needed new conquest to solidify 

2035
01:49:57,400 --> 01:50:00,600
its political Transformations 
and the idea of Cleopatra's 

2036
01:50:00,600 --> 01:50:02,800
conspiracy with Anthony gave 
Octavian. 

2037
01:50:02,800 --> 01:50:06,900
The moral pretext to march on 
Egypt, However, Cleopatra 

2038
01:50:06,900 --> 01:50:10,700
managed to outsmart him, 
engaging in covid negotiations. 

2039
01:50:10,700 --> 01:50:13,000
And until actively shifted the 
balance. 

2040
01:50:13,000 --> 01:50:16,600
Even clearer, Patrick's death 
often recounted with 

2041
01:50:16,600 --> 01:50:20,100
melodramatic Flair. 
Reflects her refusal to be 

2042
01:50:20,100 --> 01:50:24,200
paraded as a captive in Rome. 
By choosing to die on her terms.

2043
01:50:24,200 --> 01:50:26,700
She denied Octavian a triumphant
display. 

2044
01:50:27,600 --> 01:50:30,400
Ensuring her final image was one
of defiance and stead of 

2045
01:50:30,400 --> 01:50:33,800
submission. 
This act dramatized in art and 

2046
01:50:33,800 --> 01:50:37,800
theater embodies a political 
strategy Cleopatra ensured, she 

2047
01:50:37,808 --> 01:50:40,100
was remembered as a queen, not a
captive. 

2048
01:50:40,800 --> 01:50:43,600
After that final Act Egypt 
turned into Rome's. 

2049
01:50:43,600 --> 01:50:46,500
Bread Basket supporting an 
Empire that would rule Europe, 

2050
01:50:46,500 --> 01:50:50,700
North Africa, and the near East 
for centuries Alexandria 

2051
01:50:50,700 --> 01:50:53,000
continued to be a center of 
scholarship and trade 

2052
01:50:53,000 --> 01:50:56,300
maintaining Greek and Egyptian 
cultural influences. 

2053
01:50:56,300 --> 01:50:58,900
Even during Roman rule, 
Cleopatra's children with 

2054
01:50:58,900 --> 01:51:02,100
Anthony were taken to Rome and 
largely disappeared from 

2055
01:51:02,100 --> 01:51:04,400
history. 
Except for one daughter 

2056
01:51:04,400 --> 01:51:08,300
Cleopatra, Selene, who married 
in to another African Kingdom 

2057
01:51:08,300 --> 01:51:10,300
and preserved a fragment of her 
mother's Legacy? 

2058
01:51:10,900 --> 01:51:14,700
Cesarean the son of Julius 
Caesar was executed to eradicate

2059
01:51:14,700 --> 01:51:17,800
any rival claim to Rome. 
Thus the direct line of 

2060
01:51:17,800 --> 01:51:21,200
Cleopatra, ended brutally a 
testament to how Roman real 

2061
01:51:21,200 --> 01:51:24,300
politic disdained potential 
threats, however, young or 

2062
01:51:24,300 --> 01:51:27,200
innocent. 
Interesting Cleopatra continues 

2063
01:51:27,200 --> 01:51:30,900
over 2000 years later historians
discuss her strategies 

2064
01:51:30,900 --> 01:51:34,200
archaeologists search, the 
Egyptian Coast for her burial 

2065
01:51:34,200 --> 01:51:37,900
site and filmmakers recreate her
life in Grand Productions. 

2066
01:51:38,600 --> 01:51:42,100
Every retailing reveals as much 
about the Storyteller as it does

2067
01:51:42,100 --> 01:51:44,900
about Cleopatra. 
The character reveals the 

2068
01:51:44,900 --> 01:51:48,300
complexities of power, the 
Dynamics of gender, and 

2069
01:51:48,300 --> 01:51:52,000
politics, and the resilience of 
a dynasty facing extinction. 

2070
01:51:52,900 --> 01:51:56,800
She Bridges worlds, Greek and 
Egyptian, a female leader and 

2071
01:51:56,800 --> 01:51:59,200
Roman Ally a scholar and 
politician. 

2072
01:52:00,000 --> 01:52:02,900
Cleopatra emerged as a leader, 
who would not allow her kingdom 

2073
01:52:02,900 --> 01:52:05,100
to be a mere Pawn in Rome 
strategy. 

2074
01:52:05,100 --> 01:52:08,700
She engaged in high stakes 
gameplay, experiencing both 

2075
01:52:08,700 --> 01:52:11,300
spectacular, victories, and 
devastating losses. 

2076
01:52:12,100 --> 01:52:14,400
She transcended the caricatures.
That defined. 

2077
01:52:14,400 --> 01:52:18,100
Her post humorous image. 
The final Queen of the Nile 

2078
01:52:18,100 --> 01:52:21,100
remains an enigma who challenges
us to look deeper than the 

2079
01:52:21,100 --> 01:52:23,500
simple myths. 
Reminding us that history is 

2080
01:52:23,500 --> 01:52:26,800
often shaped by those who wield 
the pain and the life as 

2081
01:52:26,800 --> 01:52:29,500
momentous as hers deserves 
constant re-examination. 

2082
01:52:36,800 --> 01:52:38,900
You stand in The Cloister Garden
as November's. 

2083
01:52:38,900 --> 01:52:43,200
First serious, Frost transforms 
everything into Crystal The herb

2084
01:52:43,200 --> 01:52:46,800
beds, you tended all summer now 
where blankets of straw tucked 

2085
01:52:46,800 --> 01:52:50,400
in like sleeping children. 
Your breath makes clouds in the 

2086
01:52:50,408 --> 01:52:52,800
air and somewhere beyond the 
monastery walls. 

2087
01:52:52,800 --> 01:52:56,000
A raven calls out with that 
scratchy voice Ravens have. 

2088
01:52:56,000 --> 01:52:58,800
As if it's smoked, too many 
cigarettes in a previous life, 

2089
01:52:58,800 --> 01:53:02,900
the sun sets absurdly early. 
These days, pulling Darkness 

2090
01:53:02,900 --> 01:53:05,200
over the world like a heavy 
quilt before you've even 

2091
01:53:05,200 --> 01:53:08,700
finished your afternoon tasks. 
You're a monk in a cistercian 

2092
01:53:08,700 --> 01:53:12,100
monastery, somewhere in northern
England and winter is arriving 

2093
01:53:12,100 --> 01:53:15,700
with the subtlety of a drunk. 
Uncle at a wedding, the year is 

2094
01:53:15,700 --> 01:53:20,400
1243 and you've lived through 32
wins in this place which means, 

2095
01:53:20,400 --> 01:53:23,000
you know exactly what's coming 
your Abbott. 

2096
01:53:23,000 --> 01:53:26,800
A practical man named brother, 
Thomas has spent weeks preparing

2097
01:53:27,800 --> 01:53:30,800
The Granary bulges with grain 
harvested, before the October 

2098
01:53:30,800 --> 01:53:32,400
rains, turned the fields to 
suit. 

2099
01:53:32,400 --> 01:53:36,700
The Root Cellar contains turnips
onions and carrots, buried in 

2100
01:53:36,700 --> 01:53:39,600
sand waiting out winter like 
bears in hibernation. 

2101
01:53:40,800 --> 01:53:43,800
Barrels of salted, fish line, 
the storage room walls, their 

2102
01:53:43,800 --> 01:53:46,000
contents pressed down under 
weighted boards. 

2103
01:53:46,000 --> 01:53:48,900
To keep everything preserved 
until spring remembers, how to 

2104
01:53:48,908 --> 01:53:51,900
arrive The Woodshed represents 
months of Labor. 

2105
01:53:51,900 --> 01:53:54,000
Oka, National log stands 
stacked. 

2106
01:53:54,000 --> 01:53:56,700
In careful Rose, cut to 
identical links with the 

2107
01:53:56,700 --> 01:54:00,000
Precision, your order brings to 
everything. some of the younger 

2108
01:54:00,000 --> 01:54:03,000
monks complained during the 
Autumn cutting season their 

2109
01:54:03,000 --> 01:54:06,900
hands blistering their backs 
protesting, You remember being 

2110
01:54:06,900 --> 01:54:09,000
young enough to complain about 
manual labor. 

2111
01:54:09,000 --> 01:54:11,900
Now you just appreciate having 
all your teeth and the ability 

2112
01:54:11,900 --> 01:54:14,900
to bend over without your spine,
making sounds like a wet Log In 

2113
01:54:14,900 --> 01:54:18,800
A Fire Inside, the monasteries 
thick stone walls preparations. 

2114
01:54:18,800 --> 01:54:21,600
Have a different character. 
The info Marion brother. 

2115
01:54:21,600 --> 01:54:24,700
William has hung Bunches of 
dried herbs from the ceiling 

2116
01:54:24,700 --> 01:54:28,800
beams until the room looks like 
an upside down Garden thyme. 

2117
01:54:28,800 --> 01:54:33,600
Sage Rosemary, and mint dangled 
above your head, their summer, 

2118
01:54:33,608 --> 01:54:35,500
scents fading, but not quite 
gone. 

2119
01:54:36,400 --> 01:54:40,000
In clay pots sealed with wax. 
He stored salves made from goose

2120
01:54:40,000 --> 01:54:42,500
grease and various mysterious 
ingredients. 

2121
01:54:42,500 --> 01:54:46,000
He refuses to discuss, as if 
revealing his recipes, might 

2122
01:54:46,000 --> 01:54:49,200
somehow diminish, their power, 
the wool Merchant arrived last 

2123
01:54:49,200 --> 01:54:51,700
month with his cart. 
And now, every monkey in the 

2124
01:54:51,708 --> 01:54:55,200
community has a slightly thicker
habit, the wall scratchy against

2125
01:54:55,200 --> 01:54:58,000
your skin in that special way 
that makes you constantly away 

2126
01:54:58,000 --> 01:55:01,100
your wearing clothing. 
Your sandals have been replaced 

2127
01:55:01,100 --> 01:55:04,100
with boots, stuffed with straw, 
for insulation, which works 

2128
01:55:04,100 --> 01:55:07,200
surprisingly well, until the 
straw gets damp, which point you

2129
01:55:07,200 --> 01:55:09,600
might as well be wearing bucket 
of ice water on your feet. 

2130
01:55:09,600 --> 01:55:12,800
The monastery sits on a slight 
Hill, overlooking, a valley, 

2131
01:55:12,808 --> 01:55:14,800
where a village huddles against 
the landscape. 

2132
01:55:15,500 --> 01:55:18,600
Smoke rises from Cottage 
chimneys, and thin gray lines. 

2133
01:55:18,600 --> 01:55:21,700
And you sometimes wonder what 
those families do during winter 

2134
01:55:21,700 --> 01:55:24,200
evenings. 
Probably not much different from

2135
01:55:24,200 --> 01:55:27,100
what you do really except they 
have children running around and

2136
01:55:27,100 --> 01:55:29,600
arguments about whose turn. 
It is to fetch more firewood 

2137
01:55:29,600 --> 01:55:32,700
while you have silence and 
arguments conducted entirely 

2138
01:55:32,700 --> 01:55:34,800
through meaningful glances 
during meals. 

2139
01:55:34,800 --> 01:55:37,600
The church, dominates the 
monastery complex, its 

2140
01:55:37,600 --> 01:55:41,400
stonewalls two feet thick in 
places, When you run your hand 

2141
01:55:41,400 --> 01:55:45,100
along the interior surface, you 
can feel how cold the stone stay

2142
01:55:45,100 --> 01:55:48,100
even in summer. 
And now in late Autumn they've 

2143
01:55:48,100 --> 01:55:49,800
achieved a kind of profound 
chill. 

2144
01:55:49,800 --> 01:55:52,700
That seems to emanate from 
somewhere beyond this world. 

2145
01:55:53,500 --> 01:55:57,100
The windows, those narrow slits 
designed more for defense than 

2146
01:55:57,100 --> 01:55:59,500
the illumination. 
Now, letting drafts the 

2147
01:55:59,500 --> 01:56:02,000
constrict paint off furniture. 
If you had any painted 

2148
01:56:02,000 --> 01:56:05,100
furniture, which you don't, 
because this is a monastery and 

2149
01:56:05,100 --> 01:56:07,900
decoration means vanity, which 
means sin, which means extra 

2150
01:56:07,900 --> 01:56:11,200
prayer, is your sleeping. 
Sell measures 8 feet by six 

2151
01:56:11,200 --> 01:56:14,100
feet, containing a straw 
mattress, on a wooden platform, 

2152
01:56:14,100 --> 01:56:17,800
a small table, a stool and a 
wooden cross on the wall. 

2153
01:56:18,600 --> 01:56:22,000
No half, no Brazier, no source 
of heat whatsoever. 

2154
01:56:22,000 --> 01:56:24,900
Because apparently, when Saint 
Benedict wrote his rule for 

2155
01:56:24,900 --> 01:56:27,600
monastic living, he lives 
somewhere warm and didn't think 

2156
01:56:27,600 --> 01:56:31,600
through the whole northern 
Europe in January situation, or 

2157
01:56:31,600 --> 01:56:34,400
maybe he did think it through 
and decided suffering, builds 

2158
01:56:34,400 --> 01:56:37,200
character, which is the sort of 
thing people say, when they're 

2159
01:56:37,200 --> 01:56:39,900
not the ones doing the 
suffering, the chapter house 

2160
01:56:39,900 --> 01:56:42,800
where the community gathers from
meetings and readings as the 

2161
01:56:42,800 --> 01:56:46,000
monasteries only real fireplace.
And you've noticed. 

2162
01:56:46,000 --> 01:56:48,900
How Brothers, suddenly, develop 
urgent, spiritual questions, 

2163
01:56:48,900 --> 01:56:52,100
requiring Chapter House, 
consultations whenever the 

2164
01:56:52,100 --> 01:56:55,000
temperature drops below 
freezing, Brother, Martin 

2165
01:56:55,000 --> 01:56:57,800
claims, he needs to discuss 
theological implications of 

2166
01:56:57,800 --> 01:57:01,800
transubstantiation Brother John 
has questions about Psalms 

2167
01:57:01,800 --> 01:57:04,200
you'll know they just want to 
stand near the fire for 10 

2168
01:57:04,200 --> 01:57:06,900
minutes but nobody says anything
because next week, you'll be the

2169
01:57:06,900 --> 01:57:10,800
one with Southern theological 
concerns outside the landscape 

2170
01:57:10,800 --> 01:57:13,800
transforms daily. 
Frost creeps further up the 

2171
01:57:13,800 --> 01:57:17,400
grass stems each morning. 
The fish pond develops, a skin 

2172
01:57:17,400 --> 01:57:20,300
of ice around its edges which 
brother, Peter breaks each day 

2173
01:57:20,300 --> 01:57:22,800
with a stick. 
Muttering about fish needing to 

2174
01:57:22,800 --> 01:57:25,600
breed, which is technically 
true, even though you're pretty 

2175
01:57:25,608 --> 01:57:27,600
sure fish don't breathe in the 
conventional sense. 

2176
01:57:28,500 --> 01:57:31,800
The duff coach that round Stone 
Tower, where pigeons roosted 

2177
01:57:31,800 --> 01:57:35,100
becomes a place of strange 
Acoustics as winter, approaches 

2178
01:57:35,100 --> 01:57:37,500
their cooing. 
Echoing differently through 

2179
01:57:37,500 --> 01:57:41,200
cold, are the orchard Stan 
skeletal against Grace Skies, 

2180
01:57:41,200 --> 01:57:44,700
apple trees, naked, and 
vulnerable looking, you prune. 

2181
01:57:44,700 --> 01:57:47,700
These trees in late Autumn and 
now they wait for spring with 

2182
01:57:47,700 --> 01:57:52,100
the patience of elderly Saints. 
Few apples still cling to high 

2183
01:57:52,100 --> 01:57:56,000
branches, missed during Harvest 
slowly mummifying in the cold 

2184
01:57:56,000 --> 01:57:58,100
air. 
Birds will eat them eventually 

2185
01:57:58,100 --> 01:58:01,000
drunk on, fermented sugars, 
wobbling through the air 

2186
01:58:01,000 --> 01:58:03,300
afterward, in a way that would 
be concerning if Birds had 

2187
01:58:03,300 --> 01:58:06,900
anyone to report their alcohol 
consumption to November slides 

2188
01:58:06,900 --> 01:58:09,400
into December like someone 
pushing a heavy door closed. 

2189
01:58:10,100 --> 01:58:12,900
The days shorten until you're 
waking in darkness and going to 

2190
01:58:12,908 --> 01:58:16,200
bed in darkness, with only a 
brief intermission of gray 

2191
01:58:16,200 --> 01:58:20,100
daylight in between your body 
wants to hibernate your mind, 

2192
01:58:20,100 --> 01:58:22,800
grows sluggish. 
But the rule of Saint Benedict, 

2193
01:58:22,800 --> 01:58:24,900
makes no Provisions for seasonal
adjustment. 

2194
01:58:24,900 --> 01:58:28,200
So, you maintain the same 
schedule year round, which feels

2195
01:58:28,200 --> 01:58:31,000
approximately a sensible, as 
wearing a swimsuit to a 

2196
01:58:31,000 --> 01:58:33,000
blizzard. 
The first real snow arrives on 

2197
01:58:33,000 --> 01:58:36,300
December 3rd falling through the
night while you sleep your cold 

2198
01:58:36,300 --> 01:58:39,300
dreamless sleep. 
You wake to a transformed world,

2199
01:58:39,300 --> 01:58:42,900
everything white and silent, and
impossibly bright, when the Sun 

2200
01:58:42,900 --> 01:58:46,900
finally Rises, The Cloister 
Garden has vanished under 8 

2201
01:58:46,900 --> 01:58:49,600
inches of powder. 
The path of the church requires 

2202
01:58:49,600 --> 01:58:53,100
shoveling before Lords and you 
join the other monks in this. 

2203
01:58:53,100 --> 01:58:56,800
Task your breath visible. 
Your fingers going numb inside 

2204
01:58:56,800 --> 01:58:59,900
your gloves, which aren't really
gloves so much as bags with 

2205
01:58:59,900 --> 01:59:03,500
thumbs winter has arrived and it
will stay for four months at 

2206
01:59:03,500 --> 01:59:06,500
minimum possibly five. 
If God is testing your patience,

2207
01:59:06,500 --> 01:59:10,300
which God often seems to enjoy 
doing, you've entered the long 

2208
01:59:10,300 --> 01:59:14,400
dark the cold time the season 
when every day requires 

2209
01:59:14,400 --> 01:59:17,000
conscious effort just to 
maintain basic existence. 

2210
01:59:17,000 --> 01:59:19,900
But you're not afraid, you've 
done this before. 

2211
01:59:19,900 --> 01:59:23,500
The monastery, has done this for
200 years, you know, how to 

2212
01:59:23,500 --> 01:59:25,900
survive winter. 
You might even know how to do 

2213
01:59:25,900 --> 01:59:28,200
more than survive. 
The bell rings for none. 

2214
01:59:28,200 --> 01:59:31,400
Pulling you from your thoughts 
time to pray, the monastery 

2215
01:59:31,400 --> 01:59:34,900
Stones hold temperature, the way
grudges, hold anger, deeply, and

2216
01:59:34,900 --> 01:59:37,400
for an unreasonable length of 
time in summer. 

2217
01:59:37,400 --> 01:59:40,300
These walls, stay cool when 
outside are Shimmers with heat. 

2218
01:59:41,000 --> 01:59:44,400
now in December, they've 
absorbed Autumn's, chill and 

2219
01:59:44,400 --> 01:59:48,500
radiate cold like malevolent, 
ice sculptures You've tried 

2220
01:59:48,500 --> 01:59:51,400
explaining thermal Master 
Brother Martin, but he just 

2221
01:59:51,400 --> 01:59:53,900
looks at you blankly and says 
something about God's will, 

2222
01:59:53,900 --> 01:59:57,100
which is his standard response 
to anything involving basic 

2223
01:59:57,100 --> 01:59:59,400
physics. 
The church interior Chiefs 

2224
01:59:59,400 --> 02:00:02,700
temperatures, that would make a 
meat locker field tropical When 

2225
02:00:02,700 --> 02:00:05,600
you enter for vigils at two in 
the morning, the cold hits your 

2226
02:00:05,600 --> 02:00:07,600
lungs like swallowing crushed 
glass. 

2227
02:00:08,400 --> 02:00:10,200
Your breath doesn't just become 
visible. 

2228
02:00:10,200 --> 02:00:14,100
It becomes substantial hanging 
in clouds that drift upward 

2229
02:00:14,100 --> 02:00:17,200
toward the voltage ceiling where
they probably accumulate and 

2230
02:00:17,200 --> 02:00:20,700
form some kind of Airborne ice. 
The stone floor, beneath your 

2231
02:00:20,700 --> 02:00:23,900
feet feels solid enough, but 
you've developed a theory that 

2232
02:00:23,900 --> 02:00:27,500
it's actually Frozen monk breath
from previous Winters compressed

2233
02:00:27,500 --> 02:00:29,700
over decades into a new 
geological layer. 

2234
02:00:29,700 --> 02:00:32,000
Brother Paul, who joined the 
monastery. 

2235
02:00:32,000 --> 02:00:35,100
Last spring makes small, 
whimpering sounds during winter 

2236
02:00:35,100 --> 02:00:37,600
vigils. 
You remember being that young 

2237
02:00:37,600 --> 02:00:41,200
and optimistic, believing your 
face would somehow insulate you 

2238
02:00:41,200 --> 02:00:44,400
from physical discomfort. 
Now, you know better. 

2239
02:00:45,600 --> 02:00:47,300
Faith is excellent for many 
things. 

2240
02:00:47,300 --> 02:00:51,100
Salvation moral guidance. 
A sense of purpose. 

2241
02:00:51,900 --> 02:00:55,500
But warmth isn't on the list. 
Faith will not prevent your toes

2242
02:00:55,500 --> 02:00:58,200
from going numb. 
Face will not stop your nose 

2243
02:00:58,200 --> 02:00:59,800
from running like a mountain 
Stream. 

2244
02:00:59,800 --> 02:01:03,300
In Springfield faith is 
magnificent but wool socks are 

2245
02:01:03,300 --> 02:01:05,400
practical. 
The warming room called the 

2246
02:01:05,400 --> 02:01:08,300
caliper tree represents the 
monasteries single concession to

2247
02:01:08,300 --> 02:01:10,000
human weakness regarding 
temperature. 

2248
02:01:10,900 --> 02:01:14,200
A large fireplace dominates one 
wall and from November through 

2249
02:01:14,200 --> 02:01:16,700
March a fire burns, their 
continuously. 

2250
02:01:17,600 --> 02:01:21,200
The room measures 20 feet by 15 
feet with benches along the 

2251
02:01:21,208 --> 02:01:24,700
walls where monks can sit and 
thaw, the rule permits, two 

2252
02:01:24,700 --> 02:01:27,000
hours daily in the caliper 
Factory though. 

2253
02:01:27,000 --> 02:01:28,700
Enforcement of this limit 
becomes flexible. 

2254
02:01:28,700 --> 02:01:31,400
When brother, Thomas the Abbott 
himself can be found there. 

2255
02:01:31,400 --> 02:01:34,100
Reading scripture with 
suspicious frequency, you've 

2256
02:01:34,100 --> 02:01:37,700
learned to time your caliper 
Factory visits strategically too

2257
02:01:37,700 --> 02:01:40,500
early and the room fills with 
the desperate crowd fleeing, 

2258
02:01:40,500 --> 02:01:43,800
Prime, too late and the younger 
monks of claimed, all the good 

2259
02:01:43,800 --> 02:01:46,400
spots near the fire, you aim for
mid morning. 

2260
02:01:46,400 --> 02:01:50,000
After tours, when most Brothers 
have returned to their work and 

2261
02:01:50,000 --> 02:01:52,700
you can secure a position close 
enough to feel actual warmth 

2262
02:01:52,700 --> 02:01:55,400
without being so close. 
That your habits starts smelling

2263
02:01:55,400 --> 02:01:59,200
like singed wool, which happens 
more often than, you'd think the

2264
02:01:59,200 --> 02:02:02,000
scriptorium maintained slightly 
higher temperatures, because 

2265
02:02:02,000 --> 02:02:04,500
parchment and freezing 
conditions don't mix well. 

2266
02:02:05,200 --> 02:02:08,700
A small Brazier glows in the 
corner carefully positioned away

2267
02:02:08,700 --> 02:02:12,000
from any flammable materials, 
which means away from literally 

2268
02:02:12,000 --> 02:02:15,300
everything since medieval 
manuscripts and Furniture are 

2269
02:02:15,300 --> 02:02:17,400
essentially kindling waiting for
an opportunity. 

2270
02:02:18,900 --> 02:02:21,900
Rather Edmond who illuminates 
manuscripts with gold leaf and 

2271
02:02:21,900 --> 02:02:24,600
mineral pigments sits closest to
the brazier. 

2272
02:02:25,300 --> 02:02:28,600
His breath is still visible but 
at least his ink doesn't freeze 

2273
02:02:28,600 --> 02:02:31,200
in its horn. 
You've noticed how monks drift 

2274
02:02:31,200 --> 02:02:33,900
toward the scriptorium even when
they have no business there. 

2275
02:02:34,600 --> 02:02:37,300
Brother Peter suddenly needs to 
consult a particular gospel 

2276
02:02:37,300 --> 02:02:39,500
Passage. 
Brother, John requires 

2277
02:02:39,500 --> 02:02:42,400
verification of Assam 
translation, Brother. 

2278
02:02:42,400 --> 02:02:45,800
Martin wants to discuss whether 
the snake in Eden was actually a

2279
02:02:45,800 --> 02:02:48,000
snake or some kind of 
metaphorical representation of 

2280
02:02:48,000 --> 02:02:51,500
Temptation, which is the sort of
question that has no answer. 

2281
02:02:51,500 --> 02:02:55,200
But takes a long time to debate 
preferably while standing near 

2282
02:02:55,200 --> 02:02:58,400
the Brazier the kitchen 
maintains actual warmth through 

2283
02:02:58,400 --> 02:03:01,600
simple necessity. 
The others burned, daily baking,

2284
02:03:01,600 --> 02:03:04,100
the dark bread that constitutes 
most of your diet. 

2285
02:03:04,900 --> 02:03:08,200
The half hosts, a constant 
rotation of pots vegetable 

2286
02:03:08,200 --> 02:03:11,700
pottage beans stew and the 
occasional fish soup when the 

2287
02:03:11,708 --> 02:03:15,000
pond hasn't frozen solid. 
Brother Jeffrey the Kitchener 

2288
02:03:15,000 --> 02:03:17,400
rules this domain with the 
authority of someone who 

2289
02:03:17,400 --> 02:03:20,600
controls food distribution, 
nobody argues, with brother 

2290
02:03:20,600 --> 02:03:23,700
Jeffrey, even the Abbot treats 
him with diplomatic respect. 

2291
02:03:23,700 --> 02:03:27,100
Understanding that a monastery 
runs on prayers and bred in that

2292
02:03:27,100 --> 02:03:29,700
order and angering. 
The person who controls bread 

2293
02:03:29,700 --> 02:03:33,100
would be strategically foolish, 
the dormitory, where most monks 

2294
02:03:33,100 --> 02:03:36,700
sleep in cells along a corridor 
achieves that make the church 

2295
02:03:36,700 --> 02:03:40,800
feel subtropical by comparison. 
your cells stone walls, sweat 

2296
02:03:40,800 --> 02:03:43,600
with condensation, when your 
breath meets their Frozen 

2297
02:03:43,600 --> 02:03:47,800
surfaces, the straw mattress 
provides minimal insulation from

2298
02:03:47,800 --> 02:03:50,900
the wooden platform beneath it 
which in turn provides no 

2299
02:03:50,900 --> 02:03:54,300
insulation from the stone floor 
below that you sleep in your 

2300
02:03:54,308 --> 02:03:57,600
habit, covered by a wool blanket
that weighs approximately the 

2301
02:03:57,600 --> 02:04:00,600
same as a small horse and 
provides about the same amount 

2302
02:04:00,600 --> 02:04:03,300
of warmth, which is to say some,
but not enough. 

2303
02:04:03,300 --> 02:04:07,500
Some monks, the Practical ones 
feel ceramic bottles with hot 

2304
02:04:07,500 --> 02:04:10,400
water and tuck them into their 
beds before sleep. 

2305
02:04:10,400 --> 02:04:14,500
This works brilliantly for about
an hour after which the bottles 

2306
02:04:14,500 --> 02:04:18,000
become room, temperature then 
cold, then actually colder than 

2307
02:04:18,000 --> 02:04:20,500
the surrounding air through some
perverse, thermodynamic 

2308
02:04:20,500 --> 02:04:23,600
principle you've woken in the 
night to find your hot water. 

2309
02:04:23,600 --> 02:04:26,700
Bottle has become a nice pack 
which defeats its entire 

2310
02:04:26,700 --> 02:04:29,500
purpose, but does provide 
entertainment when you remember 

2311
02:04:29,500 --> 02:04:32,800
the hopeful optimism with which 
you prepared it, The Cloister 

2312
02:04:32,800 --> 02:04:36,000
that covered walkway surrounding
the garden offers protection 

2313
02:04:36,000 --> 02:04:39,400
from snow and rain, but not from
wind which whips through the 

2314
02:04:39,400 --> 02:04:42,800
open archers like its personally
offended by architectural design

2315
02:04:43,900 --> 02:04:45,500
Walking The Cloister between 
offices. 

2316
02:04:45,500 --> 02:04:47,900
You lean into the wind your 
habit. 

2317
02:04:47,900 --> 02:04:50,200
Flapping your hands tucked into 
your sleeves. 

2318
02:04:51,000 --> 02:04:54,400
The stone columns, stand in 
passive having whether worst 

2319
02:04:54,400 --> 02:04:57,500
than your complaints. 
Gargoyles on the roof edges, 

2320
02:04:57,500 --> 02:05:00,400
stare down with Expressions that
might be protective or might be 

2321
02:05:00,408 --> 02:05:02,800
mocking. 
It's hard to tell with gargoyles

2322
02:05:02,800 --> 02:05:05,900
brother William. 
The infirm has developed a 

2323
02:05:05,900 --> 02:05:07,700
winter routine of treating 
chilblains. 

2324
02:05:07,700 --> 02:05:10,900
Those painful swellings that 
develop on fingers and toes from

2325
02:05:10,900 --> 02:05:14,400
cold exposure. 
His Salve contains Goose Greece,

2326
02:05:14,400 --> 02:05:16,800
something herbal that smells 
like sadness. 

2327
02:05:16,800 --> 02:05:21,000
And probably wishful thinking. 
It helps, though, not as much as

2328
02:05:21,000 --> 02:05:23,600
just staying warm would help. 
But staying warm isn't really an

2329
02:05:23,600 --> 02:05:25,500
option. 
You've all got chill blames by 

2330
02:05:25,500 --> 02:05:29,000
January some monks display. 
Their swollen fingers with a 

2331
02:05:29,000 --> 02:05:32,500
weird Pride as if suffering 
proves devotion, which may be. 

2332
02:05:32,500 --> 02:05:35,500
It does though you suspect God 
would be equally impressed by 

2333
02:05:35,500 --> 02:05:38,000
devotional expressed through 
activities that don't involve 

2334
02:05:38,000 --> 02:05:41,600
painful medical conditions, the 
stones gradually release their 

2335
02:05:41,600 --> 02:05:44,900
cold throughout winter becoming 
progressively colder until 

2336
02:05:44,900 --> 02:05:48,200
February when they reach 
maximum, chill and stay there 

2337
02:05:48,200 --> 02:05:51,900
for weeks by March. 
You forgotten what warmth feels 

2338
02:05:51,900 --> 02:05:56,000
like your body adapts or at 
least stops complaining, which 

2339
02:05:56,000 --> 02:05:58,400
isn't the same thing. 
But feel similar you move 

2340
02:05:58,400 --> 02:06:00,900
through your days in a constant 
state of just barely not 

2341
02:06:00,900 --> 02:06:03,400
freezing, which medieval people 
would call normal. 

2342
02:06:03,400 --> 02:06:06,400
And modern people would call 
hypothermia requiring immediate 

2343
02:06:06,400 --> 02:06:09,700
medical attention, but here's 
the strange part, you adapt 

2344
02:06:09,700 --> 02:06:13,300
human body's a remarkably good 
at Tolerating unpleasant 

2345
02:06:13,300 --> 02:06:16,700
circumstances when there's no 
alternative, your circulation, 

2346
02:06:16,700 --> 02:06:20,100
improves your shivering becomes 
efficient, you learn, which 

2347
02:06:20,100 --> 02:06:23,000
positions lose less body heat, 
which paths through the 

2348
02:06:23,000 --> 02:06:26,300
monastery, encounter fewer, 
drafts and which times of day, 

2349
02:06:26,300 --> 02:06:28,000
offer, brief temperature 
increases. 

2350
02:06:28,800 --> 02:06:33,100
You become an expert in cold, a 
scholar of discomfort, a monk 

2351
02:06:33,100 --> 02:06:36,100
who has achieved Oneness with 
being perpetually, chilled and 

2352
02:06:36,100 --> 02:06:40,200
occasionally, rarely the sun 
breaks through winter clouds and

2353
02:06:40,200 --> 02:06:42,800
shines directly through the 
churches East window at a 

2354
02:06:42,800 --> 02:06:45,600
particular angle that 
illuminates the altar in Gold 

2355
02:06:45,600 --> 02:06:48,600
light. 
The stones those same stones 

2356
02:06:48,600 --> 02:06:51,600
that have tortured you with cold
for months, suddenly glow. 

2357
02:06:51,600 --> 02:06:55,500
Warm looking, if not actually 
warm Dust In The Light Beam, 

2358
02:06:55,500 --> 02:06:58,600
everything becomes beautiful in 
a way that makes the suffering 

2359
02:06:58,600 --> 02:07:02,200
almost worthwhile. 
So let's be honest, mostly you 

2360
02:07:02,200 --> 02:07:05,000
just want to be warm and beauty 
is a nice bonus, but doesn't 

2361
02:07:05,000 --> 02:07:07,700
prevent Frostbite. 
The bell rings for Vespers. 

2362
02:07:07,700 --> 02:07:10,100
You leave the caliph tree your 
brief warmth. 

2363
02:07:10,100 --> 02:07:14,300
Already fading time to pray, 
Darkness arrives at 4:00 in 

2364
02:07:14,300 --> 02:07:18,200
December, which feels personally
insulting as if winter isn't 

2365
02:07:18,200 --> 02:07:21,100
satisfied, with being cold, but 
needs to be gloomy as well. 

2366
02:07:22,000 --> 02:07:25,300
You finish Vespers as daylight 
drains from the windows and 

2367
02:07:25,300 --> 02:07:28,700
evening stretches ahead like an 
endless tunnel with complan at 

2368
02:07:28,700 --> 02:07:31,100
the far end and sleep, somewhere
beyond that. 

2369
02:07:31,100 --> 02:07:34,600
Assuming you can generate enough
body heat to actually achieve 

2370
02:07:34,600 --> 02:07:37,900
sleep rather than just lying 
rigid in your, Frozen cell 

2371
02:07:37,900 --> 02:07:41,600
counting the hours until vigils 
the church fills with shadows 

2372
02:07:41,600 --> 02:07:45,300
during evening prayers. candles,
fight losing battles against 

2373
02:07:45,300 --> 02:07:49,700
Darkness, their Flames barely 
denting the Gloom The voltage 

2374
02:07:49,700 --> 02:07:53,100
ceiling disappears entirely 
becoming an Invisible Presence 

2375
02:07:53,100 --> 02:07:56,500
of your head and sometimes you 
imagine the roofers vanished and

2376
02:07:56,500 --> 02:07:59,200
your praying directly to the 
night sky, which would be 

2377
02:07:59,200 --> 02:08:01,200
terrible in winter. 
But creates an interesting 

2378
02:08:01,200 --> 02:08:05,100
theological image complete 
begins at 8:00 with bell tones 

2379
02:08:05,100 --> 02:08:07,600
that echo, through Stone 
corridors like ripples through 

2380
02:08:07,600 --> 02:08:10,500
water. 
You file into the quiet stalls. 

2381
02:08:10,500 --> 02:08:13,500
Wooden seats one, Smooth by 
generations of monastic 

2382
02:08:13,500 --> 02:08:17,900
posterior, and assume the 
position kneeling Han's classed 

2383
02:08:17,900 --> 02:08:21,900
eyes down, your knees protest. 
This Arrangement, having been 

2384
02:08:21,900 --> 02:08:25,200
knees for 32 years and having 
opinions about kneeling on Stone

2385
02:08:25,200 --> 02:08:27,800
floors. 
In freezing temperatures, you 

2386
02:08:27,800 --> 02:08:29,900
ignore your knees, they'll 
adjust eventually. 

2387
02:08:29,900 --> 02:08:33,800
They always do the Abbot leads 
prayers in Latin the woods. 

2388
02:08:33,800 --> 02:08:36,300
Familiar enough that your mind 
can wander slightly while your 

2389
02:08:36,300 --> 02:08:39,700
mouth continues, making 
appropriate sounds You're not 

2390
02:08:39,708 --> 02:08:43,100
proud of this inattention during
prayer but you're also realistic

2391
02:08:43,100 --> 02:08:46,400
about human attention spans. 
When your body feels like an ice

2392
02:08:46,400 --> 02:08:49,600
sculpture slowly achieving 
consciousness, you drift through

2393
02:08:49,600 --> 02:08:52,500
the Psalms, the rhythm of Latin 
washing over you like cold 

2394
02:08:52,500 --> 02:08:55,000
water, which is an unfortunate 
metaphor. 

2395
02:08:55,000 --> 02:08:58,300
But accurate brother Peter's 
stomach, growls, during a moment

2396
02:08:58,300 --> 02:09:02,100
of silence in the quiet Church, 
it sounds like distant Thunder 

2397
02:09:02,100 --> 02:09:04,900
and several monks, shakes 
slightly with suppressed 

2398
02:09:04,900 --> 02:09:07,400
laughter. 
Even the Abbott's lips twitch 

2399
02:09:07,400 --> 02:09:11,100
though he maintained his serious
expression and continues with 

2400
02:09:11,100 --> 02:09:13,300
prayers. 
As if nothing happened, you've 

2401
02:09:13,300 --> 02:09:16,500
been hungry before your 
frequently hungry actually since

2402
02:09:16,500 --> 02:09:19,200
the rule limits food intake, to 
what's necessary, rather than 

2403
02:09:19,200 --> 02:09:21,800
what's Pleasant. 
But winter hunger has a 

2404
02:09:21,800 --> 02:09:24,800
particular Edge to it. 
A sharpness, that comes from 

2405
02:09:24,800 --> 02:09:27,900
your body burning extra fuel, 
just maintaining basic warmth, 

2406
02:09:27,900 --> 02:09:31,000
the prayers, follow patterns 
established over centuries. 

2407
02:09:31,000 --> 02:09:34,900
These exact words in this exact 
order was spoken by monks long 

2408
02:09:34,900 --> 02:09:37,900
dead in this same building 
during Winter's that were 

2409
02:09:37,900 --> 02:09:39,700
probably just as unpleasant as 
this one. 

2410
02:09:40,900 --> 02:09:43,500
There's comfort in that 
continuity, knowing your 

2411
02:09:43,500 --> 02:09:45,200
suffering has historical 
precedent. 

2412
02:09:45,900 --> 02:09:48,900
Or maybe there isn't Comfort, 
maybe it's just depressing that 

2413
02:09:48,900 --> 02:09:51,800
humans have been cold and 
uncomfortable for so long and 

2414
02:09:51,800 --> 02:09:53,400
haven't figured out better 
Solutions. 

2415
02:09:53,400 --> 02:09:56,900
Theology is complicated after 
the formal prayers end, the 

2416
02:09:56,900 --> 02:09:59,100
Abbot adds evening announcements
brother. 

2417
02:09:59,100 --> 02:10:01,700
John is to check the dove coats 
roof, where ice might be 

2418
02:10:01,708 --> 02:10:03,700
damaging the tiles. 
Brother. 

2419
02:10:03,700 --> 02:10:06,200
Martin needs to inventry, the 
grain Supply and report findings

2420
02:10:06,200 --> 02:10:08,700
at chapter brother. 
Jeffrey will reduce bread 

2421
02:10:08,700 --> 02:10:10,500
portions slightly to ensure 
winter stores. 

2422
02:10:10,500 --> 02:10:14,200
Last until spring This last 
announcement generates quiet 

2423
02:10:14,200 --> 02:10:17,500
resignation, everyone knew it 
was coming but hearing it 

2424
02:10:17,500 --> 02:10:21,000
confirmed, still disappoints. 
The great silence begins after 

2425
02:10:21,000 --> 02:10:24,900
complain from now until Prime, 
tomorrow morning, no speaking. 

2426
02:10:24,900 --> 02:10:26,600
Unless it's an absolute 
emergency. 

2427
02:10:26,600 --> 02:10:30,200
This silence is supposed to 
promote reflection and spiritual

2428
02:10:30,200 --> 02:10:33,400
growth but mainly at promotes 
trying not to cough during night

2429
02:10:33,400 --> 02:10:36,500
prayers because coughing breaks 
the silence and makes everyone 

2430
02:10:36,500 --> 02:10:39,700
turn and stare at you with 
identical, expressions of mild 

2431
02:10:39,700 --> 02:10:42,500
irritation you process out of 
the church in order of 

2432
02:10:42,500 --> 02:10:45,400
seniority. 
Oldest monks, first youngest, 

2433
02:10:45,400 --> 02:10:49,900
last, this hierarchy, extends to
everything seating at meals, 

2434
02:10:49,900 --> 02:10:53,400
sleeping cell locations and 
Order of receiving bread. 

2435
02:10:53,400 --> 02:10:57,800
Portions your mid-range in 
seniority which is perfect old 

2436
02:10:57,800 --> 02:11:00,500
enough to deserve respect young 
enough to avoid the 

2437
02:11:00,500 --> 02:11:03,000
responsibilities that come with 
being ancient and supposedly 

2438
02:11:03,000 --> 02:11:06,500
wise, which mostly means other 
monks, asking your opinion about

2439
02:11:06,500 --> 02:11:08,600
things, you don't understand any
better than they do. 

2440
02:11:08,600 --> 02:11:11,100
The walk from church to 
dormitory crosses. 

2441
02:11:11,100 --> 02:11:14,200
The Cloisters West side where 
wind funnels through with 

2442
02:11:14,200 --> 02:11:17,800
enthusiasm, Your candle flame 
flickers, but doesn't quite 

2443
02:11:17,800 --> 02:11:20,300
extinguish. 
Casting wild Shadows on the 

2444
02:11:20,300 --> 02:11:23,800
stone walls. 
Other monks Shadows join yours. 

2445
02:11:23,800 --> 02:11:26,900
Creating a strange procession of
Darkness moving along the 

2446
02:11:26,908 --> 02:11:30,000
covered walkway. 
Someone's Shadow has an enormous

2447
02:11:30,000 --> 02:11:33,300
nose, you suspect, its Brother 
Martin, who has the sort of 

2448
02:11:33,300 --> 02:11:36,200
knows that casts impressive, 
Shadows, though, you can't turn 

2449
02:11:36,200 --> 02:11:39,500
and check because that would be 
acknowledging vanity and vanity 

2450
02:11:39,500 --> 02:11:42,000
is sin and sin requires 
confession. 

2451
02:11:42,000 --> 02:11:44,500
Your cell weights exactly. 
As you left it. 

2452
02:11:44,500 --> 02:11:46,400
This morning, nothing has 
changed. 

2453
02:11:46,400 --> 02:11:50,900
Nothing will change the same. 
Wooden cross on the wall, the 

2454
02:11:50,900 --> 02:11:53,300
same straw mattress. 
The same small table with its 

2455
02:11:53,300 --> 02:11:56,300
ceramic water jug, that's 
currently frozen solid because 

2456
02:11:56,300 --> 02:11:58,300
you forgot to bring it to the 
kitchen for refilling. 

2457
02:11:58,300 --> 02:12:01,600
And now it's a jug shape. 
Block of ice, which is useless 

2458
02:12:01,600 --> 02:12:03,600
for drinking, but makes an 
excellent paper. 

2459
02:12:03,600 --> 02:12:06,900
Way to have papers, which you 
don't, because you're a monk, 

2460
02:12:06,900 --> 02:12:11,200
not a scribe, unil beside your 
bed for personal prayers, adding

2461
02:12:11,200 --> 02:12:14,000
requests for people, you know, 
in the village below, the 

2462
02:12:14,000 --> 02:12:17,200
Miller, whose wife is pregnant, 
the baker, who broke his arm, 

2463
02:12:17,200 --> 02:12:20,000
and the little girl who had that
terrible cough loss month. 

2464
02:12:20,800 --> 02:12:24,200
You pray for fellow monks, 
specially brother Paul, who 

2465
02:12:24,200 --> 02:12:26,600
still looks miserable about 
Winter and probably needs 

2466
02:12:26,600 --> 02:12:29,500
encouragement. 
You pray for the Abbot who Bears

2467
02:12:29,500 --> 02:12:31,600
responsibility for everyone's 
welfare. 

2468
02:12:32,200 --> 02:12:35,500
You pray for yourself, asking 
for patience and warmth. 

2469
02:12:35,500 --> 02:12:38,000
In that order though, you'd 
accept them in either order 

2470
02:12:38,000 --> 02:12:41,500
honestly, sleep preparation 
involves climbing into bed. 

2471
02:12:41,500 --> 02:12:44,300
While wearing your complete 
habit, because removing clothing

2472
02:12:44,300 --> 02:12:46,100
would be insane, given the 
temperature. 

2473
02:12:46,800 --> 02:12:49,800
The wool blanket goes over, you 
heavy and Scratchy. 

2474
02:12:49,800 --> 02:12:52,700
And possessing, the unique 
ability to feel simultaneously 

2475
02:12:52,700 --> 02:12:56,800
too warm and too cold, which 
shouldn't be possible but is You

2476
02:12:56,800 --> 02:13:00,200
curl on your side, tucking your 
hands under your arms, pulling 

2477
02:13:00,200 --> 02:13:01,400
your knees up towards your 
chest. 

2478
02:13:01,400 --> 02:13:05,000
Assuming the position humans 
have probably used for sleeping 

2479
02:13:05,000 --> 02:13:08,000
in cold conditions since caves 
were considered luxury housing, 

2480
02:13:08,000 --> 02:13:12,700
the darkness in your cell is 
absolute no windows, no candles,

2481
02:13:12,700 --> 02:13:16,800
the rule, forbids private light 
sources as wasteful you lie. 

2482
02:13:16,800 --> 02:13:20,900
There aware of your breath aware
of your heartbeat and aware of 

2483
02:13:20,900 --> 02:13:22,500
how your toes. 
Feel like they might not be 

2484
02:13:22,500 --> 02:13:25,600
attached to your feet anymore. 
Awareness is a big part of 

2485
02:13:25,600 --> 02:13:28,200
monastic life. 
Sometimes You Wish For Less 

2486
02:13:28,200 --> 02:13:31,900
awareness, unconsciousness would
be nice and Consciousness would 

2487
02:13:31,900 --> 02:13:35,000
be warm or at least you wouldn't
notice being cold, which amounts

2488
02:13:35,000 --> 02:13:37,400
to the same thing somewhere in 
the building brother. 

2489
02:13:37,400 --> 02:13:41,000
Peter snores, the sound carries 
through stone walls, and wooden 

2490
02:13:41,000 --> 02:13:43,900
doors, like a fog, horn, 
rhythmic and Unstoppable. 

2491
02:13:44,600 --> 02:13:47,400
You've gotten used to it over 
years, the way you get used to 

2492
02:13:47,400 --> 02:13:50,100
any constant background noise, 
but tonight, it seems 

2493
02:13:50,100 --> 02:13:53,800
particularly loud or maybe your 
particularly awake hard to tell 

2494
02:13:53,808 --> 02:13:56,400
your mind wanders, through the 
days of events. 

2495
02:13:56,400 --> 02:14:00,300
Did you remember to secure the 
garden shed is the pottage pot 

2496
02:14:00,300 --> 02:14:02,300
properly cleaned? 
Did you complete? 

2497
02:14:02,300 --> 02:14:06,500
All your assigned Psalms mental 
checklist items, parade through 

2498
02:14:06,500 --> 02:14:10,400
your thoughts refusing to be 
dismissed insisting on review 

2499
02:14:11,500 --> 02:14:14,700
This is what happens when you're
too cold to sleep, your brain, 

2500
02:14:14,700 --> 02:14:18,500
having nothing better to do 
obsesses over minutiae that 

2501
02:14:18,508 --> 02:14:20,900
don't matter. 
But suddenly seemed critically 

2502
02:14:20,900 --> 02:14:23,600
important at 9:00 at night in a 
freezing Stone. 

2503
02:14:23,600 --> 02:14:28,300
Sell eventually somehow, sleep 
arrives, not the Deep refreshing

2504
02:14:28,300 --> 02:14:31,900
sleep of summer nights, but 
winter sleep, a light dozing 

2505
02:14:31,900 --> 02:14:34,900
that maintains awareness of cold
while providing minimal rest. 

2506
02:14:35,700 --> 02:14:37,600
You'll wake multiple times 
during the night. 

2507
02:14:37,600 --> 02:14:40,900
Adjust your position. 
Notice your feet have gone numb 

2508
02:14:40,900 --> 02:14:45,100
Curtis and drift off again. 
This fragmented, sleep is 

2509
02:14:45,100 --> 02:14:46,800
normal. 
Everyone does it. 

2510
02:14:47,600 --> 02:14:50,300
Spring and its long warm nights 
a month away. 

2511
02:14:50,300 --> 02:14:53,900
But before truth sleep in that 
fuzzy border state between 

2512
02:14:53,900 --> 02:14:56,800
waking and dreaming. 
You think about prayers about 

2513
02:14:56,800 --> 02:14:59,200
all the monks throughout this 
building, saying private prayers

2514
02:14:59,200 --> 02:15:02,100
before sleep, about all the 
monasteries across Europe where 

2515
02:15:02,100 --> 02:15:03,800
other monks are doing the same 
thing right now. 

2516
02:15:03,800 --> 02:15:07,200
And about the network of faith, 
that spans the continent, like 

2517
02:15:07,200 --> 02:15:09,900
an invisible web connecting, 
everyone who has chosen this 

2518
02:15:09,900 --> 02:15:14,800
difficult strange, cold life And
just for a moment, you feel 

2519
02:15:14,800 --> 02:15:17,700
warm. 
The scriptorium smells like ink 

2520
02:15:17,700 --> 02:15:20,800
parchment and Cold Stone with 
occasional notes of fish glue, 

2521
02:15:20,800 --> 02:15:24,500
which sounds disgusting and is 
disgusting, but somehow becomes 

2522
02:15:24,500 --> 02:15:27,600
tolerable after you've worked 
there for a few years, this room

2523
02:15:27,600 --> 02:15:29,700
represents the monasteries 
intellectual heart. 

2524
02:15:29,700 --> 02:15:33,300
When knowledge gets copied 
preserved, and occasionally 

2525
02:15:33,300 --> 02:15:35,800
improved upon by monks, who 
believe that writing tiny 

2526
02:15:35,800 --> 02:15:39,100
letters in straight lines 
constitutes a holy activity 

2527
02:15:39,100 --> 02:15:41,900
which it does, though. 
It's also tedious Beyond 

2528
02:15:41,900 --> 02:15:45,200
description brother Edmund. 
Sits at his desk position near 

2529
02:15:45,200 --> 02:15:47,100
the window to catch maximum 
daylight. 

2530
02:15:47,100 --> 02:15:50,600
Which in December means 
approximately 15 minutes of weak

2531
02:15:50,600 --> 02:15:53,700
gray light that requires 
squinting to perceive his 

2532
02:15:53,700 --> 02:15:57,100
current project is a gospel. 
Manuscript the text already 

2533
02:15:57,100 --> 02:16:00,000
copied in blacking by brother, 
Robert who has beautiful 

2534
02:16:00,000 --> 02:16:02,100
handwriting, but no artistic 
ability whatsoever. 

2535
02:16:03,200 --> 02:16:07,200
Edmund's job is illumination. 
Adding decorated capitals margin

2536
02:16:07,200 --> 02:16:11,000
drawings and Goldie faxon's. 
That transform plain text into 

2537
02:16:11,000 --> 02:16:15,600
art, you're not an Illuminator, 
Your Role is more basic copying 

2538
02:16:15,600 --> 02:16:19,300
texts from old manuscripts to 
new, parchment letter, by letter

2539
02:16:19,300 --> 02:16:24,300
word, by word hour, by hour, day
by day, until your hand cramps, 

2540
02:16:24,300 --> 02:16:27,000
and your eyes blur. 
And you seriously question, the 

2541
02:16:27,000 --> 02:16:30,100
life choices that led to sit in 
a freezing room making chicken 

2542
02:16:30,100 --> 02:16:33,700
scratches on dead animals skin. 
But then you remember this work 

2543
02:16:33,700 --> 02:16:37,200
preserves knowledge for future 
generations and pride overcomes 

2544
02:16:37,200 --> 02:16:41,000
discomfort at least temporarily 
until your hands again and your 

2545
02:16:41,008 --> 02:16:43,900
back to questioning everything. 
The parchment comes from the 

2546
02:16:43,900 --> 02:16:46,400
monasteries own sheep 
slaughtered in Autumn and 

2547
02:16:46,400 --> 02:16:49,200
processed through a series of 
steps involving lime soaking, 

2548
02:16:49,200 --> 02:16:53,100
scraping stretching and more 
scraping until the skin becomes 

2549
02:16:53,100 --> 02:16:56,900
a smooth writing surface. 
This process takes weeks and 

2550
02:16:56,900 --> 02:17:00,400
smells terrible, which is why it
happens in a building far from 

2551
02:17:00,400 --> 02:17:02,799
the main Monastery downwind. 
When possible. 

2552
02:17:03,600 --> 02:17:06,400
Nobody wants to pray while 
smelling dead sheep in various 

2553
02:17:06,400 --> 02:17:09,600
stages of becoming stationary 
ink preparation Falls to brother

2554
02:17:09,600 --> 02:17:12,500
Lucas who guards his recipes, 
like they contain secrets of 

2555
02:17:12,500 --> 02:17:16,200
salvation. 
He mixes oak gall iron sulfate 

2556
02:17:16,200 --> 02:17:19,000
Gum arabic and water in 
proportions. 

2557
02:17:19,000 --> 02:17:21,700
He claims were revealed to him 
in a dream, which he strongly 

2558
02:17:21,700 --> 02:17:24,100
suspect is not. 
Because brother, Lucas is not 

2559
02:17:24,100 --> 02:17:26,299
the kind of person who receives 
divine revelation. 

2560
02:17:26,299 --> 02:17:29,600
He's the kind of person who 
methodically experiments until 

2561
02:17:29,600 --> 02:17:33,000
finding combinations that work 
then claims divine inspiration 

2562
02:17:33,000 --> 02:17:36,500
to avoid sharing credit Still 
his ink is excellent. 

2563
02:17:36,500 --> 02:17:40,400
Black permanent and flowing 
smoothly without Feathering on 

2564
02:17:40,400 --> 02:17:42,799
parchment. 
The quills, come from geese 

2565
02:17:42,799 --> 02:17:46,299
their feathers plucked. 
Their shafts cut and shaped into

2566
02:17:46,299 --> 02:17:49,700
points. 
You go through quills rapidly in

2567
02:17:49,700 --> 02:17:51,700
winter when cold makes 
everything brittle. 

2568
02:17:52,500 --> 02:17:55,200
The good quill last, perhaps. 
Three hours of continuous 

2569
02:17:55,200 --> 02:17:57,500
writing before needing 
resharpening or replacement. 

2570
02:17:58,299 --> 02:18:00,708
Brother, Matthew maintains, the 
quill Supply sitting in the 

2571
02:18:00,716 --> 02:18:03,500
corner, with his knife 
carefully, cutting new nibs 

2572
02:18:03,500 --> 02:18:07,000
testing, each one on scrap 
parchment and cursing quietly, 

2573
02:18:07,000 --> 02:18:09,500
when they split wrong, which 
happens often enough to make 

2574
02:18:09,500 --> 02:18:12,299
cursing, a regular feature of 
his work routine today. 

2575
02:18:12,299 --> 02:18:16,100
Your copying a medical texts 
translating from Arabic to Latin

2576
02:18:16,100 --> 02:18:18,600
and working from a manuscript 
borrowed, from another 

2577
02:18:18,600 --> 02:18:21,500
Monastery, whose name you 
forgotten but whose handwriting 

2578
02:18:21,500 --> 02:18:24,600
you'd recognize anywhere because
the Scribe had this habit of 

2579
02:18:24,600 --> 02:18:28,700
making his letter G look like a 
deformed fish. the content 

2580
02:18:28,700 --> 02:18:32,400
discusses treatments for winter,
ailments chess congestion joint 

2581
02:18:32,400 --> 02:18:35,900
pain, chill Blaine's and the 
various miseries that have 

2582
02:18:35,900 --> 02:18:38,500
flicked humans, when 
temperatures drop, he pulls 

2583
02:18:38,500 --> 02:18:40,600
occasionally to wonder if the 
author of a tried these 

2584
02:18:40,600 --> 02:18:43,200
treatments or if he just wrote 
down ideas, that sounded 

2585
02:18:43,200 --> 02:18:46,900
plausible, which is how a lot of
medieval medicine works based on

2586
02:18:46,900 --> 02:18:50,500
Theory, rather than evidence 
brother Edmund adds Gold Leaf to

2587
02:18:50,500 --> 02:18:54,400
a decorated capital letter, his 
breath held his hands steady, 

2588
02:18:55,200 --> 02:18:59,299
Gold Leaf is expensive imported 
from distant lands and thin 

2589
02:18:59,299 --> 02:19:02,000
enough that breathing wrong will
scatter to cross the room where 

2590
02:19:02,000 --> 02:19:05,299
it can't be recovered. 
He uses a special adhesive made 

2591
02:19:05,299 --> 02:19:07,500
from egg whites and something 
else he won't specify. 

2592
02:19:07,500 --> 02:19:11,500
Everyone has their secret 
recipes and carefully presses, 

2593
02:19:11,500 --> 02:19:13,299
the gold leaf onto the wet 
adhesive. 

2594
02:19:13,299 --> 02:19:16,299
Smoothing it with a polished 
Stone until it gleams. 

2595
02:19:16,299 --> 02:19:20,000
The result is spectacular 
catching Candlelight making the 

2596
02:19:20,000 --> 02:19:23,400
plain text suddenly magical. 
The candles are Tallow made from

2597
02:19:23,400 --> 02:19:25,400
sheep fat burning with yellow 
flames. 

2598
02:19:25,400 --> 02:19:26,900
That flicker constantly and 
produce. 

2599
02:19:26,900 --> 02:19:30,500
Surprising amounts of smoke. 
Your eyes water, your throat 

2600
02:19:30,500 --> 02:19:32,400
tickles. 
After a few hours in the 

2601
02:19:32,407 --> 02:19:34,400
scriptorium, you smell like 
burning mutton. 

2602
02:19:34,400 --> 02:19:36,799
Which doesn't wash out easily 
and make the other monks. 

2603
02:19:36,799 --> 02:19:38,400
Give you strange looks during 
meals. 

2604
02:19:39,299 --> 02:19:43,000
These wax candles exist, the 
church uses them that their 

2605
02:19:43,008 --> 02:19:45,700
expensive reserved for important
occasions. 

2606
02:19:45,700 --> 02:19:49,000
Not for every day work, like 
keeping scribes able to see well

2607
02:19:49,000 --> 02:19:52,100
enough to avoid writing complete
nonsense and you work in 

2608
02:19:52,100 --> 02:19:54,100
silence. 
Except for occasional scraping 

2609
02:19:54,100 --> 02:19:57,600
sounds as quills. 
Cross partment, quiet, size when

2610
02:19:57,600 --> 02:20:01,000
mistakes happen and the soft 
script of brother, Matthew's 

2611
02:20:01,000 --> 02:20:04,600
knife, shaping new quills, The 
great silence technically ended 

2612
02:20:04,600 --> 02:20:08,100
up Prime but scriptorium 
etiquette encourages quietness. 

2613
02:20:08,100 --> 02:20:10,700
Anyway, concentration requires 
peace. 

2614
02:20:10,700 --> 02:20:15,000
Writing requires Focus, talking 
with disturb both and 

2615
02:20:15,000 --> 02:20:16,900
disturbing. 
Scribes is a quick way to make 

2616
02:20:16,900 --> 02:20:20,200
enemies of people who know how 
to hold grudges and have access 

2617
02:20:20,200 --> 02:20:23,600
to very sharp knives. 
Brother, Robert, the head scribe

2618
02:20:23,600 --> 02:20:27,400
moves between desks checking 
work, he's ancient may be 60 

2619
02:20:27,400 --> 02:20:30,100
years old, which is 
approximately 1,000 in medieval,

2620
02:20:30,100 --> 02:20:32,700
monk years. 
His standards are impossibly 

2621
02:20:32,700 --> 02:20:35,200
high. 
He'll reject an entire page for 

2622
02:20:35,200 --> 02:20:38,300
a single malformed letter 
demand, complete rewrites for 

2623
02:20:38,300 --> 02:20:42,000
spacing issues and hover over 
your shoulder making tiny 

2624
02:20:42,000 --> 02:20:44,800
disapproving, sounds that 
somehow feel worse than actual 

2625
02:20:44,800 --> 02:20:47,400
criticism. 
You've learned not to take it 

2626
02:20:47,400 --> 02:20:50,100
personally, brother, Robert 
treats, everyone with equal 

2627
02:20:50,100 --> 02:20:52,700
disdain which is almost 
Democratic in its fairness. 

2628
02:20:52,700 --> 02:20:56,300
The parchment before you is 
almost finished, just a few more

2629
02:20:56,300 --> 02:21:00,900
lines, remained your hand aches,
your back, aches your eyes hurt 

2630
02:21:00,900 --> 02:21:03,400
from strain, But the work is 
good. 

2631
02:21:03,400 --> 02:21:06,700
You know it's good better than 
what you could have done years 

2632
02:21:06,700 --> 02:21:08,600
ago and that Improvement 
matters. 

2633
02:21:08,600 --> 02:21:12,500
You've copied 17 books since 
joining the monastery thousands 

2634
02:21:12,500 --> 02:21:15,800
of pages hundreds of thousands 
of words preserving knowledge 

2635
02:21:15,800 --> 02:21:19,500
that might otherwise be lost 
that counts for something that 

2636
02:21:19,500 --> 02:21:22,400
counts for a lot actually even 
if right now your primary 

2637
02:21:22,400 --> 02:21:24,600
feeling is wishing, you could 
feel your fingers properly, 

2638
02:21:24,600 --> 02:21:28,000
brother, Edmund finishes, his 
illuminated capital and sits 

2639
02:21:28,000 --> 02:21:31,400
back satisfied. 
The letter is become a miniature

2640
02:21:31,400 --> 02:21:35,800
Masterpiece Gold Leaf border 
tiny angels in the corners and 

2641
02:21:35,800 --> 02:21:38,400
decorative Vines curling through
the vertical shaft. 

2642
02:21:39,100 --> 02:21:42,500
You lean over to look offering 
appreciation through a nod since

2643
02:21:42,500 --> 02:21:44,000
speaking would break 
concentration. 

2644
02:21:44,000 --> 02:21:47,700
He grins, which makes him look 
about 12 years old, despite 

2645
02:21:47,700 --> 02:21:51,100
being middle-aged and returns to
work on the next letter, the 

2646
02:21:51,100 --> 02:21:53,900
afternoon, light Fades quickly 
as it always does in winter. 

2647
02:21:54,800 --> 02:21:56,500
Brother. 
Matthew likes additional candles

2648
02:21:56,500 --> 02:21:59,100
placing them carefully around 
the room where they'll provide 

2649
02:21:59,100 --> 02:22:02,400
maximum illumination without 
casting Shadows on work 

2650
02:22:02,400 --> 02:22:04,600
surfaces. 
The temperature drops as 

2651
02:22:04,600 --> 02:22:07,900
darkness comes and you pull your
habit, tighter, tuck your feet 

2652
02:22:07,900 --> 02:22:10,500
under your seat, and blow on 
your fingers to warm them. 

2653
02:22:11,200 --> 02:22:14,900
Just a bit more righting, then 
Vespers then the evening 

2654
02:22:14,900 --> 02:22:17,000
routine. 
Starting again, your current 

2655
02:22:17,000 --> 02:22:19,800
page is medical advice about 
treating Frozen toes. 

2656
02:22:19,800 --> 02:22:23,900
The irony is not lost on you. 
Your copying instructions for 

2657
02:22:23,900 --> 02:22:26,600
curing a condition. 
You currently have sitting in a 

2658
02:22:26,600 --> 02:22:30,200
freezing room writing about 
warmth while experiencing none 

2659
02:22:31,000 --> 02:22:34,100
medieval life is full of these 
contradictions, these gaps 

2660
02:22:34,100 --> 02:22:37,200
between theory and practice 
between what should be and what 

2661
02:22:37,200 --> 02:22:41,100
is you've learned to find humor 
in the disconnection because 

2662
02:22:41,100 --> 02:22:45,100
otherwise you just be cold and 
angry and cold and angry isn't a

2663
02:22:45,100 --> 02:22:47,800
sustainable state of being the 
bell rings for Vespers. 

2664
02:22:47,800 --> 02:22:50,800
You carefully set down your 
quill sprinkle sand over the 

2665
02:22:50,808 --> 02:22:52,600
wedding to dry it fast and 
covering. 

2666
02:22:53,600 --> 02:22:56,300
Brother Robert, inspects your 
day's work, his expression 

2667
02:22:56,300 --> 02:23:00,500
neutral, which from him counts 
as High Praise, he nods once and

2668
02:23:00,500 --> 02:23:03,100
moves to the next desk. 
You've passed, the work will 

2669
02:23:03,100 --> 02:23:05,300
stand tomorrow. 
You'll start a new page. 

2670
02:23:05,300 --> 02:23:08,600
But tonight you've done enough, 
the refectory measures 40 feet 

2671
02:23:08,600 --> 02:23:12,200
by 30 feet with long tables 
arranged in rows and erased 

2672
02:23:12,200 --> 02:23:14,000
platform. 
At one end where the Abbot and 

2673
02:23:14,000 --> 02:23:17,000
Senior monk sit. 
The room is freezing, obviously 

2674
02:23:17,000 --> 02:23:20,300
because every room is freezing 
but it also smells fantastic. 

2675
02:23:21,200 --> 02:23:24,500
Bread vegetable stew. 
Wood smoke from the kitchen next

2676
02:23:24,500 --> 02:23:27,200
door and that indefinable Center
of communal. 

2677
02:23:27,200 --> 02:23:30,500
Dining, that's part Food Part 
humanity and part. 

2678
02:23:30,500 --> 02:23:32,600
Hope that whatever is being 
served is edible. 

2679
02:23:32,600 --> 02:23:36,400
You sit in your assigned Place 
determined by seniority 

2680
02:23:36,400 --> 02:23:40,400
surrounded by the same monks who
surround you at every meal three

2681
02:23:40,400 --> 02:23:44,600
times daily year after year to 
your left is Brother, John who 

2682
02:23:44,600 --> 02:23:47,400
chose very slowly and make 
thoughtful Expressions as if 

2683
02:23:47,400 --> 02:23:50,900
contemplating deep theological 
questions, but is probably just 

2684
02:23:50,900 --> 02:23:54,800
wandering why the turnips taste 
like dirt, which they do because

2685
02:23:54,800 --> 02:23:57,000
their turnips and that's how 
turnips taste. 

2686
02:23:57,900 --> 02:24:00,800
To your right is Brother Martin 
who eats quickly and efficiently

2687
02:24:00,800 --> 02:24:03,600
finishing his portion while 
you're still deciding whether 

2688
02:24:03,600 --> 02:24:07,100
the brown chunks in your stew or
meat, or possibly mushrooms, or 

2689
02:24:07,100 --> 02:24:10,400
perhaps just very determined 
vegetables, winter meals, follow

2690
02:24:10,400 --> 02:24:12,700
a pattern, established by 
necessity and tradition. 

2691
02:24:12,700 --> 02:24:16,400
Breakfast doesn't exist, the 
rule considers morning, food, 

2692
02:24:16,400 --> 02:24:19,900
unnecessary, and centuries of 
monks have somehow survived this

2693
02:24:19,900 --> 02:24:23,500
logic, even though everyone's 
stomach growls during Prime 

2694
02:24:23,500 --> 02:24:27,000
dinner arrives at noon, a main 
meal of bread and pottage 

2695
02:24:27,000 --> 02:24:30,000
occasionally, supplemented with 
cheese or fish, if the 

2696
02:24:30,000 --> 02:24:34,200
monasteries fortunes are good, 
Supper comes at 6:00, a smaller 

2697
02:24:34,200 --> 02:24:37,500
meal often just bread and Ale 
because apparently one 

2698
02:24:37,500 --> 02:24:40,400
inadequate meal per day isn't 
enough suffering and two 

2699
02:24:40,400 --> 02:24:42,600
inadequate meals are required 
for proper Spiritual 

2700
02:24:42,600 --> 02:24:45,700
Development. 
Today's dinner is pottage that 

2701
02:24:45,700 --> 02:24:48,800
medieval staple that exists 
somewhere between super and stew

2702
02:24:48,800 --> 02:24:52,700
containing whatever, vegetable 
survive storage, some grains 

2703
02:24:52,700 --> 02:24:56,300
herbs, and the Eternal hope that
quantity might compensate for 

2704
02:24:56,300 --> 02:25:00,000
limited variety. 
You recognize onions, turnips, 

2705
02:25:00,000 --> 02:25:01,800
cabbage. 
And something that might be 

2706
02:25:01,800 --> 02:25:04,100
passed. 
It The liquid is thick and 

2707
02:25:04,100 --> 02:25:07,900
grayish brown with an oily Sheen
that comes from whatever fat was

2708
02:25:07,900 --> 02:25:11,300
available, probably mutton-fat 
because the monastery has sheep 

2709
02:25:11,300 --> 02:25:14,900
and uses every part of them, 
including parts, that shouldn't 

2710
02:25:14,900 --> 02:25:17,200
become food. 
But do anyway, the bread is 

2711
02:25:17,200 --> 02:25:20,300
dense dark and heavy enough to 
be used as a weapon if 

2712
02:25:20,300 --> 02:25:21,800
weaponizing bread were 
necessary. 

2713
02:25:22,500 --> 02:25:27,400
It's made from mixed grains 
wheat, Rye barley, whatever was 

2714
02:25:27,400 --> 02:25:29,700
harvested and whatever 
proportions made sense. 

2715
02:25:30,500 --> 02:25:34,300
The crust is thick and chewy the
interior is slightly sour from 

2716
02:25:34,300 --> 02:25:37,000
fermentation, which is 
intentional and improves the 

2717
02:25:37,008 --> 02:25:39,900
flavor, or at least makes you 
think the flavor is intentional 

2718
02:25:39,900 --> 02:25:42,500
rather than accidental. 
You break off a chunk. 

2719
02:25:42,500 --> 02:25:45,700
Dip it in your pottage and the 
bread, soaks up Liquid like a 

2720
02:25:45,700 --> 02:25:49,100
sponge becoming soft enough to 
eat without risking broken 

2721
02:25:49,100 --> 02:25:51,300
teeth. 
The ale is weak, which is good 

2722
02:25:51,300 --> 02:25:53,500
because you're drinking it for 
hydration, rather than 

2723
02:25:53,500 --> 02:25:57,000
entertainment water from the 
well is unsafe without boiling. 

2724
02:25:57,000 --> 02:26:00,400
But also fermentation process, 
kills, whatever, tiny demons 

2725
02:26:00,400 --> 02:26:02,700
called sickness. 
So El becomes the standard 

2726
02:26:02,700 --> 02:26:04,900
beverage. 
It tastes like bread water, 

2727
02:26:04,900 --> 02:26:07,500
which makes sense, because 
that's essentially what it is. 

2728
02:26:07,500 --> 02:26:11,600
Fermented grain liquid with 
minimal alcohol content, dark 

2729
02:26:11,600 --> 02:26:14,900
brown slightly sweet and 
Consumed in quantities that 

2730
02:26:14,900 --> 02:26:18,100
would allow modern doctors but 
just represent normal, medieval 

2731
02:26:18,100 --> 02:26:21,700
fluid intake, brother, Paul 
Young monk who still seems 

2732
02:26:21,700 --> 02:26:23,700
perpetually surprised by 
monastic life. 

2733
02:26:24,300 --> 02:26:27,200
Stares at his pottage with an 
expression, suggesting internal 

2734
02:26:27,200 --> 02:26:30,500
debate about whether eating it 
constitutes nourishment or 

2735
02:26:30,500 --> 02:26:33,400
punishment. 
You remember feeling that way 

2736
02:26:33,400 --> 02:26:36,200
during your first winter? 
Looking at turnips stew and 

2737
02:26:36,200 --> 02:26:38,700
thinking, this cannot possibly 
be dinner. 

2738
02:26:39,500 --> 02:26:40,800
This is what dinner would look 
like. 

2739
02:26:40,800 --> 02:26:43,500
After some terrible accident, 
involving all the worst 

2740
02:26:43,500 --> 02:26:48,900
vegetables, But you adapted, 
everyone adapts, he will too or 

2741
02:26:48,900 --> 02:26:51,100
he'll leave. 
And either outcome is fine 

2742
02:26:51,100 --> 02:26:53,600
because monastic life requires 
commitment, and commitment 

2743
02:26:53,600 --> 02:26:56,300
requires accepting turnips stew.
As valid food. 

2744
02:26:56,300 --> 02:26:59,700
The reading during meals, is 
from scripture with Brother, 

2745
02:26:59,700 --> 02:27:02,500
Richard standing at a lectern, 
projecting his voice across the 

2746
02:27:02,500 --> 02:27:05,700
refectory. 
Today it sounds which are pretty

2747
02:27:05,700 --> 02:27:09,100
but not particularly exciting 
and your attention drifts while 

2748
02:27:09,100 --> 02:27:11,900
your mouth continues. 
Mechanically eating, you've 

2749
02:27:11,900 --> 02:27:15,300
heard these Psalms 100 of times.
You could probably recite them 

2750
02:27:15,300 --> 02:27:17,800
from memory. 
But the rule requires reading 

2751
02:27:17,800 --> 02:27:20,800
during meals to prevent idle 
conversation an idol 

2752
02:27:20,808 --> 02:27:23,700
conversation leads to gossip and
gossip is sin. 

2753
02:27:23,700 --> 02:27:26,800
So instead you listen to verses 
about God being your Shepherd 

2754
02:27:26,800 --> 02:27:29,700
while eating vegetables that 
taste like they were shepherded 

2755
02:27:29,700 --> 02:27:33,100
through dirt silence during 
meals is mandatory except for 

2756
02:27:33,100 --> 02:27:35,400
the readers voice. 
You can communicate through 

2757
02:27:35,400 --> 02:27:37,500
gestures pointing at the Bread 
Basket. 

2758
02:27:37,500 --> 02:27:39,700
If you want more bread, holding 
up your cup. 

2759
02:27:39,700 --> 02:27:42,800
If you need more ale and making 
eye contact with the server when

2760
02:27:42,800 --> 02:27:45,900
you're finished. 
This silent system works 

2761
02:27:45,900 --> 02:27:48,900
surprisingly. 
Well eliminating the chaos that 

2762
02:27:48,900 --> 02:27:52,400
would come from everyone talking
at once and also eliminating the

2763
02:27:52,400 --> 02:27:55,800
opportunity to complain about 
food which probably saves 

2764
02:27:55,800 --> 02:27:58,900
considerable tension because 
everyone has opinions about the 

2765
02:27:58,900 --> 02:28:01,400
pottage and most of those 
opinions would not be 

2766
02:28:01,400 --> 02:28:02,900
constructive. 
Brother. 

2767
02:28:02,900 --> 02:28:05,400
Jeffrey the Kitchener moves 
through the refectory checking 

2768
02:28:05,400 --> 02:28:08,500
that everyone has adequate 
portions adding more stew here. 

2769
02:28:08,500 --> 02:28:12,200
More bread there, he's a large 
man, which seems unfair give 

2770
02:28:12,200 --> 02:28:14,400
them that he controls food 
distribution and could 

2771
02:28:14,400 --> 02:28:16,100
theoretically eat whatever he 
wants. 

2772
02:28:16,108 --> 02:28:19,400
But actually, he's large because
he worked as a laborer before, 

2773
02:28:19,400 --> 02:28:21,900
joining the monastery and 
mussels don't disappear. 

2774
02:28:21,900 --> 02:28:25,500
Just because you start praying 
instead of plowing he spots 

2775
02:28:25,500 --> 02:28:28,500
Brother, Paul's barely touched 
bowl and makes a Stern gesture. 

2776
02:28:28,500 --> 02:28:31,900
Meaning each of food, young man,
people are starving in your 

2777
02:28:31,900 --> 02:28:34,700
being wasteful. 
Rather Paul reluctantly spoon's 

2778
02:28:34,700 --> 02:28:37,500
pottage into his mouth, his 
expression, suggesting he's 

2779
02:28:37,500 --> 02:28:40,500
eating punishment, the portion 
of smaller than they were in 

2780
02:28:40,500 --> 02:28:44,000
Autumn nobody comments on this 
officially, but everyone notices

2781
02:28:45,400 --> 02:28:48,100
brother Jeffrey is stretching 
supplies to last until spring 

2782
02:28:48,100 --> 02:28:51,400
Harvest, which is months away. 
And spring Harvest is 

2783
02:28:51,400 --> 02:28:54,300
theoretical. 
It depends on whether on 

2784
02:28:54,300 --> 02:28:57,400
successful planting and on 
nothing going catastrophically 

2785
02:28:57,400 --> 02:29:01,900
wrong with crops Medieval food 
security is precarious at Best. 

2786
02:29:01,900 --> 02:29:05,100
You've lived through lean 
Springs when winter stores ran 

2787
02:29:05,100 --> 02:29:08,300
out early and everyone survived 
on increasingly meager rations 

2788
02:29:08,300 --> 02:29:10,200
until finally something edible 
grew. 

2789
02:29:10,800 --> 02:29:13,200
Those memories make current 
portions seem generous by 

2790
02:29:13,200 --> 02:29:15,500
comparison. 
After dinner comes a brief 

2791
02:29:15,500 --> 02:29:17,900
period of digestion before. 
None in the afternoon prayers, 

2792
02:29:17,900 --> 02:29:21,600
you sit quietly feeling the warm
weight of food in your stomach 

2793
02:29:21,600 --> 02:29:23,600
which is Pleasant despite the 
food shortcomings. 

2794
02:29:24,400 --> 02:29:27,200
Being full, even temporarily, 
even on turnip pottage 

2795
02:29:27,200 --> 02:29:30,200
represents success, your body, 
relaxes your mind. 

2796
02:29:30,200 --> 02:29:33,300
Settles. 
This is Comfort medieval style, 

2797
02:29:33,300 --> 02:29:36,300
not luxury. 
Not indulgent just basic 

2798
02:29:36,300 --> 02:29:39,100
satisfaction of hunger, which 
shouldn't be remarkable but 

2799
02:29:39,100 --> 02:29:43,500
somehow is supper's simpler. 
Bread hard cheese and more ale. 

2800
02:29:43,500 --> 02:29:46,500
The cheese comes from the 
monasteries Dairy Maid last 

2801
02:29:46,500 --> 02:29:48,900
summer from sheep milk, aged in 
the cellar. 

2802
02:29:48,900 --> 02:29:52,000
And now hard enough to require 
soaring rather than cutting. 

2803
02:29:52,000 --> 02:29:55,800
It tastes sharp and salty with 
crystalline bits that crunch 

2804
02:29:55,800 --> 02:29:59,700
between your teeth. 
You nibble slowly making it last

2805
02:29:59,700 --> 02:30:03,200
because this is your final food 
until tomorrow's dinner unless 

2806
02:30:03,200 --> 02:30:06,000
the Abbott declares a feast day,
which he won't because winter 

2807
02:30:06,000 --> 02:30:07,700
offers no reasonable Feast to 
occasions. 

2808
02:30:07,700 --> 02:30:10,900
Sometimes when you're feeling 
philosophical, you think about 

2809
02:30:10,900 --> 02:30:14,300
how food connects everything. 
The Sheep, whose milk made 

2810
02:30:14,300 --> 02:30:17,100
cheese. 
Whose meat becomes stew, whose 

2811
02:30:17,100 --> 02:30:20,200
wool makes your habit. 
The grain planted last spring, 

2812
02:30:20,200 --> 02:30:23,300
harvested in Autumn is now, 
feeding you through winter. 

2813
02:30:23,300 --> 02:30:27,500
The monk, who baked bread, who 
stirred pottage and to maintain 

2814
02:30:27,500 --> 02:30:30,200
the stores. 
Nothing exists in isolation 

2815
02:30:30,200 --> 02:30:33,100
every meal represents countless 
connections. 

2816
02:30:33,100 --> 02:30:35,300
And maybe that's what the rule 
means. 

2817
02:30:35,300 --> 02:30:37,900
When it talks about communal. 
Living about being part of 

2818
02:30:37,908 --> 02:30:40,900
something larger than yourself, 
or maybe you're just hungry 

2819
02:30:40,900 --> 02:30:44,000
enough to romanticize turnips, 
which is probably a sign that 

2820
02:30:44,000 --> 02:30:47,900
you should finish eating and 
stop thinking so much the bell 

2821
02:30:47,900 --> 02:30:51,800
rings for Vespers time to pray. 
You'll sell is exactly as you 

2822
02:30:51,800 --> 02:30:54,600
left it, which would be 
surprising except nothing in a 

2823
02:30:54,608 --> 02:30:58,400
monastery ever changes, unless 
it breaks or someone dies and 

2824
02:30:58,400 --> 02:31:02,000
even then changes happen slowly 
because Traditions heavily and 

2825
02:31:02,000 --> 02:31:04,300
Innovation looks suspiciously 
like Pride. 

2826
02:31:05,800 --> 02:31:08,600
The straw mattress is compressed
slightly from your body weight 

2827
02:31:08,600 --> 02:31:11,900
over years, creating a U-shaped 
depression that would be 

2828
02:31:11,900 --> 02:31:14,300
comfortable except straw isn't 
comfortable under any 

2829
02:31:14,300 --> 02:31:16,900
circumstances. 
Just less uncomfortable than 

2830
02:31:16,900 --> 02:31:20,400
sleeping directly on wood, 
which, you know, from experience

2831
02:31:20,400 --> 02:31:23,100
because your first year here, 
you are too proud to complain 

2832
02:31:23,100 --> 02:31:26,300
when your mattress needed 
replacing and spent six months 

2833
02:31:26,300 --> 02:31:29,600
sleeping on the wooden platform.
Before finally admitting that 

2834
02:31:29,600 --> 02:31:32,600
suffering stupidly differs from 
suffering for spiritual growth. 

2835
02:31:32,600 --> 02:31:36,100
The wool blanket is where you 
left it this morning folded at 

2836
02:31:36,100 --> 02:31:39,100
the foot of the bed waiting to 
resume, its nightly role of 

2837
02:31:39,100 --> 02:31:42,400
being simultaneously too. 
Heavy and insufficiently warm 

2838
02:31:43,300 --> 02:31:46,200
You've had this same blanket for
eight years and its developed 

2839
02:31:46,200 --> 02:31:48,800
personality. 
There's a patch near the corner 

2840
02:31:48,800 --> 02:31:51,800
where moths got adventurous and 
left holes shaped like tiny 

2841
02:31:51,800 --> 02:31:55,400
conspiracy theories and the 
weave has stretched unevenly. 

2842
02:31:55,400 --> 02:31:58,300
So one Edge is longer than the 
other and when you shake it out 

2843
02:31:58,300 --> 02:32:01,300
dust danced in the candlelight 
like their celebrating their 

2844
02:32:01,300 --> 02:32:04,700
freedom, the wooden cross on the
wall is simple and undecorated. 

2845
02:32:05,700 --> 02:32:09,000
Kind of thing, someone carved, 
centuries ago and decided was 

2846
02:32:09,000 --> 02:32:12,300
adequate for reminding monks 
about crucifixion without being.

2847
02:32:12,300 --> 02:32:15,200
So elaborate that it became a 
distraction through artistry. 

2848
02:32:16,400 --> 02:32:18,900
You've stared at this cross for 
thousands, of hours, across 

2849
02:32:18,900 --> 02:32:21,800
thousands of nights and 
sometimes you find it comforting

2850
02:32:21,800 --> 02:32:24,800
and sometimes you find it 
accused a tree as if it's asking

2851
02:32:24,800 --> 02:32:27,700
why you're not suffering more 
efficiently, which is probably 

2852
02:32:27,700 --> 02:32:30,900
your own guilt projecting onto 
inanimate objects but late at 

2853
02:32:30,900 --> 02:32:34,300
night alone in your cell that 
crossed definitely has opinions.

2854
02:32:34,300 --> 02:32:37,600
The ceramic water jug on your 
table is currently empty because

2855
02:32:37,600 --> 02:32:40,700
you drank it all yesterday and 
forgot to refill it which means 

2856
02:32:40,700 --> 02:32:43,100
you'll be thirsty during the 
night, and will have to choose 

2857
02:32:43,100 --> 02:32:46,200
between staying in your cold 
bed, being thirsty, or getting 

2858
02:32:46,200 --> 02:32:48,600
up and walking to the well in 
freezing temperatures, while 

2859
02:32:48,600 --> 02:32:51,700
wearing sandals and a habit, 
neither of which protects 

2860
02:32:51,700 --> 02:32:54,800
against Winter Wind. 
This is what philosophers call a

2861
02:32:54,800 --> 02:32:56,500
dilemma. 
This is what you call. 

2862
02:32:56,500 --> 02:33:00,300
Poor planning brother Thomas has
the cell next to yours and his 

2863
02:33:00,300 --> 02:33:04,700
snoring starts around 10:00 and 
continues until dawn varying in 

2864
02:33:04,700 --> 02:33:07,800
volume, but never disappearing 
entirely like someone trying to 

2865
02:33:07,800 --> 02:33:09,800
Source through a tree using only
their nose. 

2866
02:33:09,800 --> 02:33:13,000
You've gotten used to it the way
you get used to all constant 

2867
02:33:13,000 --> 02:33:15,200
irritation. 
Not acceptance, exactly. 

2868
02:33:15,200 --> 02:33:18,600
But a kind of resigned tolerance
that looks similar from outside.

2869
02:33:19,500 --> 02:33:22,100
Sometimes you lie awake thinking
about how monks are supposed to 

2870
02:33:22,108 --> 02:33:24,700
be charitable and understanding 
and you're supposed to love your

2871
02:33:24,700 --> 02:33:27,200
brother as yourself. 
And you do love brother Thomas 

2872
02:33:27,200 --> 02:33:30,100
generally, it is snoring. 
Makes you understand why some 

2873
02:33:30,100 --> 02:33:33,400
desert Hermits chose total 
Solitude over Community? 

2874
02:33:33,400 --> 02:33:35,200
Living the night prayers are 
simple. 

2875
02:33:35,200 --> 02:33:37,600
Just you and God and the 
Darkness. 

2876
02:33:38,500 --> 02:33:41,200
You kneel beside your bed 
because kneeling is traditional 

2877
02:33:41,200 --> 02:33:43,700
and traditional matters, even 
though your knees are 

2878
02:33:43,700 --> 02:33:47,200
middle-aged knees with opinions 
about Stone floors, you pray for

2879
02:33:47,208 --> 02:33:50,100
family members in the village, 
for the monastery, for 

2880
02:33:50,100 --> 02:33:53,400
successful, completion of 
tomorrow's work and for warmth 

2881
02:33:53,400 --> 02:33:56,300
always for warmth. 
Because while, you know that 

2882
02:33:56,300 --> 02:33:58,500
prayer isn't a magic wish 
granting system. 

2883
02:33:58,500 --> 02:34:01,500
You also know that God is 
theoretically omnipotent and 

2884
02:34:01,500 --> 02:34:03,800
could definitely make your cell 
warmer if God wanted to. 

2885
02:34:03,800 --> 02:34:06,900
And it doesn't hurt to ask right
getting into bed. 

2886
02:34:06,900 --> 02:34:10,100
Requires strategy. 
You blow out your candle first 

2887
02:34:10,100 --> 02:34:12,500
because leaving it, burning 
would be wasteful and dangerous 

2888
02:34:12,500 --> 02:34:15,200
and stupid. 
So, Darkness becomes complete 

2889
02:34:16,000 --> 02:34:18,400
Then you climb onto the bed 
while still wearing your habit 

2890
02:34:18,400 --> 02:34:20,400
because removing clothing would 
be insane. 

2891
02:34:20,400 --> 02:34:24,200
The wool makes contact with your
legs and you Flinch because wool

2892
02:34:24,200 --> 02:34:26,600
is scratchy in your legs will 
not prepared for this assault. 

2893
02:34:26,600 --> 02:34:30,200
You pull the blanket over 
yourself, using your feet to 

2894
02:34:30,200 --> 02:34:33,000
touch the edge as around your 
body, creating a cocoon. 

2895
02:34:33,000 --> 02:34:35,000
That should theoretically trap 
body heat. 

2896
02:34:35,000 --> 02:34:37,900
But actually just traps cold air
and makes you feel like you're 

2897
02:34:37,900 --> 02:34:40,900
sleeping inside a cave. 
Your pillow is a cloth sex 

2898
02:34:40,900 --> 02:34:44,000
stuffed with straw, and it makes
crinkly sound when you move your

2899
02:34:44,008 --> 02:34:47,400
head, like someone walking on 
Autumn Leaves, except it's 

2900
02:34:47,400 --> 02:34:50,200
winter, and there are no leaves 
in your just trying to sleep. 

2901
02:34:51,000 --> 02:34:53,600
The pillow smells like dust and 
old straw, and the general 

2902
02:34:53,600 --> 02:34:56,100
mustiness, that accumulates, 
when things are neither, fully 

2903
02:34:56,100 --> 02:34:59,200
drying or actively wet, but 
exists in some unfortunate 

2904
02:34:59,200 --> 02:35:02,400
middle State, you've thought 
about asking for a new pillow, 

2905
02:35:02,400 --> 02:35:04,900
but that would require admitting
your current pillow is 

2906
02:35:04,900 --> 02:35:07,800
inadequate which feels like 
complaining and complaining, 

2907
02:35:07,800 --> 02:35:11,300
undermines the whole suffering 
builds character philosophy that

2908
02:35:11,300 --> 02:35:14,700
underpins monastic life brother.
Paul in the cell on your other 

2909
02:35:14,700 --> 02:35:16,100
side is having difficulty 
sleeping. 

2910
02:35:16,100 --> 02:35:18,900
You can hear small, sounds 
shifting position. 

2911
02:35:18,900 --> 02:35:21,200
Sighing the rustling of his 
straw mattress. 

2912
02:35:21,200 --> 02:35:24,400
He still adjusting to Winter 
conditions, and adjustment takes

2913
02:35:24,400 --> 02:35:26,600
time. 
You remember your first winter 

2914
02:35:26,600 --> 02:35:30,300
lying awake, for hours, shocked 
that humans could survive these 

2915
02:35:30,300 --> 02:35:32,800
temperatures. 
Convinced, you'd made a terrible

2916
02:35:32,800 --> 02:35:36,600
mistake, choosing monastic life,
but you did survive and you made

2917
02:35:36,608 --> 02:35:39,700
it to Spring and eventually you 
stopped thinking about cold as 

2918
02:35:39,700 --> 02:35:42,900
unusual and started thinking 
about it as normal, which is 

2919
02:35:42,900 --> 02:35:46,100
either growth or Surrender. 
You're still not entirely sure, 

2920
02:35:46,100 --> 02:35:50,500
which the darkness is absolute. 
No moon tonight, no stars 

2921
02:35:50,500 --> 02:35:52,200
visible. 
Even if your cell had a window, 

2922
02:35:52,200 --> 02:35:55,100
which it doesn't, you exist in a
black void. 

2923
02:35:55,100 --> 02:35:58,000
With only your thoughts for 
company which isn't necessarily 

2924
02:35:58,000 --> 02:36:00,800
Pleasant because your thoughts 
at night tend toward worry. 

2925
02:36:01,700 --> 02:36:04,700
Did you properly secure? 
The garden tools is the grain 

2926
02:36:04,700 --> 02:36:06,600
store. 
Adequate your brother. 

2927
02:36:06,600 --> 02:36:08,900
Martin remember to check the 
dove Cote roof. 

2928
02:36:08,900 --> 02:36:12,800
These concerns are probably 
unnecessary but they occupy your

2929
02:36:12,800 --> 02:36:15,400
mind. 
Anyway, cycling through on 

2930
02:36:15,400 --> 02:36:18,300
repeat, like someone's prayer 
routine, except less spiritual 

2931
02:36:18,300 --> 02:36:20,600
and more anxious. 
Your feet are cold. 

2932
02:36:20,600 --> 02:36:23,600
This is not news. 
Your feet are always cold in 

2933
02:36:23,600 --> 02:36:26,900
winter but right now they're 
particularly cold as if they're 

2934
02:36:26,900 --> 02:36:28,900
staging. 
Some kind of protest about being

2935
02:36:28,900 --> 02:36:32,000
attached to your body and would 
prefer to be somewhere tropical 

2936
02:36:32,000 --> 02:36:36,200
you, curl tighter trying to trap
any possible warmth, but your 

2937
02:36:36,200 --> 02:36:38,800
body is producing minimal heat 
because you haven't eaten enough

2938
02:36:38,800 --> 02:36:41,900
calories to fuel significant 
heat production and this is a 

2939
02:36:41,900 --> 02:36:43,300
problem that prayer alone won't 
solve. 

2940
02:36:43,300 --> 02:36:46,300
But there's nothing you can do 
about it at midnight in a 

2941
02:36:46,300 --> 02:36:49,200
freezing cell, except accept it 
and hope morning comes, quickly,

2942
02:36:49,200 --> 02:36:52,600
sleep arrives eventually though.
Not the restful sleep of summer,

2943
02:36:52,600 --> 02:36:55,700
winter. 
Sleep is fragmented, you drifted

2944
02:36:55,700 --> 02:36:58,700
in and out and sometimes you're 
not sure if you're sleeping or 

2945
02:36:58,700 --> 02:37:00,300
just resting with your eyes 
closed. 

2946
02:37:01,200 --> 02:37:04,600
You dream about being warm, 
which seems cruel and you wait 

2947
02:37:04,600 --> 02:37:07,300
several times to adjust position
because lying still for two 

2948
02:37:07,300 --> 02:37:09,300
long. 
Makes everything hurt brother. 

2949
02:37:09,300 --> 02:37:13,100
Thomas is snoring provides a 
kind of Rhythm to the night, a 

2950
02:37:13,100 --> 02:37:14,600
sound track to your 
semi-consciousness. 

2951
02:37:14,600 --> 02:37:18,200
That's almost comforting in its 
predictability around 2:00, the 

2952
02:37:18,200 --> 02:37:21,000
bell rings for vigils, you 
surface from whatever shallow 

2953
02:37:21,000 --> 02:37:22,700
sleep. 
You achieved momentarily. 

2954
02:37:22,700 --> 02:37:26,100
Confused about where you are. 
Why it's dark and why you're so 

2955
02:37:26,108 --> 02:37:29,200
cold? 
Then reality research itself, 

2956
02:37:29,200 --> 02:37:33,100
you're a monk, it's winter and 
it's time for night prayers. 

2957
02:37:33,100 --> 02:37:36,500
You sit up feel around for your 
sandals, in the darkness, locate

2958
02:37:36,500 --> 02:37:39,400
the eventually, and prepare to 
start the entire cycle. 

2959
02:37:39,400 --> 02:37:43,200
Again, this is your life. 
This is what you chose tomorrow 

2960
02:37:43,200 --> 02:37:45,100
night. 
Will be the same and the night 

2961
02:37:45,100 --> 02:37:47,600
after that. 
And every night until spring, 

2962
02:37:47,600 --> 02:37:50,500
the great silence between 
complain and Prime creates a 

2963
02:37:50,508 --> 02:37:52,300
particular quality in the 
monastery. 

2964
02:37:52,900 --> 02:37:56,000
A thickness to the darkness. 
That goes beyond simple absence 

2965
02:37:56,000 --> 02:37:58,800
of speech. 
You move through this silence 

2966
02:37:58,800 --> 02:38:03,000
like moving through water aware 
of its resistance conscious of 

2967
02:38:03,000 --> 02:38:06,100
how your footsteps Echo and 
careful, not to disturb the 

2968
02:38:06,100 --> 02:38:07,800
peace that both holy and 
fragile. 

2969
02:38:08,900 --> 02:38:11,800
Other monks become Shadows 
passing in corridors, their 

2970
02:38:11,800 --> 02:38:14,700
presence acknowledged through 
brief, nods, their identity, 

2971
02:38:14,700 --> 02:38:17,100
sometimes on certain in the 
darkness because you're all 

2972
02:38:17,108 --> 02:38:19,600
wearing identical habits, and 
moving with identical. 

2973
02:38:19,600 --> 02:38:23,300
Careful silence, the church 
during vigils is a study in, 

2974
02:38:23,308 --> 02:38:27,900
quiet motion. 30 monks, enter 
process to their choir stalls. 

2975
02:38:27,900 --> 02:38:31,800
Neil on Stone floors and pray. 
All without speaking. 

2976
02:38:31,800 --> 02:38:36,000
All synchronized through years 
of practice, all maintaining a 

2977
02:38:36,000 --> 02:38:37,900
silent. 
That feel substantial enough to 

2978
02:38:37,908 --> 02:38:41,900
touch When the Abbot Begins, the
Latin prayers, his voice, sounds

2979
02:38:41,900 --> 02:38:45,400
startling, despite being 
expected breaking the quiet with

2980
02:38:45,400 --> 02:38:48,900
words, that immediately become 
part of it prayers, absorbing 

2981
02:38:48,900 --> 02:38:50,800
into silence rather than 
displacing. 

2982
02:38:50,800 --> 02:38:53,400
It you've learned to hear things
you never noticed before. 

2983
02:38:53,400 --> 02:38:57,600
Silence became constant, the 
wind outside obviously, but also

2984
02:38:57,600 --> 02:39:00,000
the buildings Creeks as 
temperature, changes, affect 

2985
02:39:00,000 --> 02:39:02,700
wood and stone. 
The scuttling sounds that might 

2986
02:39:02,700 --> 02:39:05,600
be mice or might be your 
imagination and the distant 

2987
02:39:05,600 --> 02:39:08,400
cough from Brother Peter that he
tries to muffle, but can't quite

2988
02:39:08,400 --> 02:39:11,000
suppress. 
These small sounds become 

2989
02:39:11,000 --> 02:39:12,800
significant. 
When speeches forbidden. 

2990
02:39:13,400 --> 02:39:16,100
Taking on meaning, they wouldn't
have during daylight when 

2991
02:39:16,100 --> 02:39:19,000
conversation makes everything 
ordinary communication. 

2992
02:39:19,000 --> 02:39:22,000
Happens, through gestures, 
refined over Decades of Silent. 

2993
02:39:22,000 --> 02:39:25,800
Practice appointed. 
Finger means, come here, two 

2994
02:39:25,800 --> 02:39:27,700
fingers. 
Walking through are means go 

2995
02:39:27,700 --> 02:39:31,000
their hand. 
Over stomach means hungry hand. 

2996
02:39:31,000 --> 02:39:34,600
To mouth means thirsty. 
Hand waving means urgent and 

2997
02:39:34,600 --> 02:39:37,900
hand on shoulder means wait. 
You've developed entire 

2998
02:39:37,900 --> 02:39:41,500
vocabulary of touch and motion 
able to convey complex ideas 

2999
02:39:41,500 --> 02:39:45,100
without words though sometimes 
the gestures become comically 

3000
02:39:45,100 --> 02:39:48,400
elaborate as you try to express 
something specific and end up 

3001
02:39:48,408 --> 02:39:49,900
looking. 
Like your conducting an 

3002
02:39:49,900 --> 02:39:53,000
invisible Orchestra while having
a mild seizure, brother, John as

3003
02:39:53,000 --> 02:39:56,200
mastered, the art of Silent 
reproach, he can communicate 

3004
02:39:56,200 --> 02:39:59,400
disappointment through eyebrow 
position alone, making you feel 

3005
02:39:59,400 --> 02:40:02,000
guilty about transgressions. 
You haven't even committed yet. 

3006
02:40:02,800 --> 02:40:06,900
His particular specialty is the 
look that combination of raised 

3007
02:40:06,900 --> 02:40:09,000
eyebrows pursed, lips and head 
tilt. 

3008
02:40:09,000 --> 02:40:12,300
That somehow means you've done 
something wrong and should know 

3009
02:40:12,300 --> 02:40:14,100
what it is and should fix it 
immediately. 

3010
02:40:15,000 --> 02:40:17,500
You've tried explaining to him 
that Silent Communication, 

3011
02:40:17,500 --> 02:40:20,100
shouldn't include judgment. 
But you explain this during 

3012
02:40:20,100 --> 02:40:23,600
great silence using gestures and
he just gave you the look in 

3013
02:40:23,600 --> 02:40:24,800
response, which proved his 
point. 

3014
02:40:24,800 --> 02:40:27,800
The Practical challenges of 
Silence are considerable. 

3015
02:40:27,800 --> 02:40:31,300
When Brother, Martin discovered,
mice in the grain storage, he 

3016
02:40:31,300 --> 02:40:33,600
couldn't announce this verbally 
during great silence. 

3017
02:40:33,600 --> 02:40:37,500
So he caught a mouse, carried it
to the chapter house and placed 

3018
02:40:37,500 --> 02:40:39,800
it on the table during the 
morning meeting which 

3019
02:40:39,800 --> 02:40:43,100
effectively communicated the 
problem, but also caused several

3020
02:40:43,100 --> 02:40:46,100
monks to jump and brother. 
Paul to make a sound somewhere 

3021
02:40:46,100 --> 02:40:49,800
between a squeak and a gasp. 
This method of reporting issues 

3022
02:40:49,800 --> 02:40:53,700
is memorable but not recommended
sometimes silence becomes 

3023
02:40:53,700 --> 02:40:56,900
oppressive rather than peaceful 
particularly during Long Winter 

3024
02:40:56,900 --> 02:40:59,700
nights when your cold and 
uncomfortable and would really 

3025
02:40:59,700 --> 02:41:03,000
like to complain. 
But can't The frustration builds

3026
02:41:03,000 --> 02:41:06,200
inside you like pressure in a 
sealed container and you 

3027
02:41:06,200 --> 02:41:08,500
understand why some monks 
occasionally have emotional 

3028
02:41:08,500 --> 02:41:11,500
outbursts suddenly shouting 
about turnips or whether or the 

3029
02:41:11,508 --> 02:41:14,200
unfairness of wool blankets 
before remembering themselves 

3030
02:41:14,200 --> 02:41:15,800
and returning to sheepish 
silence. 

3031
02:41:16,500 --> 02:41:18,700
You've never had such an 
outburst, but you thought about 

3032
02:41:18,700 --> 02:41:22,000
it detailed fantasies about 
standing in the refectory and 

3033
02:41:22,000 --> 02:41:24,900
delivering, lengthy speeches 
about reasonable expectations 

3034
02:41:24,900 --> 02:41:27,700
regarding winter Comfort. 
The infirmary is technically 

3035
02:41:27,700 --> 02:41:30,600
exempt from Silence rules when 
medical necessity requires 

3036
02:41:30,600 --> 02:41:33,300
communication. 
But brother, William interprets,

3037
02:41:33,300 --> 02:41:35,600
medical necessity, very 
narrowly. 

3038
02:41:36,400 --> 02:41:39,800
You once developed a terrible 
cough, during great silence went

3039
02:41:39,800 --> 02:41:42,500
to the infirmary seeking 
medicine and had to communicate 

3040
02:41:42,500 --> 02:41:45,300
your symptoms entirely through 
gestures while brother William 

3041
02:41:45,300 --> 02:41:48,600
watched with increasing 
confusion and until you finally 

3042
02:41:48,600 --> 02:41:51,100
mind coughing. 
So dramatically that he 

3043
02:41:51,100 --> 02:41:53,400
understood and provided syrup 
though. 

3044
02:41:53,400 --> 02:41:56,400
He also gave you a stern look, 
suggesting your exaggerating for

3045
02:41:56,400 --> 02:42:00,000
attention, which you weren't 
Though the dramatic coughing, 

3046
02:42:00,000 --> 02:42:02,900
mine might have been slightly 
over the top, the scriptorium 

3047
02:42:02,900 --> 02:42:05,500
maintained silence even during 
speaking hours, because 

3048
02:42:05,500 --> 02:42:09,500
concentration requires quiet. 
This creates weird situations 

3049
02:42:09,500 --> 02:42:12,800
where you're allowed to talk but
choose not to and the silence 

3050
02:42:12,800 --> 02:42:15,900
becomes voluntary rather than 
mandatory which feels different 

3051
02:42:15,900 --> 02:42:18,300
somehow. 
Brother Edmunds. 

3052
02:42:18,300 --> 02:42:21,800
He prefers working in silence 
because it lets him Focus, but 

3053
02:42:21,800 --> 02:42:24,500
you've noticed, he has the first
person to start conversation. 

3054
02:42:24,500 --> 02:42:27,900
When speaking is permitted, 
suggesting his love of Silence, 

3055
02:42:27,900 --> 02:42:30,900
might be more theoretical than 
practical walking through the 

3056
02:42:30,900 --> 02:42:34,200
Cloister during great silence, 
you become aware of your body. 

3057
02:42:34,200 --> 02:42:39,100
Sounds breath heartbeat joints, 
cracking stomach gurgling. 

3058
02:42:40,100 --> 02:42:42,400
These noises that disappear into
normal daily. 

3059
02:42:42,400 --> 02:42:46,100
Chaos become prominent in quiet,
making you self-conscious about 

3060
02:42:46,100 --> 02:42:49,100
biological functions. 
You can't control brother, 

3061
02:42:49,100 --> 02:42:51,100
Thomas's knees sound like 
breaking branches. 

3062
02:42:51,100 --> 02:42:55,100
When he kneels during silent 
prayers, everyone can hear them.

3063
02:42:55,100 --> 02:42:58,000
And you can sense his 
embarrassment through his rigid 

3064
02:42:58,000 --> 02:43:00,300
posture, though. 
Nobody acknowledges it because 

3065
02:43:00,300 --> 02:43:03,400
acknowledging would require 
speaking or gesturing and both 

3066
02:43:03,400 --> 02:43:06,100
would be rude. 
The monasteries cats maintain 

3067
02:43:06,100 --> 02:43:07,900
their own counsel regarding 
silence. 

3068
02:43:07,900 --> 02:43:11,800
They vocalize whenever they want
meowing for food, hissing at 

3069
02:43:11,808 --> 02:43:14,800
mice and making strange sounds 
during mating season. 

3070
02:43:14,800 --> 02:43:17,900
That wake everyone and generate 
the next days, only breakfast 

3071
02:43:17,900 --> 02:43:20,600
conversation because apparently 
cat sounds don't count as 

3072
02:43:20,600 --> 02:43:22,300
breaking silence when discussing
them. 

3073
02:43:23,100 --> 02:43:26,000
Brother, Jeffrey feeds, the cats
kitchen scraps and claims they 

3074
02:43:26,000 --> 02:43:28,900
earn their keep catching 
rodents, though you've observed 

3075
02:43:28,900 --> 02:43:30,400
more sleeping than rodent 
catching. 

3076
02:43:30,400 --> 02:43:34,600
Suggesting the cats, understand 
David, excellent Arrangement, 

3077
02:43:34,600 --> 02:43:37,400
snow falling during great 
silence creates particular 

3078
02:43:37,400 --> 02:43:41,200
Beauty, the complete absent of 
sound as flakes, accumulate 

3079
02:43:41,200 --> 02:43:45,100
white appearing, from Darkness 
covering everything in soft 

3080
02:43:45,100 --> 02:43:46,800
blankets that muffle even 
normal. 

3081
02:43:46,800 --> 02:43:50,500
Quiet sound You stand in The 
Cloister watching snowfall 

3082
02:43:50,500 --> 02:43:53,600
breath, visible in cold air, and
feel connected to. 

3083
02:43:53,600 --> 02:43:56,500
Every other person who's ever 
watched snowfall in silence, 

3084
02:43:56,500 --> 02:44:00,000
which is probably everyone 
throughout history, making this 

3085
02:44:00,000 --> 02:44:04,100
moment, both personal and 
Universal, both isolated and 

3086
02:44:04,100 --> 02:44:08,300
shared the Bell that ends Great 
silence at Prime sounds like 

3087
02:44:08,300 --> 02:44:10,700
Liberation though. 
Nobody immediately starts 

3088
02:44:10,700 --> 02:44:13,400
talking because you're all in 
church and church requires 

3089
02:44:13,400 --> 02:44:16,500
relative quiet anyway. 
But the permission to speak 

3090
02:44:16,500 --> 02:44:20,200
changes everything, the air 
feels less dense, your posture, 

3091
02:44:20,200 --> 02:44:23,600
relaxes and the world reopens, 
and then you process out of 

3092
02:44:23,600 --> 02:44:27,000
church and someone says cold 
this morning and someone else 

3093
02:44:27,000 --> 02:44:30,600
responds, indeed, and these 
minimal words feel profound 

3094
02:44:30,600 --> 02:44:34,700
after hours of Silence. human 
connection restored through the 

3095
02:44:34,700 --> 02:44:37,400
simple exchange of obvious 
observations about whether 

3096
02:44:37,400 --> 02:44:40,900
midwinter brings a particular 
kind of contemplation that is 

3097
02:44:40,900 --> 02:44:44,200
different from other Seasons, 
introspection when your cold and

3098
02:44:44,200 --> 02:44:47,600
uncomfortable and spending long 
hours in darkness your mind 

3099
02:44:47,600 --> 02:44:50,400
turned inward because outward 
offers little that's Pleasant 

3100
02:44:50,400 --> 02:44:54,500
you think about your life, the 
decisions that led here, the 

3101
02:44:54,500 --> 02:44:56,400
path. 
You've walked the person you've 

3102
02:44:56,400 --> 02:44:59,100
become through years of prayer 
and cold and turnips. 

3103
02:44:59,100 --> 02:45:02,800
Due, you chose this life at 23 
years old, young enough to be 

3104
02:45:02,800 --> 02:45:05,500
idealistic old enough to know 
you were making a real 

3105
02:45:05,500 --> 02:45:08,300
commitment. 
The world outside offered other 

3106
02:45:08,300 --> 02:45:11,600
parts. 
Married trade work, farming City

3107
02:45:11,600 --> 02:45:14,000
Life. 
But you felt called to monastic 

3108
02:45:14,000 --> 02:45:18,000
life drawn to the combination of
community, and Solitude prayer 

3109
02:45:18,000 --> 02:45:20,700
and work, and the structure that
makes sense of an otherwise 

3110
02:45:20,700 --> 02:45:24,000
chaotic existence. 
Your family didn't understand 

3111
02:45:24,000 --> 02:45:26,200
your friends thought you were 
crazy. 

3112
02:45:26,200 --> 02:45:29,000
Maybe they were right. 
But you chose anyway. 

3113
02:45:29,000 --> 02:45:32,700
And here, you are 32 Winters 
later still choosing this life 

3114
02:45:32,700 --> 02:45:36,700
daily, even when it's difficult.
As when it's difficult, the 

3115
02:45:36,700 --> 02:45:40,300
monastery has shaped you in ways
you couldn't have predicted your

3116
02:45:40,300 --> 02:45:43,700
handwriting improved from years 
of copying, manuscripts your 

3117
02:45:43,700 --> 02:45:46,900
patients increased from years of
dealing with brother, Thomas's 

3118
02:45:46,900 --> 02:45:50,400
snoring, brother, Martin's 
opinions, and brother, Peter's 

3119
02:45:50,400 --> 02:45:53,500
constant questions. 
Your body adapted to cold 

3120
02:45:53,500 --> 02:45:57,900
learned to sleep on straw and 
adjusted to limited food, you 

3121
02:45:57,900 --> 02:46:01,000
became different than who you 
were changed by repetition and 

3122
02:46:01,000 --> 02:46:04,100
ritual and the slow grinding of 
daily life against 

3123
02:46:04,100 --> 02:46:07,000
personalities. 
Rough edges, some changes were 

3124
02:46:07,000 --> 02:46:09,000
losses. 
You forgotten what it feels like

3125
02:46:09,000 --> 02:46:11,800
to have privacy to make your own
decisions about your daily 

3126
02:46:11,800 --> 02:46:14,800
schedule and to eat whenever 
your hungry rather than when 

3127
02:46:14,800 --> 02:46:17,600
Bells permit. 
You've lost the spontaneity that

3128
02:46:17,600 --> 02:46:21,000
makes secular life interesting. 
You can't suddenly decide to 

3129
02:46:21,000 --> 02:46:23,200
visit a friend, take a day off 
or sleep late. 

3130
02:46:23,200 --> 02:46:26,800
Every hour is planned every day 
follows a pattern. 

3131
02:46:26,800 --> 02:46:29,700
And while this structure 
provides Comfort, it also 

3132
02:46:29,700 --> 02:46:33,300
restricts freedom in ways you 
sometimes Miss but other changes

3133
02:46:33,300 --> 02:46:35,400
were gains. 
You've learned skills. 

3134
02:46:35,400 --> 02:46:38,400
You'd never have learned 
otherwise Latin manuscript 

3135
02:46:38,400 --> 02:46:40,600
copying. 
Herbal medicine from Brother, 

3136
02:46:40,600 --> 02:46:44,200
William and basic carpentry from
Brother Steve and you've read 

3137
02:46:44,200 --> 02:46:48,300
books, most people never access 
theological texts philosophical 

3138
02:46:48,300 --> 02:46:52,000
works and classical literature. 
Your education exceeds what any 

3139
02:46:52,000 --> 02:46:55,600
normal person receives, which is
strange, considering you chose a

3140
02:46:55,600 --> 02:46:58,000
life to find by poverty Chastity
and obedience. 

3141
02:46:59,200 --> 02:47:01,200
The monastery gave you 
intellectual wealth while 

3142
02:47:01,200 --> 02:47:04,600
requiring material poverty, the 
community became your family 

3143
02:47:04,600 --> 02:47:06,600
though. 
Not the way families usually 

3144
02:47:06,600 --> 02:47:10,000
work, you're not related by 
blood, you didn't choose the 

3145
02:47:10,000 --> 02:47:13,200
specific people and you wouldn't
necessarily be friends in other 

3146
02:47:13,200 --> 02:47:16,200
circumstances. 
But you share life in ways that 

3147
02:47:16,200 --> 02:47:18,900
transcend, normal friendship, 
you know brother, John's 

3148
02:47:18,900 --> 02:47:20,100
breathing pattern when he 
sleeps. 

3149
02:47:20,100 --> 02:47:24,000
You recognize brother Martin's 
Footsteps in corridors and you 

3150
02:47:24,000 --> 02:47:26,700
can predict brother Peter's 
reactions to various situations.

3151
02:47:26,700 --> 02:47:30,800
This intimate knowledge creates 
bonds stronger than friendship 

3152
02:47:30,800 --> 02:47:33,800
but different from family, 
something unique to communal 

3153
02:47:33,800 --> 02:47:36,600
living you think about God. 
More than you did as a young 

3154
02:47:36,600 --> 02:47:39,900
man, which seems obvious that 
you're among and thinking about 

3155
02:47:39,900 --> 02:47:43,300
God, is basically your job, but 
it's not just quantity. 

3156
02:47:43,300 --> 02:47:47,700
The quality change too. 
Your understanding deepened and 

3157
02:47:47,708 --> 02:47:51,200
became more complex, you became 
less certain about details, but 

3158
02:47:51,200 --> 02:47:54,700
more confident about Essentials.
You've stopped worrying about 

3159
02:47:54,700 --> 02:47:57,800
theological minutiae that 
consumed your Youth and started 

3160
02:47:57,800 --> 02:48:00,800
focusing on practical 
spirituality how to actually 

3161
02:48:00,800 --> 02:48:04,300
live Faithfully rather than how 
to perfectly explain Faith 

3162
02:48:04,300 --> 02:48:06,600
prayer. 
Change from words to presents. 

3163
02:48:07,400 --> 02:48:10,400
when you were young, you prayed 
verbally asking for things, 

3164
02:48:10,400 --> 02:48:14,400
reciting memorized prayers and 
speaking constantly to God, like

3165
02:48:14,400 --> 02:48:18,300
God, might forget you existed if
you stop talking, Now, prayer is

3166
02:48:18,308 --> 02:48:22,500
mostly silenced being present, 
paying attention and listening 

3167
02:48:22,500 --> 02:48:25,400
rather than speaking. 
You're not sure, God hears you 

3168
02:48:25,400 --> 02:48:27,900
differently, but you hear God 
differently, which might be the 

3169
02:48:27,900 --> 02:48:30,300
same thing. 
The doubts came to particularly 

3170
02:48:30,300 --> 02:48:33,500
during winter when discomfort 
makes everything harder Some 

3171
02:48:33,500 --> 02:48:35,900
nights you lie in your cold, 
sell wondering if you've wasted 

3172
02:48:35,900 --> 02:48:38,800
your life if you should have 
chosen marriage and children and

3173
02:48:38,800 --> 02:48:41,700
normal existence you think about
the warmth you're missing. 

3174
02:48:41,700 --> 02:48:45,000
The experience is you'll never 
have and the alternate versions 

3175
02:48:45,000 --> 02:48:47,600
of yourself, living different 
lives in parallel, worlds. 

3176
02:48:47,600 --> 02:48:49,800
You'll never access these 
doubts. 

3177
02:48:49,800 --> 02:48:52,600
Don't mean you'll leave. 
You've committed to deeply for 

3178
02:48:52,600 --> 02:48:54,900
that but they create Shadows on 
otherwise. 

3179
02:48:54,900 --> 02:48:58,200
Clear conviction, brother Paul 
represents who you used to be 

3180
02:48:58,200 --> 02:49:01,600
full of enthusiasm and certainty
and surprised at Monastery 

3181
02:49:01,600 --> 02:49:04,000
realities. 
Watching him struggle through. 

3182
02:49:04,000 --> 02:49:06,400
His first winter brings back, 
memories of your own first 

3183
02:49:06,400 --> 02:49:10,300
winter, how shocking, everything
seemed and how you questioned 

3184
02:49:10,300 --> 02:49:13,400
whether You'd Survive and 
whether this was worth it, you 

3185
02:49:13,400 --> 02:49:16,500
want to tell him it gets easier,
except it doesn't really you 

3186
02:49:16,500 --> 02:49:19,500
just get tougher which isn't the
same thing, but achieve similar 

3187
02:49:19,500 --> 02:49:22,400
results. 
Experience doesn't make cold 

3188
02:49:22,400 --> 02:49:25,200
comfortable. 
Just bearable, you've seen 

3189
02:49:25,200 --> 02:49:29,400
monks, leave deciding this life 
was not for them, departing for 

3190
02:49:29,400 --> 02:49:32,300
the secular world without shame,
because nobody should continue 

3191
02:49:32,300 --> 02:49:34,700
living wrong for them. 
Just because they started, 

3192
02:49:34,700 --> 02:49:38,800
you've seen monks die, buried in
the cemetery behind the church, 

3193
02:49:38,800 --> 02:49:41,700
their cells emptied. 
Their possessions distributed 

3194
02:49:41,700 --> 02:49:45,500
their space in the choir filled 
by whoever's next in seniority. 

3195
02:49:46,800 --> 02:49:50,900
Death and departure, both create
absence holes in community 

3196
02:49:50,900 --> 02:49:53,600
fabric, that eventually mend, 
but never quite disappear. 

3197
02:49:53,600 --> 02:49:56,900
The monastery will Outlast you, 
which is both comforting and 

3198
02:49:56,900 --> 02:49:59,600
sobering. 
These Stones stood before you 

3199
02:49:59,600 --> 02:50:01,400
arrived and will stand after 
your buried. 

3200
02:50:02,000 --> 02:50:03,700
Future monks will sleep in your 
cell. 

3201
02:50:03,700 --> 02:50:06,500
Pray in your choir stall and 
walk paths. 

3202
02:50:06,500 --> 02:50:09,800
You walked they'll experience 
their own Winters, develop their

3203
02:50:09,800 --> 02:50:12,500
own doubts and find their own 
reasons to stay. 

3204
02:50:13,300 --> 02:50:16,700
The continuity connects you to 
the past and future and makes 

3205
02:50:16,700 --> 02:50:19,600
your life part of a larger 
pattern that transcends 

3206
02:50:19,600 --> 02:50:23,100
individual existence. 
Looking back across 32 Winters, 

3207
02:50:23,100 --> 02:50:25,700
you see growth, you couldn't see
while living through it. 

3208
02:50:26,500 --> 02:50:29,900
The young man who arrived here 
doesn't exist anymore replaced 

3209
02:50:29,900 --> 02:50:34,300
by someone Karma, deeper and 
more patient, little more tired 

3210
02:50:34,300 --> 02:50:37,500
and colder and sometimes grumpy 
about turnips. 

3211
02:50:38,300 --> 02:50:42,700
You became who this life made, 
you shaped by repetition refined

3212
02:50:42,700 --> 02:50:46,200
by difficulty and transformed by
years of choosing the same 

3213
02:50:46,200 --> 02:50:50,000
difficult Choice daily tomorrow.
You'll wait cold crayon 

3214
02:50:50,000 --> 02:50:52,400
Darkness. 
Eat insufficient food work 

3215
02:50:52,400 --> 02:50:57,600
despite his comfort Pray Again, 
sleep poorly and repeat This is 

3216
02:50:57,600 --> 02:51:00,600
your life. 
This is your choice and most 

3217
02:51:00,600 --> 02:51:02,000
days. 
They're not all days. 

3218
02:51:02,000 --> 02:51:05,300
You're grateful for it. 
Winter will end eventually 

3219
02:51:05,300 --> 02:51:08,800
spring will come with warmth and
growth and easier living. 

3220
02:51:09,500 --> 02:51:13,300
But winter teachers lessons 
spring can't teach endurance. 

3221
02:51:13,300 --> 02:51:17,500
Patience finding meaning and 
difficulty and Community 

3222
02:51:17,500 --> 02:51:19,000
sustained through shared 
suffering. 

3223
02:51:19,900 --> 02:51:22,600
These lessons matter. 
You've learned them slowly 

3224
02:51:22,600 --> 02:51:25,900
painfully and thoroughly the 
bell rings for conclude time to 

3225
02:51:25,900 --> 02:51:27,600
pray before sleeping time to 
choose. 

3226
02:51:27,600 --> 02:51:30,500
Again, the bell for vigils 
sounds at 2:00 in the morning, 

3227
02:51:30,500 --> 02:51:34,600
which is an objectively terrible
time to wake up and has been a 

3228
02:51:34,600 --> 02:51:36,000
terrible time to wake up for 
centuries. 

3229
02:51:36,000 --> 02:51:39,300
Suggesting either, medieval 
monks, and joyed suffering, when

3230
02:51:39,300 --> 02:51:43,000
they never figured out, better 
scheduled You surface from 

3231
02:51:43,000 --> 02:51:46,300
shallow sleep initially, 
confused by Darkness, still 

3232
02:51:46,300 --> 02:51:48,600
exists. 
Then remembering these is 

3233
02:51:48,600 --> 02:51:51,300
normal. 
This is what you do every single

3234
02:51:51,300 --> 02:51:54,400
night. 
Waking complete darkness to pray

3235
02:51:54,400 --> 02:51:56,700
because apparently God needs 
attention at two. 

3236
02:51:56,700 --> 02:51:59,400
In the morning though, you 
suspect God would understand if 

3237
02:51:59,400 --> 02:52:03,200
everyone just slept until dawn. 
But the rule is the rule and 

3238
02:52:03,200 --> 02:52:04,900
complaining about the rule 
accomplishes. 

3239
02:52:04,900 --> 02:52:07,900
Nothing except making you a 
complainer, your feet, hit the 

3240
02:52:07,908 --> 02:52:10,400
stone floor, and the cold shoots
through your body, like, 

3241
02:52:10,400 --> 02:52:13,800
electric shock, which doesn't 
exist yet, but will be a perfect

3242
02:52:13,800 --> 02:52:16,300
description. 
If it did you fumble for your 

3243
02:52:16,300 --> 02:52:20,000
sandals and darkness, locate 
them eventually and force your 

3244
02:52:20,000 --> 02:52:22,000
feet inside despite their 
protests. 

3245
02:52:22,000 --> 02:52:25,400
Your habit is wrinkled from 
sleep but adequate for church. 

3246
02:52:26,200 --> 02:52:29,700
Your face feels grimy but 
washing would require warm water

3247
02:52:29,700 --> 02:52:33,300
and warm water doesn't exist. 
So, you skip washing and just 

3248
02:52:33,300 --> 02:52:35,900
run your fingers through your 
hair, which doesn't accomplish 

3249
02:52:35,900 --> 02:52:39,100
much, but makes you feel like 
you tried the corridor outside. 

3250
02:52:39,100 --> 02:52:44,000
Your cell is utterly dark, no 
torches, no candles, the rule 

3251
02:52:44,000 --> 02:52:47,100
for bids waste and lighting, 
corridors for nighttime prayers 

3252
02:52:47,100 --> 02:52:50,600
would be wasteful. 
You navigate by memory, one 

3253
02:52:50,600 --> 02:52:52,800
hand, trailing along the wall 
feet. 

3254
02:52:52,800 --> 02:52:56,400
Shuffling to avoid obstacles. 
Other monks move through the 

3255
02:52:56,400 --> 02:52:59,200
darkness around. 
You silent Shadows heading 

3256
02:52:59,200 --> 02:53:02,200
toward Church. 
Someone stumbles and catches 

3257
02:53:02,200 --> 02:53:05,600
themselves on the wall, making a
thump that Echoes through Stone 

3258
02:53:05,600 --> 02:53:08,700
passages. 
Nobody acknowledges this because

3259
02:53:08,700 --> 02:53:10,500
the great silence is still in 
effect. 

3260
02:53:10,500 --> 02:53:12,100
So you pretend you didn't hear 
anything. 

3261
02:53:12,100 --> 02:53:15,200
The church is slightly less dark
than the corridor because 

3262
02:53:15,200 --> 02:53:18,800
candles burn on the altar, their
Flames small, but sufficient to 

3263
02:53:18,800 --> 02:53:22,400
prevent complete blindness You 
find your quiet stall, through 

3264
02:53:22,400 --> 02:53:26,200
practice movement, Neil on the 
stone step and begin night 

3265
02:53:26,200 --> 02:53:29,200
prayers, while your body screams
about being awake at this hour. 

3266
02:53:30,500 --> 02:53:33,600
The Latin prayers flow 
automatically your mouth forming

3267
02:53:33,600 --> 02:53:37,000
words without conscious thought,
which is good because conscious 

3268
02:53:37,000 --> 02:53:40,800
thought right now consists 
mainly of being cold and wishing

3269
02:53:40,800 --> 02:53:44,600
you were asleep. 
Vigils last 45 minutes, which 

3270
02:53:44,600 --> 02:53:46,800
feels like three hours when 
you're cold and tired. 

3271
02:53:46,800 --> 02:53:51,200
You stand, sit kneel and stand 
again, following the officers 

3272
02:53:51,200 --> 02:53:54,100
Rhythm, while your knees crack, 
and your back aches, and 

3273
02:53:54,100 --> 02:53:56,100
somewhere. 
In the church, brother, Peter's 

3274
02:53:56,100 --> 02:53:58,900
stomach growls, with enough 
volume that several monks turned

3275
02:53:58,900 --> 02:54:01,500
to look, despite great silence 
for bidding. 

3276
02:54:01,500 --> 02:54:05,000
Acknowledgment of bodily sounds,
the sarms wash over. 

3277
02:54:05,000 --> 02:54:08,600
You like cold water, which is a 
terrible metaphor, but accurate 

3278
02:54:08,600 --> 02:54:11,100
because cold water is exactly 
what you feel like you're 

3279
02:54:11,100 --> 02:54:13,800
experiencing after vigils. 
Comes The Dead Zone. 

3280
02:54:13,800 --> 02:54:17,100
That gap between night prayers 
and Lords at 5:00 when you're 

3281
02:54:17,108 --> 02:54:19,800
supposed to sleep. 
But can't really because you're 

3282
02:54:19,800 --> 02:54:23,100
now awake and cold in your cell 
offers, no appeal whatsoever. 

3283
02:54:23,900 --> 02:54:26,100
Some monks return to their cells
and try to sleep. 

3284
02:54:26,100 --> 02:54:28,100
Others. 
Stay in church, praying 

3285
02:54:28,100 --> 02:54:31,100
privately, you usually go to the
warming room and sit near the 

3286
02:54:31,108 --> 02:54:34,600
Embers of yesterday's fire which
provide minimal warmth, but more

3287
02:54:34,600 --> 02:54:37,600
warmth than yourself offers and 
you're not proud of this weak 

3288
02:54:37,600 --> 02:54:39,200
weakness, but you're not above 
it either. 

3289
02:54:39,200 --> 02:54:41,900
The warming room contains 
several other monks with the 

3290
02:54:41,900 --> 02:54:44,600
same idea. 
All sitting on benches staring 

3291
02:54:44,600 --> 02:54:47,500
at A Dying fire. 
All pretending this is about 

3292
02:54:47,500 --> 02:54:49,700
spiritual reflection rather than
heat-seeking. 

3293
02:54:51,000 --> 02:54:53,000
Brother Edmund nods at you, 
brother. 

3294
02:54:53,000 --> 02:54:56,500
John makes space on his bench. 
You sit down, feel the faint, 

3295
02:54:56,500 --> 02:54:59,600
warmth radiating from Stones 
around the fireplace and allow 

3296
02:54:59,600 --> 02:55:01,600
yourself to enjoy this small 
Comfort. 

3297
02:55:01,600 --> 02:55:06,100
Nobody speaks great silence 
continues until Prime, but you 

3298
02:55:06,108 --> 02:55:08,900
all share this moment of 
slightly less cold existence, 

3299
02:55:08,900 --> 02:55:12,400
which creates camaraderie that 
doesn't need words gradually, 

3300
02:55:12,400 --> 02:55:14,600
imperceptibly. 
The darkness outside begins 

3301
02:55:14,600 --> 02:55:18,400
changing quality. 
Not lighter, exactly but less 

3302
02:55:18,400 --> 02:55:21,800
absolute. 
The window shutters show faint 

3303
02:55:21,800 --> 02:55:24,000
edges, when night is thinking 
about becoming morning. 

3304
02:55:24,700 --> 02:55:27,500
This transition happens. 
So slowly you can't see it 

3305
02:55:27,500 --> 02:55:30,300
happening but if you look away 
and look back, the difference 

3306
02:55:30,300 --> 02:55:33,200
becomes apparent. 
The world is remembering how to 

3307
02:55:33,200 --> 02:55:35,700
have light though. 
It's taking its time about the 

3308
02:55:35,700 --> 02:55:39,200
process at 5:00, the bell rings 
for Lords and you return to 

3309
02:55:39,200 --> 02:55:41,000
church Neil again and pray 
again. 

3310
02:55:41,000 --> 02:55:43,800
Except now there's the faintest 
gray light coming through 

3311
02:55:43,800 --> 02:55:45,900
Windows. 
Making everything slightly 

3312
02:55:45,900 --> 02:55:49,800
visible You can see other monks 
faces pale and tired, but 

3313
02:55:49,800 --> 02:55:52,100
familiar. 
You can see the altar, cross, 

3314
02:55:52,100 --> 02:55:55,300
the candles and the stone walls,
that contain your life. 

3315
02:55:56,100 --> 02:55:59,400
Dawn is arriving dragging 
morning with it reluctant, but 

3316
02:55:59,400 --> 02:56:03,000
inevitable, after Lords, comes 
Prime at 6:00 and now the light 

3317
02:56:03,000 --> 02:56:06,300
is definite gray, winter Morning
Light that reveals rather than 

3318
02:56:06,300 --> 02:56:08,600
illuminates through the church 
Windows. 

3319
02:56:08,600 --> 02:56:11,600
You can see The Cloister Garden.
It's part of visible through 

3320
02:56:11,600 --> 02:56:14,600
snow. 
It's herb beds, buried, and its 

3321
02:56:14,600 --> 02:56:19,000
Fountain frozen solid. 
The view is Bleak, but real no 

3322
02:56:19,000 --> 02:56:22,700
longer hidden by Darkness just 
cold and waiting for spring like

3323
02:56:22,700 --> 02:56:26,600
everything else Prime ends and 
great silence ends with it and 

3324
02:56:26,600 --> 02:56:30,500
suddenly monks are talking soft 
conversations about daily tasks 

3325
02:56:30,500 --> 02:56:32,800
about Brother. 
Martin needing to check Grain 

3326
02:56:32,800 --> 02:56:36,000
Stores about brother Peter 
planning, to split wood about 

3327
02:56:36,000 --> 02:56:39,100
ordinary things made worth 
discussing Buy hours of enforced

3328
02:56:39,100 --> 02:56:41,700
quiet. 
The voices sound strange after 

3329
02:56:41,700 --> 02:56:45,000
silence like instruments after a
long rest, finding their 

3330
02:56:45,000 --> 02:56:47,100
pictures and rhythms again 
breakfast. 

3331
02:56:47,100 --> 02:56:50,100
Doesn't happen which remains 
terrible every single day, but 

3332
02:56:50,100 --> 02:56:53,500
particularly terrible in winter 
when your body desperately wants

3333
02:56:53,500 --> 02:56:57,600
calories, instead you go to your
worker assignment for you. 

3334
02:56:57,600 --> 02:57:00,600
That means the scriptorium where
brother, Robert has already 

3335
02:57:00,600 --> 02:57:03,500
organized today's projects and 
arrange materials with his usual

3336
02:57:03,500 --> 02:57:06,200
intimidating. 
Efficiently, you settle at your 

3337
02:57:06,200 --> 02:57:09,900
desk, prepare your quill open, 
the ink horn, and begin, copying

3338
02:57:09,900 --> 02:57:12,300
text while your stomach 
complains about lack of food, 

3339
02:57:12,300 --> 02:57:15,300
your hands complain about cold 
and your mind, complains about 

3340
02:57:15,300 --> 02:57:17,300
everything. 
But continues working, anyway, 

3341
02:57:17,300 --> 02:57:20,500
because work is prayer and 
prayer is work and complaining. 

3342
02:57:20,500 --> 02:57:23,500
His neither the morning passes 
in slowing increments. 

3343
02:57:23,500 --> 02:57:27,000
You write letters on parchment 
concentrating, despite 

3344
02:57:27,000 --> 02:57:29,900
discomfort producing work that 
will Outlast you. 

3345
02:57:30,700 --> 02:57:33,900
Outside the window, weak 
sunlight attempts, to warm the 

3346
02:57:33,900 --> 02:57:37,000
world. 
Failing but trying, which seems 

3347
02:57:37,000 --> 02:57:39,100
like an appropriate metaphor for
monastic life. 

3348
02:57:39,800 --> 02:57:42,200
Failing. 
But trying, continuing despite 

3349
02:57:42,200 --> 02:57:45,300
odds maintaining faith that 
effort matters, even when 

3350
02:57:45,300 --> 02:57:48,800
immediate results don't appear 
at noon, the bell rings for sext

3351
02:57:48,800 --> 02:57:52,300
and then immediately after comes
dinner, that first food of the 

3352
02:57:52,308 --> 02:57:55,000
day, that breaks your fast and 
reminds your stomach, that 

3353
02:57:55,000 --> 02:57:58,000
eating is something bodies. 
Do the refectory, smells 

3354
02:57:58,000 --> 02:58:00,100
fantastic. 
Because, brother Jeffrey has 

3355
02:58:00,100 --> 02:58:03,400
prepared bread and pottage. 
And after 14 hours without food,

3356
02:58:03,400 --> 02:58:05,800
even turn. 
It stew smells like something 

3357
02:58:05,800 --> 02:58:09,400
worthy of Thanksgiving. 
You take your place, receive 

3358
02:58:09,400 --> 02:58:12,100
your portion and eat with the 
concentration of someone who 

3359
02:58:12,100 --> 02:58:15,300
understands that this meal 
matters that this food provides 

3360
02:58:15,300 --> 02:58:18,900
fuel for another day of cold and
work in prayer dawn has fully 

3361
02:58:18,900 --> 02:58:21,500
arrived now, bringing winter 
daylight that will last until 

3362
02:58:21,500 --> 02:58:25,300
4:00 maybe 4:30. 
If you're lucky, these brief 

3363
02:58:25,300 --> 02:58:28,300
hours of light become pressure 
and you use the efficiently 

3364
02:58:28,300 --> 02:58:32,200
working praying and moving 
through tasks with awareness 

3365
02:58:32,200 --> 02:58:35,500
that Darkness Returns quickly. 
The monastery operates on 

3366
02:58:35,500 --> 02:58:39,000
borrowed time between darkness 
and darkness, making the most of

3367
02:58:39,000 --> 02:58:41,600
light while it lasts. 
This is every day. 

3368
02:58:41,600 --> 02:58:46,000
Every winter, every year Dawn 
arrives reluctantly work 

3369
02:58:46,000 --> 02:58:48,700
continues. 
Regardless food comes eventually

3370
02:58:48,700 --> 02:58:52,700
evening returns to quickly and 
then the cycle begins again 

3371
02:58:52,700 --> 02:58:56,600
Bell's marking, time prayers, 
creating Rhythm and the 

3372
02:58:56,600 --> 02:58:59,300
community sustaining itself 
through shared experience of 

3373
02:58:59,308 --> 02:59:01,700
difficult living. 
You've done this thousands of 

3374
02:59:01,700 --> 02:59:03,800
times. 
You'll do it thousands more. 

3375
02:59:04,800 --> 02:59:08,400
Until you die, which will happen
eventually and someone else will

3376
02:59:08,400 --> 02:59:10,700
take your place. 
Wake to the same Bell. 

3377
02:59:10,700 --> 02:59:13,900
Pray the same prayers and 
experience their own cold 

3378
02:59:13,900 --> 02:59:15,600
donned. 
In this same ancient building, 

3379
02:59:15,600 --> 02:59:19,100
winter evening arrives with its 
characteristic lack of drama 

3380
02:59:19,100 --> 02:59:22,500
daylight simply draining from 
the sky like water from a 

3381
02:59:22,500 --> 02:59:25,400
cracked pot. 
You stand in The Cloister after 

3382
02:59:25,400 --> 02:59:28,800
Vespers watching the last Light 
fade from the garden, where snow

3383
02:59:28,800 --> 02:59:32,900
lies and Contour, drifts, you 
think about Legacy what you'll 

3384
02:59:32,900 --> 02:59:36,300
leave behind what the monastery 
represents and what all this 

3385
02:59:36,300 --> 02:59:39,200
suffering and prayer, and cold. 
Accomplishes, Beyond Simple. 

3386
02:59:39,200 --> 02:59:43,300
Survival, the manuscripts in the
library including 17, you've 

3387
02:59:43,300 --> 02:59:46,700
copied personally, will Outlast 
You by centuries, future 

3388
02:59:46,700 --> 02:59:49,400
Generations, will read words. 
You wrote thoughts, you 

3389
02:59:49,400 --> 02:59:51,800
preserved and knowledge, you 
helped transmit. 

3390
02:59:52,400 --> 02:59:55,200
They won't know your name. 
Scribes don't sign their work 

3391
02:59:55,200 --> 02:59:58,600
because pride is a sin and 
anonymity is a virtue, but 

3392
02:59:58,600 --> 03:00:01,200
they'll benefit from your labor 
that matters. 

3393
03:00:01,200 --> 03:00:05,500
That means something even if you
never receive credit, even if 

3394
03:00:05,500 --> 03:00:08,800
nobody remembers you existed, 
the younger monks like brother 

3395
03:00:08,800 --> 03:00:12,100
Paul will continue after you're 
gone learning from your example,

3396
03:00:12,100 --> 03:00:15,700
whether they realize it or not, 
they watch how you handle cold, 

3397
03:00:15,700 --> 03:00:19,000
how you maintain patience during
difficult times and how you 

3398
03:00:19,000 --> 03:00:22,900
navigate the balance between 
strictness and mercy, rule and 

3399
03:00:22,900 --> 03:00:25,600
compassion. 
Teaching happens through 

3400
03:00:25,600 --> 03:00:28,700
demonstration more than 
instruction and every action 

3401
03:00:28,700 --> 03:00:31,400
models possibility. 
Your showing them that people 

3402
03:00:31,400 --> 03:00:34,800
survive winter, that 48 years 
can be lived Within These Walls 

3403
03:00:34,800 --> 03:00:37,800
and More through demonstration 
that commitment, sustains 

3404
03:00:37,800 --> 03:00:41,700
itself, through repetition and 
Faith, the monastery itself 

3405
03:00:41,700 --> 03:00:44,100
represents a legacy of the 
individuals. 

3406
03:00:44,100 --> 03:00:47,500
These stones have housed monks 
for two centuries and will house

3407
03:00:47,500 --> 03:00:50,200
them for centuries more, 
providing stability in an 

3408
03:00:50,200 --> 03:00:53,600
unstable world. 
Outside these walls kingdoms 

3409
03:00:53,600 --> 03:00:57,600
rise and fall Wars, devastate, 
population's diseases, spread 

3410
03:00:57,600 --> 03:01:02,000
and famines kill thousands. 
But the monastery continues 

3411
03:01:02,000 --> 03:01:05,600
maintaining a rhythm of prayer 
and work preserving knowledge 

3412
03:01:05,600 --> 03:01:08,700
and offering an example of Life,
organized around something 

3413
03:01:08,700 --> 03:01:10,500
Beyond immediate comfort and 
pleasure. 

3414
03:01:11,300 --> 03:01:15,300
That continuity matters deeply 
especially in winter when 

3415
03:01:15,300 --> 03:01:18,400
survival requires looking beyond
the present moment toward longer

3416
03:01:18,400 --> 03:01:20,700
Horizons. 
You've contributed to the 

3417
03:01:20,700 --> 03:01:23,900
monasteries practical survival 
the garden improvements. 

3418
03:01:23,900 --> 03:01:27,000
You suggested that increased 
yield the copying work that 

3419
03:01:27,000 --> 03:01:29,400
brings income from other 
religious houses and the 

3420
03:01:29,408 --> 03:01:32,000
guidance, you've given young 
monks about everything from 

3421
03:01:32,000 --> 03:01:34,300
manuscript preparation to 
surviving emotional 

3422
03:01:34,300 --> 03:01:36,800
difficulties. 
These contributions aren't 

3423
03:01:36,800 --> 03:01:40,400
dramatic but they're real small 
additions to the institution 

3424
03:01:40,400 --> 03:01:41,800
strength that will benefit 
people. 

3425
03:01:41,800 --> 03:01:45,200
You'll never meet the prayers, 
you've prayed probably millions 

3426
03:01:45,200 --> 03:01:48,700
of words across of hours creates
something, you can't measure, 

3427
03:01:48,700 --> 03:01:51,600
but trust matters. 
You've participated in a 

3428
03:01:51,600 --> 03:01:55,200
continuous stream of worship, 
that extends backwards, through 

3429
03:01:55,200 --> 03:01:57,800
generations. 
And forward into an unknown 

3430
03:01:57,800 --> 03:02:01,000
future, connecting you to Moncks
throughout history and across 

3431
03:02:01,000 --> 03:02:04,400
geography. 
When you pray, you join an 

3432
03:02:04,400 --> 03:02:08,100
invisible Community spanning 
time and space United in 

3433
03:02:08,100 --> 03:02:11,700
dedication to God and spiritual 
discipline that connection. 

3434
03:02:11,700 --> 03:02:14,800
Transcends individual, mortality
brother William. 

3435
03:02:14,800 --> 03:02:17,600
The infamy in talk, sometimes 
about the healing work as a 

3436
03:02:17,600 --> 03:02:21,700
legacy, the illness is treated 
the pain reduced the suffering, 

3437
03:02:21,700 --> 03:02:24,900
addressed you've helped him 
occasionally learning his 

3438
03:02:24,900 --> 03:02:27,600
remedies and you've seen how 
medical care giving with 

3439
03:02:27,608 --> 03:02:29,900
compassion effects people Beyond
physical healing. 

3440
03:02:30,800 --> 03:02:33,400
People remember being treated 
with dignity during illness, 

3441
03:02:33,400 --> 03:02:37,300
they remember that someone 
cared, these memories shape, how

3442
03:02:37,300 --> 03:02:39,300
they treat others when they 
become the caregivers. 

3443
03:02:40,100 --> 03:02:43,200
Legacy spreads through 
concentric circles, touching 

3444
03:02:43,200 --> 03:02:46,300
lives in ways, you never witness
the community itself. 

3445
03:02:46,300 --> 03:02:48,900
This collection of flawed men 
trying to live according to 

3446
03:02:48,900 --> 03:02:51,900
difficult ideals represent 
something valuable that. 

3447
03:02:51,900 --> 03:02:54,900
You've helped sustain. 
You've been patient when Brother

3448
03:02:54,900 --> 03:02:58,000
Martin was insufferable, kind 
when brother Paul was struggling

3449
03:02:58,000 --> 03:03:01,100
honest, when brother Thomas 
needed correction and present 

3450
03:03:01,100 --> 03:03:04,300
when anyone needed listening 
Community doesn't maintain 

3451
03:03:04,300 --> 03:03:06,600
itself. 
Automatically it requires 

3452
03:03:06,600 --> 03:03:10,300
constant, repair, constant 
attention and constant choosing 

3453
03:03:10,300 --> 03:03:12,000
to remain. 
Even when leaving would be 

3454
03:03:12,008 --> 03:03:15,200
easier, your choice to stay. 
All these years as helped others

3455
03:03:15,200 --> 03:03:17,400
stay too. 
You think about the families in 

3456
03:03:17,400 --> 03:03:20,100
the village who brought sick 
children to brother, William who

3457
03:03:20,100 --> 03:03:23,000
have received food during 
famines, who found Refuge when 

3458
03:03:23,000 --> 03:03:25,800
their Cottages burned? 
The monastery serves the 

3459
03:03:25,800 --> 03:03:29,800
surrounding area in practical 
ways and your work growing food,

3460
03:03:29,800 --> 03:03:32,400
maintaining building's keeping 
the community functioning 

3461
03:03:32,400 --> 03:03:35,700
enables that service. 
You've never delivered food 

3462
03:03:35,700 --> 03:03:39,200
personally, never treated a sick
child, but your labor made those

3463
03:03:39,200 --> 03:03:42,200
actions possible Legacy includes
supporting others. 

3464
03:03:42,200 --> 03:03:45,000
Whose work is more visible. 
The skills you've learned and 

3465
03:03:45,000 --> 03:03:49,800
taught manuscript copying Latin 
translation herb, cultivation. 

3466
03:03:49,800 --> 03:03:53,500
Woodworking will outlive you 
through students who teach 

3467
03:03:53,500 --> 03:03:56,700
future students creating 
knowledge chains extending in 

3468
03:03:56,700 --> 03:04:00,100
definitely forward Brother 
Stephen, who taught you 

3469
03:04:00,100 --> 03:04:02,700
carpentry died. 
Three years ago, but his 

3470
03:04:02,700 --> 03:04:06,000
teaching lives in your hands as 
they work would and will live in

3471
03:04:06,000 --> 03:04:07,800
the hands of whoever you teach. 
Next. 

3472
03:04:07,800 --> 03:04:11,100
This is how human knowledge, 
survives across Generations, 

3473
03:04:11,100 --> 03:04:14,000
through person-to-person, 
transmission, and supplemented 

3474
03:04:14,000 --> 03:04:16,200
by written records. 
You won't be remembered 

3475
03:04:16,200 --> 03:04:18,600
individually, which is strange 
to accept, because people 

3476
03:04:18,600 --> 03:04:21,700
generally want to be remembered 
and want their lives to matter 

3477
03:04:21,700 --> 03:04:25,300
in ways, others acknowledge. 
But monastic life, explicitly 

3478
03:04:25,300 --> 03:04:28,600
rejects that desire, arguing, 
that seeking personal 

3479
03:04:28,600 --> 03:04:32,000
recognition is prideful, and 
that Anonymous contribution is 

3480
03:04:32,000 --> 03:04:34,100
more virtuous than celebrated 
achievement. 

3481
03:04:34,800 --> 03:04:37,200
You've made peace with this 
mostly though. 

3482
03:04:37,200 --> 03:04:39,900
Sometimes you imagine someone in
the distant future, reading your

3483
03:04:39,900 --> 03:04:41,900
copied manuscripts and 
wandering. 

3484
03:04:41,900 --> 03:04:45,000
Briefly about the Scribe who 
wrote them, and that imagination

3485
03:04:45,000 --> 03:04:48,600
brings satisfaction despite his 
vanity the Grave's behind the 

3486
03:04:48,608 --> 03:04:50,800
church. 
Contained. 47 months from this 

3487
03:04:50,800 --> 03:04:54,500
monasteries history, their names
recorded in the register, but 

3488
03:04:54,500 --> 03:04:58,900
their lives known only through 
sparse details of entry date of 

3489
03:04:58,900 --> 03:05:01,500
death and occasional notes about
their work. 

3490
03:05:02,200 --> 03:05:04,700
You'll join them eventually, 
become another name in the list.

3491
03:05:04,700 --> 03:05:08,600
Another body and cold ground, 
another Monk who came lived, 

3492
03:05:08,600 --> 03:05:12,200
prayed, worked and departed. 
The thought is sobering, but 

3493
03:05:12,200 --> 03:05:15,300
also comforting, you're part of 
something larger than yourself, 

3494
03:05:15,300 --> 03:05:18,100
and that participation matters 
more than individual 

3495
03:05:18,100 --> 03:05:21,900
recognition. 
What monks do fundamentally is 

3496
03:05:21,900 --> 03:05:25,000
maintained an alternative way of
living in a world, too often 

3497
03:05:25,000 --> 03:05:30,000
dominated by violence greed and 
immediate gratification, The 

3498
03:05:30,000 --> 03:05:33,100
monastery models different 
priorities community over 

3499
03:05:33,100 --> 03:05:37,300
individual Spirit over material,
long-term over short-term and 

3500
03:05:37,300 --> 03:05:41,300
discipline over indulgence. 
This model isn't perfect, isn't 

3501
03:05:41,300 --> 03:05:45,100
Superior in all ways and isn't 
suitable for everyone, but it 

3502
03:05:45,100 --> 03:05:49,000
exists, it persists, and it 
offers contrast to mainstream 

3503
03:05:49,000 --> 03:05:51,900
society. 
That contrast creates space for 

3504
03:05:51,900 --> 03:05:54,500
people to imagine different 
possibilities for human life. 

3505
03:05:54,500 --> 03:05:56,700
Winter will end as it always 
does. 

3506
03:05:56,700 --> 03:05:59,700
And spring will bring warmth and
growth and Easy Living. 

3507
03:06:00,400 --> 03:06:04,200
Then summer with its abundance, 
Autumn with its Harvest and 

3508
03:06:04,200 --> 03:06:07,800
winter again cycling, endlessly 
forward, like prayers through 

3509
03:06:07,800 --> 03:06:10,600
daily offices. 
You'll live through the cycles 

3510
03:06:10,600 --> 03:06:13,800
until you don't until you become
one of those Graves behind the 

3511
03:06:13,800 --> 03:06:15,600
church. 
And then, other monks will 

3512
03:06:15,608 --> 03:06:18,500
continue the same patterns. 
Praying the same prayers, 

3513
03:06:18,500 --> 03:06:21,800
enduring the same Winters, and 
creating their own legacies. 

3514
03:06:21,800 --> 03:06:25,500
While barely thinking about 
yours, but tonight standing in 

3515
03:06:25,500 --> 03:06:29,100
the cold Cloister watching the 
last like disappear, you feel 

3516
03:06:29,100 --> 03:06:31,500
connected to everyone who's ever
stood here watching. 

3517
03:06:31,500 --> 03:06:35,500
Winter Darkness arrive monks 
from centuries past and monks 

3518
03:06:35,500 --> 03:06:39,100
will come in centuries future. 
All experiencing similar moments

3519
03:06:39,100 --> 03:06:42,200
of reflection on cold evening's.
When survival seems like an 

3520
03:06:42,200 --> 03:06:46,200
achievement and continuation, 
seems like a purpose, you're not

3521
03:06:46,208 --> 03:06:49,500
alone even when physically 
isolated your part of a 

3522
03:06:49,500 --> 03:06:52,800
tradition part of a community, 
part of something that 

3523
03:06:52,800 --> 03:06:56,800
transcends individual mortality,
in gives meaning to living the 

3524
03:06:56,800 --> 03:06:59,800
bell rings for complete. 
One more office before sleep 

3525
03:06:59,800 --> 03:07:01,500
before Starting everything again
tomorrow. 

3526
03:07:02,300 --> 03:07:04,600
You turn from the darkness 
outside, walked toward the 

3527
03:07:04,608 --> 03:07:07,300
church and joined the procession
of monks who have made the same 

3528
03:07:07,300 --> 03:07:09,800
walk countless times before and 
will make it countless times 

3529
03:07:09,800 --> 03:07:13,300
after. 
This is your legacy, not 

3530
03:07:13,300 --> 03:07:16,800
anything, dramatic or memorable,
just the steady continuation of 

3531
03:07:16,808 --> 03:07:20,700
commitment, the daily choice to 
remain and the countless small, 

3532
03:07:20,700 --> 03:07:23,900
actions, that together create 
something larger than their sum.

3533
03:07:23,900 --> 03:07:27,700
You enter the church, take your 
place and begin to pray. 

3534
03:07:28,600 --> 03:07:34,100
Outside winter continues inside 
candles burn against Darkness 

3535
03:07:34,100 --> 03:07:38,600
between them, you continue 
living the life, you chose cold 

3536
03:07:38,600 --> 03:07:42,300
and difficult and somehow still 
worth while still meaningful 

3537
03:07:42,300 --> 03:07:45,400
still yours. 
Thank you for joining us through

3538
03:07:45,400 --> 03:07:46,400
these Long. 
Winter nights. 

3539
03:07:46,400 --> 03:07:50,900
May you find warmth in rest and 
peace and darkness sleep well 

3540
03:07:56,600 --> 03:07:59,700
Your earliest ancestors were 
performing before Netflix before

3541
03:07:59,700 --> 03:08:01,700
Broadway. 
And before anyone even 

3542
03:08:01,700 --> 03:08:03,200
considered charging for 
entertainment. 

3543
03:08:03,200 --> 03:08:08,200
Imagine a cave from 40,000 years
ago, the fire is crackling. 

3544
03:08:08,200 --> 03:08:11,400
Someone begins to tell a story 
about the days, Mammoth hunt, 

3545
03:08:11,400 --> 03:08:15,600
and the dishes are finished or 
there were dishes, but you get 

3546
03:08:15,600 --> 03:08:18,300
the idea. 
The interesting part though, is 

3547
03:08:18,300 --> 03:08:20,500
that they did more than merely 
recount the tale. 

3548
03:08:20,500 --> 03:08:24,500
Oh no, that would be too easy. 
Someone took a mammoth hide and 

3549
03:08:24,500 --> 03:08:27,200
began to play the role of the 
mammoth someone else posed as 

3550
03:08:27,200 --> 03:08:29,800
the courageous Hunter. 
To symbolize the shaman, who 

3551
03:08:29,808 --> 03:08:32,200
blessed the hunt. 
A third person, picked up some 

3552
03:08:32,200 --> 03:08:34,800
berries and painted stripes on 
their face before. 

3553
03:08:34,800 --> 03:08:37,900
You know it, you have the first 
dinner theater in human history.

3554
03:08:37,900 --> 03:08:41,500
Complete with method acting 
reel, costumes, and a small 

3555
03:08:41,508 --> 03:08:44,700
intimate setting. 
Remember these weren't just any 

3556
03:08:44,700 --> 03:08:47,800
old Shenanigans directors of 
contemporary Community. 

3557
03:08:47,800 --> 03:08:50,800
Theater would be envious of the 
practical uses of these early 

3558
03:08:50,800 --> 03:08:53,200
Productions, importance of 
survival knowledge. 

3559
03:08:53,200 --> 03:08:56,200
Such as which berries won't kill
you and how to avoid becoming 

3560
03:08:56,200 --> 03:08:59,100
something else is dinner was 
passed down, thanks to them. 

3561
03:08:59,100 --> 03:09:02,000
They strengthen ties within the 
community because nothing. 

3562
03:09:02,000 --> 03:09:04,400
Unites unites people like seeing
Uncle grok perform, his 

3563
03:09:04,400 --> 03:09:08,000
encounter, with a saber tooth 
tiger for the 15th time, 

3564
03:09:08,000 --> 03:09:11,400
complete with homemade sound 
effects and increasingly complex

3565
03:09:11,400 --> 03:09:13,700
mind work. 
The irony is that we were 

3566
03:09:13,700 --> 03:09:15,100
already. 
Formulating, what would 

3567
03:09:15,100 --> 03:09:17,400
eventually become the 
fundamental principle of all 

3568
03:09:17,400 --> 03:09:19,500
performance? 
Is the audience must 

3569
03:09:19,500 --> 03:09:22,300
voluntarily? 
Suspend their disbelief everyone

3570
03:09:22,300 --> 03:09:24,600
gathered around that fire was 
well aware that it wasn't 

3571
03:09:24,600 --> 03:09:27,300
actually a mammoth, but rather 
Bob in a first suit. 

3572
03:09:27,300 --> 03:09:30,600
His hands. 
Up to his mouth, making trumpet 

3573
03:09:30,600 --> 03:09:34,400
like noises, however they 
consented to comply allowing 

3574
03:09:34,400 --> 03:09:37,300
themselves to be drawn into the 
narrative, even though the 

3575
03:09:37,300 --> 03:09:39,900
costumes have become much more 
elaborate and the venues are 

3576
03:09:39,900 --> 03:09:42,700
much less likely to be overrun 
by real wild animals. 

3577
03:09:42,700 --> 03:09:46,200
That is the magic contract 
between the performer and the 

3578
03:09:46,208 --> 03:09:48,000
audience that still exists 
today. 

3579
03:09:48,000 --> 03:09:50,900
These early performances also 
appear to have been more than 

3580
03:09:50,900 --> 03:09:53,100
casual Affairs. 
According to archaeological 

3581
03:09:53,100 --> 03:09:55,800
evidence figures wearing or 
Nate, headdresses, and 

3582
03:09:55,800 --> 03:09:59,000
participating in ritualistic 
activities, are depicted in 

3583
03:09:59,000 --> 03:10:01,700
cave, paintings from lascaux, 
and other locations. 

3584
03:10:01,700 --> 03:10:05,300
In what seemed to be ceremonial 
poses, certain cave, formations.

3585
03:10:05,300 --> 03:10:08,000
According to some researchers 
were picked a specialty for 

3586
03:10:08,008 --> 03:10:11,400
their acoustic qualities. 
Natural amphitheaters, where 

3587
03:10:11,400 --> 03:10:14,300
Tales could be told and retold 
with the most dramatic effect. 

3588
03:10:14,300 --> 03:10:17,500
These early societies 
performance, Traditions evolved 

3589
03:10:17,500 --> 03:10:20,800
along with them coming of age, 
rituals successful hunts, 

3590
03:10:20,800 --> 03:10:23,800
territorial agreements and 
seasonal celebrations of the 

3591
03:10:23,800 --> 03:10:26,700
solstice's all became occasions 
for Evermore. 

3592
03:10:26,700 --> 03:10:30,000
Complicated theatrical 
performance is The shaman or 

3593
03:10:30,000 --> 03:10:32,600
tribal Storyteller developed 
into something like a director 

3594
03:10:32,600 --> 03:10:35,600
directing group activities and 
maintaining the customs of 

3595
03:10:35,608 --> 03:10:39,300
telling some stories, a few 
thousand years later you're in 

3596
03:10:39,300 --> 03:10:42,000
ancient Egypt, where someone had
the brilliant notion that if 

3597
03:10:42,000 --> 03:10:45,300
ordinary stories were good, then
stories about pharaohs and gods 

3598
03:10:45,300 --> 03:10:49,100
must be fantastic with intricate
costumes makeup techniques that 

3599
03:10:49,100 --> 03:10:52,100
would make a contemporary drag 
queen, weep with admiration and 

3600
03:10:52,100 --> 03:10:57,400
scripts, hieroglyphic ones, of 
course, the Egyptians transform,

3601
03:10:57,400 --> 03:11:00,300
the Primal human urge to perform
into something that approached 

3602
03:11:00,300 --> 03:11:03,500
professional theater. 
In essence Egyptian, religious 

3603
03:11:03,500 --> 03:11:06,000
ceremonies were high stakes 
theatrical Productions. 

3604
03:11:06,000 --> 03:11:09,600
If you fumbled your lines, you 
risked up setting, a god, which 

3605
03:11:09,600 --> 03:11:12,000
was far worse than receiving a 
poor review in the local 

3606
03:11:12,000 --> 03:11:14,800
papyrus. 
Nor were these solemn quiet 

3607
03:11:14,800 --> 03:11:18,300
Services, they were Grand events
with hundreds of participants, 

3608
03:11:18,300 --> 03:11:21,600
intricate processions and 
special effects that must have 

3609
03:11:21,600 --> 03:11:24,400
appeared completely magical to 
viewers who are unaware of their

3610
03:11:24,400 --> 03:11:26,800
workings, the story of the Gods 
death. 

3611
03:11:26,800 --> 03:11:30,400
And Resurrection, was narrated 
over several days of performance

3612
03:11:30,400 --> 03:11:34,000
that swept across entire cities 
during the yearly Osiris 

3613
03:11:34,000 --> 03:11:36,900
festivals which were especially 
theatrical parts. 

3614
03:11:36,900 --> 03:11:39,000
Of the story would be assigned 
to different neighborhoods. 

3615
03:11:39,000 --> 03:11:42,400
Resulting in a theatrical 
experience that stretched 

3616
03:11:42,400 --> 03:11:45,800
throughout the entire city and 
made contemporary sites, 

3617
03:11:45,800 --> 03:11:48,400
specific theater appear, 
positively modest. 

3618
03:11:48,400 --> 03:11:51,400
The fact that Egyptian 
performance created numerous 

3619
03:11:51,400 --> 03:11:53,800
Customs. 
That still existed today is what

3620
03:11:53,800 --> 03:11:57,400
makes it so fascinating. 
They created complex methods for

3621
03:11:57,400 --> 03:11:59,600
implying Supernatural happenings
on stage. 

3622
03:11:59,600 --> 03:12:03,700
Such as trapdoors for Gods to 
come and go or Nate masks and 

3623
03:12:03,700 --> 03:12:07,200
costumes to turn human actors 
into gods and meticulously 

3624
03:12:07,200 --> 03:12:09,100
planned movements. 
That gave the appearance of 

3625
03:12:09,100 --> 03:12:13,300
Supernatural strength, the idea 
of a theatrical season linked to

3626
03:12:13,300 --> 03:12:15,800
Agricultural. 
And religious calendars was also

3627
03:12:15,800 --> 03:12:19,300
invented by the Egyptians, a 
year-round cycle of theatrical 

3628
03:12:19,300 --> 03:12:21,300
activity that kept audiences 
interested. 

3629
03:12:21,300 --> 03:12:24,900
And performers employed was 
created by the various festivals

3630
03:12:24,900 --> 03:12:27,400
that held various kinds of 
performance is throughout the 

3631
03:12:27,400 --> 03:12:29,300
year. 
They realize something that 

3632
03:12:29,300 --> 03:12:32,400
contemporary theater producers 
are still discovering audience. 

3633
03:12:32,400 --> 03:12:34,700
Loyalty is increased by 
consistent programming. 

3634
03:12:35,500 --> 03:12:38,500
Papyri and Egyptian tomb 
paintings also, demonstrate that

3635
03:12:38,500 --> 03:12:41,100
these performances weren't 
stuffy or overly solemn. 

3636
03:12:41,100 --> 03:12:44,700
There was a place for comedy 
frequently in the form of minor 

3637
03:12:44,700 --> 03:12:47,100
characters and servants who 
offered lighthearted relief from

3638
03:12:47,100 --> 03:12:50,400
the more somber Divine drama, 
the Egyptians recognized that 

3639
03:12:50,400 --> 03:12:53,400
audiences needed a few laughs to
keep things from becoming too 

3640
03:12:53,400 --> 03:12:56,100
serious. 
Even entails about life, death, 

3641
03:12:56,100 --> 03:12:59,400
and eternal judgment. 
We now travel to ancient Greece,

3642
03:12:59,400 --> 03:13:02,700
where someone had the brilliant 
idea to elevate, storytelling to

3643
03:13:02,700 --> 03:13:07,200
a formal activity, complete with
regulations contests, and the 

3644
03:13:07,200 --> 03:13:09,500
kind of critical thinking that 
would make graduates students. 

3645
03:13:09,500 --> 03:13:12,600
Today, feel completely at home. 
It was impossible for the 

3646
03:13:12,600 --> 03:13:16,500
Greeks, blessed them to Simply 
appreciate a good story, he had 

3647
03:13:16,508 --> 03:13:20,200
to classify it evaluate it and 
then most likely compose a 

3648
03:13:20,200 --> 03:13:22,600
philosophical Treatise on 
whether or not it effectively 

3649
03:13:22,600 --> 03:13:26,200
elicited catharsis through fear 
and pity the Greeks created. 

3650
03:13:26,200 --> 03:13:28,800
What is now known as formal 
drama during religious 

3651
03:13:28,800 --> 03:13:31,400
festivals? 
Celebrating dialysis, the god of

3652
03:13:31,408 --> 03:13:34,400
wine, which explains a lot about
theater's relationship with 

3653
03:13:34,400 --> 03:13:39,200
Altered States of In the 6th 
Century BCE picture the scene 

3654
03:13:39,200 --> 03:13:42,600
throngs of people gathered in 
massive outdoor amphitheaters 

3655
03:13:42,600 --> 03:13:44,100
carved. 
Into the sides of Hills 

3656
03:13:44,100 --> 03:13:48,200
listening to actors and flowing,
robes and ornate masks narrate, 

3657
03:13:48,200 --> 03:13:51,200
Tales of Heroes gods. 
And the occasional dysfunctional

3658
03:13:51,200 --> 03:13:54,000
family that would make 
contemporary soap operas appear,

3659
03:13:54,000 --> 03:13:56,900
positively, restrained. 
Let's take a moment to discuss 

3660
03:13:56,900 --> 03:13:59,800
those amphitheaters though, as 
they were engineering Wonders, 

3661
03:13:59,800 --> 03:14:03,900
that contemporary Architects, 
continue to admire about 17,000,

3662
03:14:03,900 --> 03:14:06,900
people could fit in Athens 
theater of Dionysus and the 

3663
03:14:06,900 --> 03:14:09,700
Acoustics was so well designed 
that a whisper from the stage 

3664
03:14:09,700 --> 03:14:12,700
could be heard in the back row. 
Excellent knowledge of sound and

3665
03:14:12,700 --> 03:14:15,400
space without the use of 
microphones or amplification, 

3666
03:14:15,400 --> 03:14:18,800
every audience member had an 
unhindered view of the action, 

3667
03:14:18,800 --> 03:14:21,400
thanks to the seating 
arrangement, which was set up in

3668
03:14:21,400 --> 03:14:24,300
a perfect semicircle. 
By the way, the masks weren't 

3669
03:14:24,300 --> 03:14:27,400
merely decorative, the person in
the back row, who is likely 

3670
03:14:27,400 --> 03:14:29,600
squinting in questioning? 
Whether they should have brought

3671
03:14:29,600 --> 03:14:32,800
their Antiquated equivalent of 
opera glasses, needed something 

3672
03:14:32,800 --> 03:14:35,700
to help project emotion in those
enormous amphitheaters. 

3673
03:14:36,100 --> 03:14:39,400
These masks were artistic 
Creations carved to symbolize 

3674
03:14:39,400 --> 03:14:43,900
various character types and 
emotions, happy sad, angry 

3675
03:14:43,900 --> 03:14:47,700
confused, all the emotions you 
go through on a normal Monday 

3676
03:14:47,700 --> 03:14:50,900
morning, but artistically 
captured in plaster wood and 

3677
03:14:50,900 --> 03:14:52,600
linen. 
That would make contemporary 

3678
03:14:52,600 --> 03:14:55,200
designers cry. 
The Greeks are credited with 

3679
03:14:55,200 --> 03:14:57,900
creating the idea of the tragic 
hero, but they also 

3680
03:14:57,900 --> 03:15:00,000
unintentionally created stage 
fright. 

3681
03:15:00,000 --> 03:15:03,000
His name lives on in the word 
thespian, though. 

3682
03:15:03,000 --> 03:15:05,200
I'm sure he never imagined 
future actors would use it to 

3683
03:15:05,200 --> 03:15:06,900
sound more important at dinner 
parties. 

3684
03:15:06,900 --> 03:15:10,800
Imagine poor thespace who was 
frequently regarded as the first

3685
03:15:10,800 --> 03:15:14,200
actor standing alone on stage 
for the first time and likely 

3686
03:15:14,200 --> 03:15:17,500
thinking, what have I gotten 
myself in to yesterday? 

3687
03:15:17,500 --> 03:15:21,200
I participated in a chorus and 
now suddenly everyone is staring

3688
03:15:21,200 --> 03:15:23,400
at me. 
Expecting me to be engaging on 

3689
03:15:23,400 --> 03:15:27,100
my own Greek tragedy, dealt with
serious issues, such as Justice 

3690
03:15:27,100 --> 03:15:30,400
fate, family, honor, and whether
or not the gods were amused at 

3691
03:15:30,400 --> 03:15:33,100
human expense. 
Spoiler alert, they usually were

3692
03:15:33,100 --> 03:15:36,300
escaloes created, what were 
effectively ancient Miniseries 

3693
03:15:36,300 --> 03:15:39,000
with greater production values 
and more divine intervention 

3694
03:15:39,000 --> 03:15:42,200
through his trilogies. 
Examine the Single theme across 

3695
03:15:42,200 --> 03:15:45,700
several plays in order to create
that delicious tension that 

3696
03:15:45,700 --> 03:15:49,400
keeps you wriggling in your seat
Sophocles perfected, the art of 

3697
03:15:49,408 --> 03:15:52,700
dramatic irony in which the 
audience knows something that 

3698
03:15:52,700 --> 03:15:55,800
the characters do not. 
However, the Greeks also 

3699
03:15:55,800 --> 03:15:58,800
provided us with comedy and it 
was Politically Incorrect and 

3700
03:15:58,800 --> 03:16:01,900
delightfully crude in ways that 
would make audiences today. 

3701
03:16:01,900 --> 03:16:05,300
Gasp and then giggle in private 
because Aristophanes plays were 

3702
03:16:05,300 --> 03:16:08,500
full of political satire, 
bathroom humor and the kind of 

3703
03:16:08,500 --> 03:16:11,300
jokes that made respectable 
citizens, clutch, their togas 

3704
03:16:11,300 --> 03:16:13,900
and pretend to be scandalized 
while actually enjoying every 

3705
03:16:13,900 --> 03:16:16,300
minute. 
He would have thrived on social 

3706
03:16:16,300 --> 03:16:18,800
media. 
It is impossible to exaggerate 

3707
03:16:18,800 --> 03:16:23,100
how competitive Greek Theater is
playwrights actors and choruses,

3708
03:16:23,100 --> 03:16:26,100
competed for prizes and public 
recognition during the dramatic 

3709
03:16:26,100 --> 03:16:29,500
festivals, which were more than 
just parties think of the 

3710
03:16:29,500 --> 03:16:32,300
Olympics for the theater 
complete, with all the political

3711
03:16:32,300 --> 03:16:35,500
scheming, artistic competitions 
and heated public arguments. 

3712
03:16:35,500 --> 03:16:38,500
So over the judges while losers,
likely went home and grumbled 

3713
03:16:38,500 --> 03:16:40,600
about the judges, not 
appreciating their artistic 

3714
03:16:40,700 --> 03:16:43,900
Vision winners Rose to fame 
throughout the Greek world. 

3715
03:16:43,900 --> 03:16:47,500
The chorus was the center of 
these Productions, despite being

3716
03:16:47,500 --> 03:16:50,200
frequently disregarded in 
contemporary discussions of 

3717
03:16:50,200 --> 03:16:52,600
Greek Theater. 
They were talented performers 

3718
03:16:52,600 --> 03:16:55,000
who represented the voice of the
community and the play by 

3719
03:16:55,000 --> 03:16:58,500
dancing, singing and commenting 
on the action, they weren't 

3720
03:16:58,500 --> 03:17:01,900
merely background singers. 
A production success or failure 

3721
03:17:01,900 --> 03:17:05,000
depended on its chorus and 
training, one required months of

3722
03:17:05,000 --> 03:17:07,400
rigorous rehearsal. 
When the Roman saw Greek 

3723
03:17:07,400 --> 03:17:10,900
Theater, they thought this is 
nice but what if we made it 

3724
03:17:10,900 --> 03:17:13,900
bigger, more spectacular and 
through in some Gladiators 

3725
03:17:13,900 --> 03:17:17,300
because if the Romans were good 
at anything, it was taking 

3726
03:17:17,300 --> 03:17:20,600
someone else's brilliant idea 
and making it much better with 

3727
03:17:20,600 --> 03:17:22,700
more marble, more violence and 
much better. 

3728
03:17:22,700 --> 03:17:25,300
Engineering. 
Roman Theater was entertainment.

3729
03:17:25,300 --> 03:17:28,400
On a scale that would make 
contemporary production company 

3730
03:17:28,400 --> 03:17:31,800
shiver with fear and jealousy. 
They constructed massive 

3731
03:17:31,800 --> 03:17:35,300
theater's some of which could 
accommodate up to 40,000 people.

3732
03:17:35,300 --> 03:17:38,600
Can you imagine packing a 
theater that big today for a 

3733
03:17:38,600 --> 03:17:41,700
single dramatic performance 
rather than A sporting event or 

3734
03:17:41,700 --> 03:17:45,700
Rock concert Rome's, 20,000 seat
theater of Marcellus was so 

3735
03:17:45,700 --> 03:17:48,000
exquisitely. 
Designed that portion of it 

3736
03:17:48,000 --> 03:17:51,100
still standing today and are 
used as the base for Renaissance

3737
03:17:51,100 --> 03:17:53,300
palaces that were erected on its
Remains. 

3738
03:17:53,300 --> 03:17:56,100
The Roman's changed theatrical 
technology in ways. 

3739
03:17:56,100 --> 03:17:58,700
That would not be matched until 
the modern era but they didn't 

3740
03:17:58,700 --> 03:18:01,500
stop at size. 
They featured, elaborate set 

3741
03:18:01,500 --> 03:18:04,200
pieces, that could be changed 
between acts using sophisticated

3742
03:18:04,200 --> 03:18:06,400
Machinery. 
Hidden beneath the stage floor. 

3743
03:18:07,100 --> 03:18:10,100
Hoists, that could lift actors 
into the air to represent gods 

3744
03:18:10,100 --> 03:18:13,600
or flying creatures, and trap 
doors that were controlled by 

3745
03:18:13,600 --> 03:18:16,900
intricate mechanical systems, 
special effects that wouldn't 

3746
03:18:16,900 --> 03:18:19,000
look out of place in a 
contemporary theme park. 

3747
03:18:19,000 --> 03:18:20,900
Roman Theater engineering 
produced. 

3748
03:18:20,900 --> 03:18:24,100
The first retractable awnings to
Shield Spectators from the Sun 

3749
03:18:24,100 --> 03:18:27,800
and Rain intricate Subterranean 
spaces beneath the stage for the

3750
03:18:27,808 --> 03:18:31,300
storage of equipment and sets 
and even crude air conditioners 

3751
03:18:31,300 --> 03:18:35,200
that cooled the air on hot days 
using Aqueduct water instead of 

3752
03:18:35,208 --> 03:18:38,400
relying on ideal whether they 
made going to the theater, a 

3753
03:18:38,400 --> 03:18:41,600
cozy year-round activity. 
From a social point of view. 

3754
03:18:41,600 --> 03:18:44,700
This is where Roman Theater 
become truly fascinating. 

3755
03:18:44,700 --> 03:18:47,700
The Romans viewed theater more 
like we do television today. 

3756
03:18:47,700 --> 03:18:51,100
Popular entertainment for the 
masses supported by the 

3757
03:18:51,100 --> 03:18:54,100
government or wealthy sponsors. 
And intended to keep the 

3758
03:18:54,100 --> 03:18:57,400
populace content and distracted.
This is in contrast to the 

3759
03:18:57,408 --> 03:19:00,900
Greeks who saw theater as both 
entertainment and a spiritual 

3760
03:19:00,900 --> 03:19:03,100
experience connected to 
religious festivals. 

3761
03:19:03,900 --> 03:19:06,700
Free admission was provided by 
wealthy individuals, seeking 

3762
03:19:06,700 --> 03:19:10,100
social status or politicians. 
Hoping to win over voters. 

3763
03:19:10,100 --> 03:19:14,200
The shows had to be suitable for
everyone from Senators to Dock 

3764
03:19:14,200 --> 03:19:17,100
Workers, in order to appeal, to 
the widest possible audience. 

3765
03:19:17,100 --> 03:19:20,300
This Democratic approach to 
entertainment, gave rise to 

3766
03:19:20,300 --> 03:19:23,800
storytelling Innovation that put
Mass Appeal ahead of creative. 

3767
03:19:23,800 --> 03:19:26,900
Experimentation the clever 
servant who was always smarter 

3768
03:19:26,900 --> 03:19:29,000
than his master. 
The young lover who was 

3769
03:19:29,000 --> 03:19:30,600
attractive but not very 
intelligent. 

3770
03:19:31,400 --> 03:19:34,200
The irascible old man who 
stinginess caused most of the 

3771
03:19:34,200 --> 03:19:37,700
plot complications and the 
cunning parasite who flattered 

3772
03:19:37,700 --> 03:19:41,200
wealthy patrons in exchange for 
food and favors were all 

3773
03:19:41,200 --> 03:19:44,000
examples of stock characters 
that audiences would instantly 

3774
03:19:44,000 --> 03:19:46,900
recognize in Roman comedies. 
Does that sound familiar? 

3775
03:19:47,700 --> 03:19:50,500
Even today, these character 
types can be found in sitcoms 

3776
03:19:50,500 --> 03:19:53,400
and romantic comedies. 
The Ensemble comedy model that 

3777
03:19:53,400 --> 03:19:56,800
we still use today, 2000 years 
later was essentially 

3778
03:19:56,800 --> 03:20:00,000
established by the Romans. 
It is impossible to overestimate

3779
03:20:00,000 --> 03:20:02,600
the impact of Roman comedy on 
subsequent theatrical 

3780
03:20:02,600 --> 03:20:05,300
Traditions, throughout the 
Middle Ages and into the 

3781
03:20:05,300 --> 03:20:08,500
Renaissance plays by plautus and
Terence was studied and copied 

3782
03:20:08,500 --> 03:20:11,600
Shakespeare directly, 
appropriated Roman story lines 

3783
03:20:11,600 --> 03:20:14,200
and character types. 
Roman Theater is the source of 

3784
03:20:14,208 --> 03:20:17,400
the fundamental framework of 
romantic comedy, which consists 

3785
03:20:17,400 --> 03:20:20,500
of young lovers, kept apart by 
obstacles, complications 

3786
03:20:20,500 --> 03:20:22,200
involving the steak and 
identities. 

3787
03:20:22,200 --> 03:20:24,700
And a resolution in which 
everyone gets married. 

3788
03:20:24,700 --> 03:20:28,000
However, the idea of theater as 
a spectacle for public, 

3789
03:20:28,000 --> 03:20:31,800
Amusement was also invented by 
the Romans, Their successful 

3790
03:20:31,800 --> 03:20:34,500
Productions traveled from City 
to city across the Empire 

3791
03:20:34,500 --> 03:20:38,200
establishing the first 
theatrical touring, circuit to 

3792
03:20:38,200 --> 03:20:40,600
bring professional entertainment
to provincial towns. 

3793
03:20:40,600 --> 03:20:43,200
That might never otherwise, see 
anything more sophisticated than

3794
03:20:43,200 --> 03:20:46,600
local festivals picture. 
The logistics of transporting, 

3795
03:20:46,600 --> 03:20:50,700
entire acting companies, 
elaborate sets and Students 

3796
03:20:50,700 --> 03:20:54,100
across hundreds of miles of 
Roman roads, Roman audiences 

3797
03:20:54,100 --> 03:20:56,900
were infamously picky and 
outspoken about what they liked.

3798
03:20:57,700 --> 03:21:00,600
They had no qualms about vocally
and instantly expressing their 

3799
03:21:00,600 --> 03:21:02,200
disapproval. 
If they didn't enjoy a 

3800
03:21:02,200 --> 03:21:05,000
performance, both positive and 
negative effects on the 

3801
03:21:05,000 --> 03:21:08,700
development of theater resulted 
from this as it established a 

3802
03:21:08,700 --> 03:21:10,500
culture in, which popularity and
entertainment. 

3803
03:21:10,500 --> 03:21:14,500
Value were valued more highly 
than artistic ambition the first

3804
03:21:14,500 --> 03:21:16,900
celebrity culture. 
Centered on performers was also 

3805
03:21:16,900 --> 03:21:21,000
created by the Romans actors, 
who achieve success became well 

3806
03:21:21,000 --> 03:21:23,700
known throughout the Empire and 
rumors and conjecture. 

3807
03:21:23,700 --> 03:21:27,000
Surrounded their private lives. 
Does that sound familiar? 

3808
03:21:27,000 --> 03:21:30,100
They invented the idea of a 
touring star, who could attract 

3809
03:21:30,100 --> 03:21:33,400
audiences just by virtue of 
their reputation, going from 

3810
03:21:33,400 --> 03:21:36,100
City to City to play their most 
well-liked aparts. 

3811
03:21:36,100 --> 03:21:39,400
You might assume that theater 
simply put on its masks and went

3812
03:21:39,400 --> 03:21:42,300
home for a few centuries. 
After the fall of Rome, it had 

3813
03:21:42,300 --> 03:21:44,800
to be extremely inventive about 
where it lived and how it 

3814
03:21:44,800 --> 03:21:47,300
survived. 
But not quite the early 

3815
03:21:47,300 --> 03:21:50,000
Christian church had conflicting
opinions about theatrical 

3816
03:21:50,000 --> 03:21:52,400
performance. 
Is on the one hand, they 

3817
03:21:52,400 --> 03:21:55,800
disapproved of Roman Theatres 
connection to violence Pagan 

3818
03:21:55,800 --> 03:21:59,800
festivals and general immoral, 
However they soon discovered 

3819
03:21:59,800 --> 03:22:02,200
that religious stories could be 
effectively taught through 

3820
03:22:02,200 --> 03:22:04,800
performance to those who are 
illiterate which was the 

3821
03:22:04,800 --> 03:22:07,100
majority of the population as a 
result. 

3822
03:22:07,100 --> 03:22:09,800
Theater found a new home in 
churches, beginning with 

3823
03:22:09,800 --> 03:22:12,700
straightforward Bible story 
reenactments during Services. 

3824
03:22:12,700 --> 03:22:15,700
Imagine that during Easter 
morning Services, members of the

3825
03:22:15,700 --> 03:22:17,400
congregation would pretend that 
Christ. 

3826
03:22:17,400 --> 03:22:20,200
Empty tomb had been discovered, 
this would likely involve 

3827
03:22:20,200 --> 03:22:22,500
improvised costumes and a good 
deal of nervous. 

3828
03:22:22,500 --> 03:22:25,400
Laughter from amateur actors who
had never performed on stage 

3829
03:22:25,400 --> 03:22:29,000
before, since Latin the church's
official language was typically 

3830
03:22:29,000 --> 03:22:32,300
used for these early liturgical.
Dramas, the majority of the 

3831
03:22:32,300 --> 03:22:35,200
audience was more interested in 
the spectacle than in fully 

3832
03:22:35,200 --> 03:22:38,400
comprehending, every word, this 
resulted in increasingly 

3833
03:22:38,400 --> 03:22:42,100
complex, visual presentations, 
that you staging costume and 

3834
03:22:42,100 --> 03:22:45,100
action, rather than speech to 
convey narrative and emotion. 

3835
03:22:45,100 --> 03:22:48,800
The Easter story was briefly 
dramatized in the chem curators 

3836
03:22:48,800 --> 03:22:52,000
Trope, which is frequently cited
as the origin of all medieval, 

3837
03:22:52,000 --> 03:22:54,600
drama it began as a 
straightforward call and 

3838
03:22:54,600 --> 03:22:57,400
response between a clergyman who
represented the angel at the 

3839
03:22:57,400 --> 03:23:00,900
tomb and Another clergyman who 
represented the three mayores 

3840
03:23:00,900 --> 03:23:02,000
searching for Christ. 
Body. 

3841
03:23:02,000 --> 03:23:04,500
Jesus of Nazareth. 
He is not. 

3842
03:23:04,500 --> 03:23:07,100
Here he is risen. 
Whom do you seek? 

3843
03:23:08,200 --> 03:23:11,100
This is where medieval theater, 
becomes wonderfully, human and 

3844
03:23:11,100 --> 03:23:14,000
charmingly chaotic. 
These religious performances 

3845
03:23:14,000 --> 03:23:16,900
outgrew, the churches as they 
became more elaborate and well 

3846
03:23:16,900 --> 03:23:20,000
liked entire communities 
participated in large-scale 

3847
03:23:20,000 --> 03:23:23,200
Productions known as morality 
plays which were essentially 

3848
03:23:23,200 --> 03:23:26,600
medieval after school specials 
with titles like every man and 

3849
03:23:26,600 --> 03:23:29,400
the castle of perseverance or 
mystery plays. 

3850
03:23:29,400 --> 03:23:32,700
Which told biblical stories, 
these local Productions were 

3851
03:23:32,700 --> 03:23:35,800
pulled by wagons known as 
pageant wagons, which would move

3852
03:23:35,800 --> 03:23:38,100
around a town, stopping at 
various stations. 

3853
03:23:38,100 --> 03:23:41,500
During the day, the Carpenters 
would be in charge of Noah's Ark

3854
03:23:41,500 --> 03:23:43,800
naturally. 
The Bakers would be in charge of

3855
03:23:43,800 --> 03:23:45,400
the miracle of the Loaves and 
Fishes. 

3856
03:23:45,400 --> 03:23:48,300
The metal workers would likely 
be stuck with any scenes that 

3857
03:23:48,308 --> 03:23:51,700
required armor or weapons and 
the goldsmiths guild would 

3858
03:23:51,700 --> 03:23:54,800
usually be in charge of the 
scene and the three wise, men 

3859
03:23:54,800 --> 03:23:57,600
and their pricey gifts part of 
what made medieval theater. 

3860
03:23:57,600 --> 03:23:59,800
So Charming, was that the 
outcomes were frequently 

3861
03:23:59,800 --> 03:24:03,200
hilariously uneven imagined 
going to a play where Noah's Ark

3862
03:24:03,200 --> 03:24:06,500
was constructed by real 
carpenters and looked amazing. 

3863
03:24:06,500 --> 03:24:09,700
And then right after Out, 
there's a scene where the angels

3864
03:24:09,700 --> 03:24:12,600
are, obviously, just the 
apprentices of the baker dressed

3865
03:24:12,600 --> 03:24:16,000
in bed, sheets, and their 
desperately trying, not to trip 

3866
03:24:16,000 --> 03:24:19,100
over their makeshift wings. 
For one day's performance, The 

3867
03:24:19,100 --> 03:24:21,200
Guild of shipwrights would make 
an ark that could actually 

3868
03:24:21,200 --> 03:24:23,600
float. 
The Guild of Weavers might make 

3869
03:24:23,600 --> 03:24:27,100
costumes that were works of art 
and the Guild of blacksmiths 

3870
03:24:27,100 --> 03:24:30,300
would Forge armor. 
That was entirely authentic the 

3871
03:24:30,300 --> 03:24:32,600
way that medieval performance 
combined the sacred and the 

3872
03:24:32,608 --> 03:24:34,300
ridiculous. 
Without seeming to care about 

3873
03:24:34,300 --> 03:24:38,700
tonal consistency was one of its
most delightful features comic 

3874
03:24:38,700 --> 03:24:41,800
relief, characters would appear 
everywhere even in the most 

3875
03:24:41,800 --> 03:24:44,400
religious Productions in 
Nativity plays. 

3876
03:24:44,400 --> 03:24:47,100
The Shepherds were frequently. 
Portrayed as foolish country, 

3877
03:24:47,100 --> 03:24:50,300
people offered Amusement in 
between the more somber scenes 

3878
03:24:50,300 --> 03:24:53,400
in the midst of a tale about 
Divine judgment and salvation. 

3879
03:24:53,400 --> 03:24:57,200
There is slapstick humor because
Noah's wife was traditionally, a

3880
03:24:57,200 --> 03:25:00,100
shrewish character, who refused 
to board the ark without a 

3881
03:25:00,100 --> 03:25:01,900
fight. 
One of the most well known 

3882
03:25:01,900 --> 03:25:05,100
medieval drama's, the second 
Shepherds play as a subplot 

3883
03:25:05,100 --> 03:25:07,800
about a sheep Thief who attempts
to conceal his stolen and sheep 

3884
03:25:07,800 --> 03:25:09,400
by pausing it to his newborn 
child. 

3885
03:25:10,200 --> 03:25:13,500
With his wife, cradling it, and 
saying, it only has a peculiar 

3886
03:25:13,500 --> 03:25:16,200
complexion. 
This fast parallels, the 

3887
03:25:16,200 --> 03:25:19,700
Nativity Story resulting in a 
play that serves as both popular

3888
03:25:19,700 --> 03:25:21,500
entertainment and religious 
instruction. 

3889
03:25:21,500 --> 03:25:24,900
We sometimes forget that 
medieval audiences recognized 

3890
03:25:24,900 --> 03:25:27,300
that a little humor helped to 
make difficult spiritual 

3891
03:25:27,300 --> 03:25:29,700
subjects easier to understand 
and more memorable. 

3892
03:25:30,500 --> 03:25:33,000
They were being pragmatic, not 
disrespectful. 

3893
03:25:33,000 --> 03:25:35,800
You need to give them something 
to laugh at and something to 

3894
03:25:35,800 --> 03:25:38,100
think about, if you want them to
remember the lessons in your 

3895
03:25:38,100 --> 03:25:41,300
play. 
Medieval drama was staged in a 

3896
03:25:41,300 --> 03:25:43,200
way that was both inventive and 
useful. 

3897
03:25:43,200 --> 03:25:46,000
The majority of performances 
were held outside in 

3898
03:25:46,000 --> 03:25:49,500
marketplaces or town squares. 
So, portable and weatherproof 

3899
03:25:49,500 --> 03:25:52,800
stage designs were required, the
pageant wagon system, made it 

3900
03:25:52,800 --> 03:25:55,700
possible for several plays to be
presented at various venues at 

3901
03:25:55,700 --> 03:25:59,000
the same time resulting in a 
festival like atmosphere that 

3902
03:25:59,000 --> 03:26:02,900
persisted for days. 
Some communities created staging

3903
03:26:02,900 --> 03:26:06,000
systems that were even more 
complex in order to follow the 

3904
03:26:06,000 --> 03:26:08,700
entire biblical story from 
creation to Judgment Day 

3905
03:26:08,700 --> 03:26:10,900
audiences. 
Moved between the Chester 

3906
03:26:10,900 --> 03:26:14,000
mystery plays which were 
presented on a number of fixed 

3907
03:26:14,000 --> 03:26:17,400
stages spread out across the 
city in order to create enormous

3908
03:26:17,400 --> 03:26:20,400
outdoor festivals that attracted
people from hundreds of miles 

3909
03:26:20,400 --> 03:26:22,800
away. 
Other communities, constructed 

3910
03:26:22,800 --> 03:26:25,500
makeshift amphitheaters in 
fields outside of town, 

3911
03:26:25,500 --> 03:26:28,900
theatrical aspirations, grew in 
tandem with the prosperity of 

3912
03:26:28,900 --> 03:26:32,000
medieval society and the 
societies of urban centers 

3913
03:26:32,000 --> 03:26:36,100
Productions became more complex 
in the 14th and 15th, centuries,

3914
03:26:36,100 --> 03:26:38,900
pushing the limits of what was 
possible with medieval 

3915
03:26:38,900 --> 03:26:42,400
technology, hundreds of actors 
and crew members participated in

3916
03:26:42,400 --> 03:26:44,500
these enormous multi-day, 
passion plays. 

3917
03:26:44,500 --> 03:26:47,700
During this time, period, We can
get a sense of the scale. 

3918
03:26:47,700 --> 03:26:51,600
These Productions could reach 
from the 1634 started over. 

3919
03:26:51,600 --> 03:26:55,200
Amigao, Passion Play medieval 
adaptations were frequently even

3920
03:26:55,200 --> 03:26:58,500
more ornate. 
With casts, that included entire

3921
03:26:58,500 --> 03:27:02,400
communities numerous stages and 
sophisticated special effects 

3922
03:27:02,400 --> 03:27:05,300
equipment. 
The technology used for staging 

3923
03:27:05,300 --> 03:27:08,900
Advanced biblical Miracles were 
cleverly addressed by medieval 

3924
03:27:08,900 --> 03:27:11,300
stage. 
Managers who created intricate 

3925
03:27:11,300 --> 03:27:15,300
mechanisms for parting Seas or 
simulating Divine fire flying 

3926
03:27:15,300 --> 03:27:18,800
rigs for Angelica appearances 
and trapdoors for Resurrection 

3927
03:27:18,800 --> 03:27:22,400
scenes and evil stage designers 
developed a specialty for 

3928
03:27:22,400 --> 03:27:24,500
depicting. 
The mouth of Hell which is 

3929
03:27:24,500 --> 03:27:28,200
frequently a massive dragon head
with a movable jaw that can 

3930
03:27:28,200 --> 03:27:30,500
swallow the Damned while 
belching smoke and Flames. 

3931
03:27:30,500 --> 03:27:33,700
Medieval theater, had a 
significant economic component, 

3932
03:27:33,700 --> 03:27:37,800
investing heavily in costumes 
materials and specialized craft 

3933
03:27:37,800 --> 03:27:40,000
work was necessary for large 
Productions. 

3934
03:27:40,000 --> 03:27:44,000
Gilts would train for their 
designated seen for months and 

3935
03:27:44,000 --> 03:27:46,900
the Rivalry between them to 
produce the best show became a 

3936
03:27:46,900 --> 03:27:49,700
source of artistic Innovation 
and civic pride. 

3937
03:27:49,700 --> 03:27:53,700
According to records from York 
England, the mystery Place cycle

3938
03:27:53,700 --> 03:27:57,200
in the city of 48, different 
wagons and most of the adult 

3939
03:27:57,200 --> 03:28:01,500
population as organizers crafts,
people or performers the plays 

3940
03:28:01,500 --> 03:28:04,700
economic impact was so great 
that they Popular tourist 

3941
03:28:04,700 --> 03:28:07,700
destinations bringing in large 
sums of money for nearby 

3942
03:28:07,700 --> 03:28:11,300
merchants and innkeepers, 
humanism literacy and the 

3943
03:28:11,300 --> 03:28:14,700
radical notion that perhaps just
possibly, the average person 

3944
03:28:14,700 --> 03:28:16,200
should have access to 
entertainment. 

3945
03:28:16,200 --> 03:28:19,300
That wasn't solely concerned 
with their Eternal souls and 

3946
03:28:19,300 --> 03:28:21,300
moral advancement were all 
introduced during the 

3947
03:28:21,308 --> 03:28:24,200
Renaissance professional 
Theater, As We Know It began. 

3948
03:28:24,200 --> 03:28:27,800
During this time, with permanent
companies, specially constructed

3949
03:28:27,800 --> 03:28:31,300
theaters, and the groundbreaking
idea that actors could earn a 

3950
03:28:31,300 --> 03:28:33,300
living doing what they did 
without having to become 

3951
03:28:33,300 --> 03:28:36,500
Carpenters or Farmers with stock
characters that wore 

3952
03:28:36,500 --> 03:28:40,200
recognizable masks and costumes 
that have become so iconic that 

3953
03:28:40,200 --> 03:28:42,000
they are still instantly 
recognizable. 

3954
03:28:42,000 --> 03:28:45,200
Today, the comedian de la in 
Italy was perfecting 

3955
03:28:45,200 --> 03:28:48,500
improvisational comedy with 
exaggerated features that 

3956
03:28:48,500 --> 03:28:51,400
allowed actors to project 
personality even to audiences 

3957
03:28:51,400 --> 03:28:53,800
seated close enough to see their
eyes through the masks 

3958
03:28:53,800 --> 03:28:56,400
eye-holes. 
These were not your somber Greek

3959
03:28:56,400 --> 03:28:59,700
masks made to project emotion 
across enormous amphitheaters 

3960
03:28:59,700 --> 03:29:02,000
instead, they were made for 
intimate comedy. 

3961
03:29:02,000 --> 03:29:06,100
The fundamental character Types,
pantalone, the wealthy old 

3962
03:29:06,100 --> 03:29:08,600
Merchant who was constantly 
being conned out of his money. 

3963
03:29:09,300 --> 03:29:12,500
He'll Capitano the Blustery 
soldier who talked endlessly 

3964
03:29:12,500 --> 03:29:15,900
about his military exploits, but
turned out to be a coward when 

3965
03:29:15,900 --> 03:29:19,800
faced with real danger. 
Al Aquino, the cunning servant 

3966
03:29:19,800 --> 03:29:23,000
who was always smarter than his 
supposed betters and the young 

3967
03:29:23,000 --> 03:29:25,400
lovers who were typically 
beautiful, but not particularly 

3968
03:29:25,400 --> 03:29:28,600
blessed with common sense, 
became so popular that they 

3969
03:29:28,600 --> 03:29:32,000
spread throughout Europe more 
quickly than Renaissance pasta 

3970
03:29:32,000 --> 03:29:34,800
recipes. 
Commedia Dell is endearing, 

3971
03:29:34,800 --> 03:29:37,400
because, although the 
fundamental story lines, and 

3972
03:29:37,400 --> 03:29:39,800
character types were the same 
for all acting companies. 

3973
03:29:39,800 --> 03:29:43,600
A large portion of the dialogue 
was improvised over the course 

3974
03:29:43,600 --> 03:29:46,500
of years, or even decades, 
actors would hone their 

3975
03:29:46,500 --> 03:29:48,700
characters. 
Coming up with unique, vocal 

3976
03:29:48,700 --> 03:29:52,300
patterns, physical gestures and 
running jokes, that viewers 

3977
03:29:52,300 --> 03:29:55,200
would find entertaining. 
The audience expected, the same 

3978
03:29:55,200 --> 03:29:58,100
character to appear in each 
performance or be it with 

3979
03:29:58,100 --> 03:30:00,500
slightly different circumstances
and complications. 

3980
03:30:00,500 --> 03:30:02,900
So it was similar to watching a 
Renaissance. 

3981
03:30:02,900 --> 03:30:06,500
Take on improvisational comedy. 
The basic plot outlines or 

3982
03:30:06,500 --> 03:30:08,900
scenarios were handed down from 
one company to another. 

3983
03:30:09,300 --> 03:30:12,100
And grew more complex mistaken, 
identities. 

3984
03:30:12,100 --> 03:30:14,900
Young lovers attempting to 
outsmart, their parents 

3985
03:30:14,900 --> 03:30:18,100
servants, who are 
simultaneously, assisting and 

3986
03:30:18,100 --> 03:30:20,800
impeding their masters and 
enough physical humor to keep 

3987
03:30:20,800 --> 03:30:23,200
audiences laughing, even when 
they couldn't fully. 

3988
03:30:23,200 --> 03:30:25,400
Follow. 
The plot complications are all 

3989
03:30:25,400 --> 03:30:28,400
common elements of commedia, 
dell'arte performances with 

3990
03:30:28,400 --> 03:30:31,400
their own costumes props, 
musical, instruments, and 

3991
03:30:31,400 --> 03:30:33,500
specialized equipment for 
outdoor performances. 

3992
03:30:33,500 --> 03:30:36,900
These traveling companies were 
effectively small businesses. 

3993
03:30:36,900 --> 03:30:40,100
They kept their main character 
types and scenarios while 

3994
03:30:40,100 --> 03:30:42,700
traveling from town to town 
throughout Italy and eventually 

3995
03:30:42,700 --> 03:30:45,500
throughout Europe. 
Tailoring, their performance is 

3996
03:30:45,500 --> 03:30:48,300
to local languages and tastes at
the same time. 

3997
03:30:48,300 --> 03:30:50,900
Something remarkable was taking 
place in England that would 

3998
03:30:50,900 --> 03:30:53,200
forever alter the field of 
theatrical literature. 

3999
03:30:53,200 --> 03:30:56,800
However, let's face it. 
Elizabethan theater, was not the

4000
03:30:56,800 --> 03:30:59,300
Reverend hushed experience, you 
might expect from something. 

4001
03:30:59,300 --> 03:31:03,400
We now study with such academic 
seriousness, the Elizabethan era

4002
03:31:03,400 --> 03:31:05,200
produced. 
What many consider the greatest 

4003
03:31:05,200 --> 03:31:07,400
flowering of dramatic literature
in the English language. 

4004
03:31:07,400 --> 03:31:09,800
Unlike the calm reflect Of 
settings. 

4005
03:31:09,800 --> 03:31:13,600
We now associate with serious 
drama Elizabethan Theatres were 

4006
03:31:13,600 --> 03:31:17,100
noisy, boisterous spaces that 
functioned more like a hybrid of

4007
03:31:17,100 --> 03:31:19,600
a social club and a sporting 
event because they were on 

4008
03:31:19,600 --> 03:31:21,200
ground level. 
The audience known as 

4009
03:31:21,200 --> 03:31:24,500
Groundlings stood in the pit and
felt completely free to applaud 

4010
03:31:24,500 --> 03:31:27,200
Heroes. 
His villains and hurl objects 

4011
03:31:27,200 --> 03:31:30,100
that performers, they didn't 
like in general, they treated 

4012
03:31:30,100 --> 03:31:32,700
the performance as an 
interactive experience, they 

4013
03:31:32,700 --> 03:31:35,800
consumed food, while the show 
was going on vendors, offered 

4014
03:31:35,800 --> 03:31:38,800
beer, apples and nuts. 
They went to the theater to see 

4015
03:31:38,800 --> 03:31:42,600
and be seen in London, Society 
made business deals and flirted 

4016
03:31:42,600 --> 03:31:43,900
with possible. 
Love interests. 

4017
03:31:43,900 --> 03:31:47,400
They told the actors bluntly for
play was dull sometimes to the 

4018
03:31:47,400 --> 03:31:50,700
extent that actors would act out
of character to argue with loud 

4019
03:31:50,700 --> 03:31:54,000
audience members within the 
limitations of Elizabeth, and 

4020
03:31:54,000 --> 03:31:57,400
economics and Technology. 
Theaters themselves were marvels

4021
03:31:57,400 --> 03:32:00,600
of practical design. 
They were open to the sky in the

4022
03:32:00,608 --> 03:32:02,400
middle. 
So performance is relied on 

4023
03:32:02,400 --> 03:32:04,200
favorable weather and natural 
light. 

4024
03:32:04,200 --> 03:32:08,200
They were mostly made of wood 
and had thatched, roofs fire was

4025
03:32:08,200 --> 03:32:11,400
a constant worry the Globe 
Theater burned down in 1613. 

4026
03:32:11,400 --> 03:32:14,600
When a Canon affect went wrong 
during a performance of Henry, 

4027
03:32:14,600 --> 03:32:17,400
the 8th, the weather and 
daylight hours dictated the 

4028
03:32:17,400 --> 03:32:19,800
performance schedules winter 
meant earlier. 

4029
03:32:19,800 --> 03:32:22,800
Start times or shorter plays, 
even though some theaters had 

4030
03:32:22,808 --> 03:32:25,400
enough covered seating to 
continue with smaller audiences 

4031
03:32:25,400 --> 03:32:28,000
during light. 
Precipitation, rain could 

4032
03:32:28,000 --> 03:32:31,400
completely cancel performance is
a straightforward. 

4033
03:32:31,400 --> 03:32:35,300
Yet elegant stage design an 
intimacy that is hard to attain 

4034
03:32:35,300 --> 03:32:38,100
in contemporary, procino 
theaters where the audience is 

4035
03:32:38,100 --> 03:32:40,200
Seated. 
On one side of the action was 

4036
03:32:40,200 --> 03:32:43,100
created by the main platform 
protruding into the audience 

4037
03:32:43,100 --> 03:32:45,300
Hamlet. 
Stood a few feet away from some 

4038
03:32:45,300 --> 03:32:48,100
audience members during a 
soliloquies allowing him to 

4039
03:32:48,100 --> 03:32:50,900
observe their distinct phases, 
and determine how they responded

4040
03:32:50,900 --> 03:32:53,400
to his remarks. 
Depending on the needs of the 

4041
03:32:53,400 --> 03:32:56,600
play, the gallery of the main 
stage could symbolize Heaven 

4042
03:32:56,600 --> 03:33:00,700
castle, walls, or balconies. 
Trapdoors allowed Supernatural 

4043
03:33:00,700 --> 03:33:04,000
characters to emerge from Hell. 
A space beneath the stage. 

4044
03:33:04,000 --> 03:33:07,300
There was a curtain Space by the
stage that could be used as a 

4045
03:33:07,300 --> 03:33:09,300
cave and in a room or anything 
else. 

4046
03:33:09,300 --> 03:33:12,000
The script called for these 
theater's relied on the 

4047
03:33:12,000 --> 03:33:14,700
imagination of the audience and 
the playwrights words to create 

4048
03:33:14,700 --> 03:33:18,500
atmosphere and location because 
they had little scenery and no 

4049
03:33:18,500 --> 03:33:21,200
lighting effects. 
You are aware that we would 

4050
03:33:21,200 --> 03:33:25,000
eventually arrive 400 years 
later, high school students. 

4051
03:33:25,000 --> 03:33:28,000
Still complain about having to 
read William Shakespeare and 

4052
03:33:28,000 --> 03:33:30,700
theater professionals are still 
trying to understand how he was 

4053
03:33:30,708 --> 03:33:33,900
able to be so consistently 
brilliant, while managing a 

4054
03:33:33,900 --> 03:33:37,300
theater company and likely 
worrying about paying the rent. 

4055
03:33:37,300 --> 03:33:40,600
Shakespeare was writing popular 
entertainment for a wide range 

4056
03:33:40,600 --> 03:33:43,500
of readers, not literature for 
future English classes. 

4057
03:33:44,300 --> 03:33:46,600
This is the aspect of 
Shakespeare, that is frequently 

4058
03:33:46,600 --> 03:33:49,700
overlooked in all the, scholarly
analysis and reverent treatment.

4059
03:33:49,700 --> 03:33:52,500
He worked as a playwright. 
In a fiercely, competitive 

4060
03:33:52,500 --> 03:33:56,000
commercial theater, setting 
producing plays on short notice 

4061
03:33:56,000 --> 03:33:59,200
for audiences who could not 
stand pretense and who had 

4062
03:33:59,200 --> 03:34:01,700
plenty of other things to do. 
If his Productions didn't hold 

4063
03:34:01,700 --> 03:34:04,400
their attention. 
Shakespeare's genius, lay in his

4064
03:34:04,400 --> 03:34:07,400
ability to work on several 
levels at once without making 

4065
03:34:07,400 --> 03:34:11,300
anyone feel condescending or 
excluded, sword fights puns and 

4066
03:34:11,300 --> 03:34:13,100
obscene jokes. 
That would make a contemporary 

4067
03:34:13,100 --> 03:34:15,500
rating committee. 
Blush were all part of the 

4068
03:34:15,500 --> 03:34:18,100
experience for the Groundlings 
who paid a penny to stand in the

4069
03:34:18,100 --> 03:34:22,100
pit sophisticated. 
Word play classical references 

4070
03:34:22,100 --> 03:34:24,700
and intricate psychological 
insights. 

4071
03:34:24,700 --> 03:34:27,600
That unveiled new layers upon. 
Repeated viewing were provided 

4072
03:34:27,600 --> 03:34:30,600
to the educated nobility who 
paid more for seats in the 

4073
03:34:30,600 --> 03:34:33,000
galleries. 
Everyone heard gripping, Tales 

4074
03:34:33,000 --> 03:34:36,500
of betrayal, power struggles, 
love dysfunctional families. 

4075
03:34:36,500 --> 03:34:39,500
And the Spartacus appearance of 
ghosts, to add even more 

4076
03:34:39,500 --> 03:34:42,600
difficulty to an already 
challenging circumstance, his 

4077
03:34:42,600 --> 03:34:46,200
comedies, which were full of 
Identifications cross-dressing 

4078
03:34:46,200 --> 03:34:49,600
characters romantic confusion 
that degenerates into delightful

4079
03:34:49,600 --> 03:34:53,000
chaos, and the kind of wordplay 
that makes you laugh and moan at

4080
03:34:53,000 --> 03:34:56,300
the same time, we're truly funny
in ways that are still relevant 

4081
03:34:56,300 --> 03:34:58,200
today. 
With a villain plot that 

4082
03:34:58,200 --> 03:35:00,400
primarily provides the other 
characters with interesting 

4083
03:35:00,400 --> 03:35:04,100
things to react to and enough 
clever dialogue to fuel several 

4084
03:35:04,100 --> 03:35:08,200
contemporary sitcoms Much Ado 
About Nothing is essentially a 

4085
03:35:08,200 --> 03:35:11,200
romantic comedy about two 
couples who approached love from

4086
03:35:11,200 --> 03:35:14,700
entirely different perspectives.
His history is transformed dull 

4087
03:35:14,700 --> 03:35:17,700
political events which the 
majority of his audience only 

4088
03:35:17,700 --> 03:35:20,300
knew in passing into exciting 
Adventures. 

4089
03:35:20,300 --> 03:35:23,500
Full of endearing characters who
seemed more real than the 

4090
03:35:23,500 --> 03:35:25,800
historical figures. 
They purportedly represented 

4091
03:35:25,800 --> 03:35:28,500
through stirring, battle 
speeches and character 

4092
03:35:28,500 --> 03:35:31,200
interactions. 
Henry the 5th turns a medieval 

4093
03:35:31,200 --> 03:35:33,600
military campaign in to a 
reflection on leadership 

4094
03:35:33,600 --> 03:35:37,800
accountability and the price of 
political ambition, this keeps 

4095
03:35:37,800 --> 03:35:40,000
audience is interested. 
Even if they are not very 

4096
03:35:40,000 --> 03:35:43,400
interested in English, foreign 
policy in the 14th century and 

4097
03:35:43,400 --> 03:35:47,700
his misfortune Yes, they are 
tragic but in the most 

4098
03:35:47,700 --> 03:35:51,100
fulfilling sense of the word, 
they deal with major themes, 

4099
03:35:51,100 --> 03:35:54,600
like fate ambition, love and 
retribution. 

4100
03:35:55,500 --> 03:35:58,400
That they do so by showing 
flawed complex characters, 

4101
03:35:58,400 --> 03:36:02,300
making decisions that have 
terrible outcomes in addition to

4102
03:36:02,300 --> 03:36:04,800
being a play about a prince who 
must exact revenge on his 

4103
03:36:04,800 --> 03:36:07,500
father. 
Hamlet is also about a person 

4104
03:36:07,500 --> 03:36:10,800
attempting to live honorably in 
a corrupt society and how the 

4105
03:36:10,800 --> 03:36:14,000
Quest for perfect Justice can 
destroy everything, your 

4106
03:36:14,000 --> 03:36:16,500
attempting to defend 
Shakespeare's comprehension of 

4107
03:36:16,500 --> 03:36:18,600
human psychology. 
And all its contradictory 

4108
03:36:18,600 --> 03:36:22,200
complexity was what truly made 
him unique because his 

4109
03:36:22,200 --> 03:36:25,400
characters like real people have
internal contradictions. 

4110
03:36:25,400 --> 03:36:29,100
They seem authentic frequently 
in the same scene, Hamlet, 

4111
03:36:29,100 --> 03:36:32,500
exhibits, both decisiveness and 
indecision, bravery and 

4112
03:36:32,500 --> 03:36:36,100
cowardice and cruelty. 
And love Lady, Macbeth is a 

4113
03:36:36,100 --> 03:36:39,800
fiercely ambitious and extremely
vulnerable person who can both 

4114
03:36:39,800 --> 03:36:43,700
plan murder and be destroyed by 
guilt yogos, incredibly cunning,

4115
03:36:43,700 --> 03:36:46,400
and strangely Petty driven by 
resentments. 

4116
03:36:46,400 --> 03:36:48,600
That don't fully. 
Excuse the complex retaliation. 

4117
03:36:48,600 --> 03:36:51,900
He plans Shakespeare was also 
more aware of the desire of 

4118
03:36:51,900 --> 03:36:54,300
audience's for variety. 
In a single evening's 

4119
03:36:54,300 --> 03:36:57,800
entertainment than most Rights 
before or since his plays 

4120
03:36:57,800 --> 03:37:01,500
combined Court scenes and Tavern
scenes hypo poetry and everyday 

4121
03:37:01,500 --> 03:37:05,600
pros and comedy and tragedy. 
All within single stories that 

4122
03:37:05,600 --> 03:37:08,500
managed to remain cohesive. 
Despite their complex, tones, 

4123
03:37:08,500 --> 03:37:13,600
drama comedy action, philosophy,
and poetry are all combined into

4124
03:37:13,600 --> 03:37:15,800
one experience that somehow 
feels cohesive. 

4125
03:37:15,800 --> 03:37:19,200
Rather than dispersed making it 
similar to receiving a full 

4126
03:37:19,200 --> 03:37:22,500
entertainment package Hamlet 
contains a variety of content, 

4127
03:37:22,500 --> 03:37:25,000
including a ghost story. 
A political thriller, a family 

4128
03:37:25,000 --> 03:37:29,000
drama, a romantic tragedy. 
A Revenge plot a play within a 

4129
03:37:29,000 --> 03:37:31,500
play sword. 
Fights, philosophical 

4130
03:37:31,500 --> 03:37:35,000
soliloquies, caught in tree. 
And some of the most hilarious 

4131
03:37:35,000 --> 03:37:37,400
Grave Digger seen in dramatic 
literature. 

4132
03:37:37,400 --> 03:37:40,400
Shakespeare managed to make that
list function as a single 

4133
03:37:40,400 --> 03:37:43,400
seamless experience. 
But any contemporary 

4134
03:37:43,400 --> 03:37:46,800
entertainment executive would 
insist on dividing it into at 

4135
03:37:46,800 --> 03:37:49,700
least three distinct products. 
Shakespeare was essentially 

4136
03:37:49,700 --> 03:37:51,300
creating Modern English as he 
wrote. 

4137
03:37:51,300 --> 03:37:53,900
So the language Merit special 
attention. 

4138
03:37:54,700 --> 03:37:57,500
Shakespeare created or first 
used, many of the words and 

4139
03:37:57,500 --> 03:38:00,200
expressions we use on a daily 
basis in his plays. 

4140
03:38:00,200 --> 03:38:03,300
He intuitively saw that language
could be both poetic and 

4141
03:38:03,300 --> 03:38:07,100
conversational elegant and 
approachable and beautiful and 

4142
03:38:07,100 --> 03:38:09,300
useful. 
His characters speech sounds 

4143
03:38:09,300 --> 03:38:12,200
both heightened and natural 
poetic and realistic. 

4144
03:38:12,200 --> 03:38:15,700
Dramatic development was as much
influenced by the actual theater

4145
03:38:15,700 --> 03:38:18,400
locations, as it was by the 
playwrights and performers who 

4146
03:38:18,400 --> 03:38:22,200
performed there, a microcosm of 
Elizabethan society and a device

4147
03:38:22,200 --> 03:38:24,900
built to produce particular 
types of theatrical experiences,

4148
03:38:25,700 --> 03:38:28,200
The Globe Theater was more than 
just a place where many of 

4149
03:38:28,200 --> 03:38:30,300
Shakespeare's plays had their 
world premieres. 

4150
03:38:30,300 --> 03:38:33,400
The globe, social geography 
provides us with a wealth of 

4151
03:38:33,400 --> 03:38:36,300
information about Elizabethan 
views on community entertainment

4152
03:38:36,300 --> 03:38:39,900
and class the Groundlings stood 
in the pit for a penny, which 

4153
03:38:39,900 --> 03:38:41,700
was less expensive than a loaf 
of bread. 

4154
03:38:41,700 --> 03:38:45,600
And the least expensive form of 
entertainment in London, a seat 

4155
03:38:45,600 --> 03:38:47,700
in the galleries where you would
be shielded from the elements 

4156
03:38:47,700 --> 03:38:50,700
and have a better view of the 
action would cost an additional 

4157
03:38:50,700 --> 03:38:52,400
Penny. 
Although they most likely 

4158
03:38:52,400 --> 03:38:55,200
couldn't hear much conversation 
and undoubtedly disrupted. 

4159
03:38:55,200 --> 03:38:58,500
The staging the most expensive 
seats were actually on the stage

4160
03:38:58,500 --> 03:39:02,100
itself where affluent patreons 
could see and be seen by the 

4161
03:39:02,100 --> 03:39:04,700
rest of the audience. 
It Was revolutionary to bring 

4162
03:39:04,700 --> 03:39:07,400
together people from different 
social classes in one place, 

4163
03:39:07,400 --> 03:39:10,700
where else could a pickpocket? 
A nobleman, and a shopkeeper, 

4164
03:39:10,700 --> 03:39:13,400
all enjoy the same entertainment
in the same place at the same 

4165
03:39:13,408 --> 03:39:18,000
time, in the strict hierarchical
Elizabethan Society in London 

4166
03:39:18,000 --> 03:39:20,900
theater, emerged as one of the 
few genuinely Democratic 

4167
03:39:20,900 --> 03:39:24,400
establishments where individuals
from wildly disparate 

4168
03:39:24,400 --> 03:39:26,900
backgrounds could share similar 
experiences and responses. 

4169
03:39:26,900 --> 03:39:30,100
It's easy to ignore the ways in 
which the architecture of these 

4170
03:39:30,100 --> 03:39:32,900
theaters. 
Impacted dramatic writing plays 

4171
03:39:32,900 --> 03:39:34,900
had to be performed during the 
day because there was no 

4172
03:39:34,900 --> 03:39:37,600
artificial lighting. 
So night scene had to be 

4173
03:39:37,600 --> 03:39:41,000
completely set up through 
staging and dialogue, the actors

4174
03:39:41,000 --> 03:39:43,800
must use their words and deeds 
alone to persuade a daytime 

4175
03:39:43,800 --> 03:39:46,900
audience that it is night time 
when Romeo sends to Juliet's, 

4176
03:39:46,900 --> 03:39:50,300
balcony as playwrights learn to 
use words, to create Vivid 

4177
03:39:50,300 --> 03:39:52,100
images rather than lighting 
effects. 

4178
03:39:52,100 --> 03:39:55,700
This limitation produced some of
the most Exquisite descriptive 

4179
03:39:55,700 --> 03:39:58,100
language in English. 
Literature with the platform 

4180
03:39:58,100 --> 03:40:00,000
extending far into the audience 
area. 

4181
03:40:00,000 --> 03:40:02,800
The thrust stage Arrangement 
produced an intimacy. 

4182
03:40:02,800 --> 03:40:04,800
That is difficult. 
For contemporary theaters to 

4183
03:40:04,800 --> 03:40:08,200
replicate every performance. 
Felt a media to intimate because

4184
03:40:08,200 --> 03:40:10,600
the actors were literally 
surrounded by audience members 

4185
03:40:10,600 --> 03:40:13,900
on three sides, instead of being
performed to the back wall of 

4186
03:40:13,900 --> 03:40:17,600
the theater or to Are 
soliloquies were shared directly

4187
03:40:17,600 --> 03:40:20,800
with audience members, who could
touch them, fostering a sense of

4188
03:40:20,800 --> 03:40:23,900
neutral confidence and 
conspiracy between the performer

4189
03:40:23,900 --> 03:40:26,400
and the audience. 
Shakespeare, and his 

4190
03:40:26,400 --> 03:40:28,500
contemporaries had to use 
dialogue, costumes, and small 

4191
03:40:28,500 --> 03:40:31,700
props to create setting and 
atmosphere because there was a 

4192
03:40:31,700 --> 03:40:34,800
dearth of ornate, scenery, a bed
could turn the stage into a 

4193
03:40:34,800 --> 03:40:37,200
bedroom. 
A throne signified, a palace, 

4194
03:40:37,200 --> 03:40:40,700
and a few branches suggested a 
forest instead of just showing 

4195
03:40:40,700 --> 03:40:43,600
viewers preset images. 
This economy of means, 

4196
03:40:43,600 --> 03:40:46,900
compelled, playwrights to be 
resourceful, and audiences to be

4197
03:40:46,900 --> 03:40:49,100
creative resulting in a 
collaborative. 

4198
03:40:49,100 --> 03:40:52,700
Theatrical experience that 
stimulated viewers creativity 

4199
03:40:52,700 --> 03:40:55,000
actors. 
Had to be incredibly adaptable 

4200
03:40:55,000 --> 03:40:57,700
because Elizabethan theater 
companies, used a Repertory 

4201
03:40:57,700 --> 03:41:00,700
system in a week. 
A single company, may present 

4202
03:41:00,700 --> 03:41:04,400
six different plays, requiring 
actors to learn and played 

4203
03:41:04,400 --> 03:41:07,900
dozens of roles at once with 
little rehearsal time, the top 

4204
03:41:07,900 --> 03:41:10,000
actor in a company, such as 
Shakespeare's company. 

4205
03:41:10,000 --> 03:41:13,700
The Lord Chamberlain's men would
have to be ready to play a 

4206
03:41:13,700 --> 03:41:16,900
variety of characters and style.
Such as King Lear on Wednesday, 

4207
03:41:16,900 --> 03:41:19,500
Benedict. 
In Much Ado, About Nothing on 

4208
03:41:19,500 --> 03:41:22,900
Tuesday and Hamlet on Monday. 
Additionally, because of this 

4209
03:41:22,900 --> 03:41:25,600
system plays were written with 
particular actors in mine and 

4210
03:41:26,200 --> 03:41:29,600
Shakespeare customized roles for
each member of his company based

4211
03:41:29,600 --> 03:41:33,400
on their individual strengths 
weaknesses and peculiarities 

4212
03:41:33,400 --> 03:41:36,800
will kempe and Robert Armin, 
both of whom had distinct 

4213
03:41:36,800 --> 03:41:39,700
comedic philosophies and 
Specialties with the intended, 

4214
03:41:39,700 --> 03:41:43,000
recipients of the clown Parts, 
the tragic parts were written 

4215
03:41:43,000 --> 03:41:45,000
for Richard. 
Burbage who apparently had a 

4216
03:41:45,008 --> 03:41:48,900
regular ability to bring people 
to tears English theater started

4217
03:41:48,900 --> 03:41:52,900
to undergo minor but important 
changes in 1603 when James the 

4218
03:41:52,900 --> 03:41:56,000
first came to power the 
emergence of private indoor 

4219
03:41:56,000 --> 03:41:59,100
theaters that catered to more 
affluent audiences coincided 

4220
03:41:59,100 --> 03:42:01,900
with the reign of the new king 
who was more interested in 

4221
03:42:01,900 --> 03:42:05,300
lavish Court entertainment than 
in public theater Shakespeare's 

4222
03:42:05,300 --> 03:42:07,400
company started. 
Its winter performance is at the

4223
03:42:07,408 --> 03:42:10,300
black Friday's Theater, which 
was a far cry from the public 

4224
03:42:10,300 --> 03:42:12,900
amphitheaters. 
It was more intimate smaller 

4225
03:42:12,900 --> 03:42:16,100
artificially candlelit, and 
admission was much pricier. 

4226
03:42:16,100 --> 03:42:18,700
Playwrights were inspired to 
experiment with more 

4227
03:42:18,700 --> 03:42:22,300
psychologically, complex 
material and advanced theatrical

4228
03:42:22,300 --> 03:42:24,800
technique as a result of the 
more affluent and educated 

4229
03:42:24,800 --> 03:42:27,100
audience. 
This attracted Themes of 

4230
03:42:27,100 --> 03:42:30,300
corruption, insanity and moral 
ambiguity were explored in 

4231
03:42:30,300 --> 03:42:33,300
Darker, more psychologically, 
complex plays written by 

4232
03:42:33,300 --> 03:42:35,600
playwrights. 
Such as John Webster, Thomas 

4233
03:42:35,600 --> 03:42:39,400
Middleton and John Ford with 
their graphic violence, sexual 

4234
03:42:39,400 --> 03:42:42,000
transgression. 
And moral complexity, The 

4235
03:42:42,000 --> 03:42:45,500
Duchess of malfi, the white 
devil and tis, pity. 

4236
03:42:45,500 --> 03:42:48,400
She's a whore challenge, the 
conventions of what was 

4237
03:42:48,400 --> 03:42:50,900
appropriate for staging, an 
outdoor amphitheaters during the

4238
03:42:50,900 --> 03:42:53,200
day. 
More advanced staging methods 

4239
03:42:53,200 --> 03:42:56,400
were also made possible by the 
indoor theaters opportunities 

4240
03:42:56,400 --> 03:42:59,800
for atmospheric effects. 
Abrupt illuminations and the 

4241
03:42:59,800 --> 03:43:02,300
type of key out of skiro, 
lighting that painters of the 

4242
03:43:02,300 --> 03:43:05,500
air were employing to produce 
striking visual effects were 

4243
03:43:05,500 --> 03:43:08,600
made possible by candlelight. 
When an audience is, were unable

4244
03:43:08,600 --> 03:43:10,300
to see all of the mechanical 
operations. 

4245
03:43:10,300 --> 03:43:13,500
Clearly trapdoors and flying 
Machinery, could be used more 

4246
03:43:13,500 --> 03:43:16,900
successfully in indoor. 
Theater's music has grown in 

4247
03:43:16,900 --> 03:43:18,500
significance. 
As a means of providing 

4248
03:43:18,500 --> 03:43:21,800
entertainment in between acts as
well as an accompaniment to the 

4249
03:43:21,800 --> 03:43:23,800
action. 
The development of what would 

4250
03:43:23,800 --> 03:43:26,400
eventually become theatrical 
orchestration as an artist. 

4251
03:43:26,500 --> 03:43:29,400
Discipline and more subdued 
musical effects was made 

4252
03:43:29,400 --> 03:43:32,900
possible by the Acoustics of 
enclosed spaces, English theater

4253
03:43:32,900 --> 03:43:36,100
achieved unprecedented levels of
sophistication and artistic 

4254
03:43:36,100 --> 03:43:39,200
achievement during Charles the 
first Reign, but it also began 

4255
03:43:39,200 --> 03:43:43,100
to temporarily decline Court 
musks evolved into increasingly 

4256
03:43:43,100 --> 03:43:47,800
complex, spectacles that fuse, 
dance music theater and visual 

4257
03:43:47,800 --> 03:43:50,900
arts in Productions that were 
expensive and primarily used to 

4258
03:43:50,900 --> 03:43:54,200
showcase the wealth and power of
the monarchy playwrights such as

4259
03:43:54,200 --> 03:43:58,500
John Ford, Philip messenger, and
James Shirley produced works of 

4260
03:43:58,500 --> 03:44:01,800
significant artistic value and 
public theater flourished. 

4261
03:44:01,800 --> 03:44:05,400
However, the confrontation that 
would temporarily put an end 

4262
03:44:05,400 --> 03:44:07,800
professional theater in. 
England was being sparked by the

4263
03:44:07,800 --> 03:44:11,000
growing Puritan opposition to 
theater as politically dangerous

4264
03:44:11,000 --> 03:44:14,500
and morally, corrupting one of 
the greatest heroes in English. 

4265
03:44:14,500 --> 03:44:18,300
Dramatic literature came to an 
end in 1642 when parliament 

4266
03:44:18,300 --> 03:44:20,200
passed, an ordinance banning all
public. 

4267
03:44:20,200 --> 03:44:23,600
Theater's actors and playwrights
were forced underground or into 

4268
03:44:23,600 --> 03:44:26,400
Exile during England. 18 year 
ban on professional. 

4269
03:44:26,500 --> 03:44:29,300
Theater the theatrical impulse 
and human nature. 

4270
03:44:29,300 --> 03:44:32,400
However, have a wonderful 
quality that makes it impossible

4271
03:44:32,400 --> 03:44:34,600
to eradicate theater through 
legislation. 

4272
03:44:35,700 --> 03:44:39,000
Theatrical activity, persisted 
in disguised, forms throughout 

4273
03:44:39,000 --> 03:44:41,700
the Commonwealth era, the 
theatrical tradition was 

4274
03:44:41,700 --> 03:44:44,400
maintained through private 
performances in aristocratic 

4275
03:44:44,400 --> 03:44:46,600
homes. 
Traveling entertainers, who were

4276
03:44:46,600 --> 03:44:48,300
careful not to identify as 
actors. 

4277
03:44:48,300 --> 03:44:50,800
And even some public 
performances that were passed 

4278
03:44:50,800 --> 03:44:54,600
off as musical concerts or 
instructional demonstrations at 

4279
03:44:54,600 --> 03:44:57,800
fairs and markets, drilled 
performances brief comedic, 

4280
03:44:57,800 --> 03:45:01,500
excerpts taken from longer plays
were presented frequently with 

4281
03:45:01,500 --> 03:45:04,600
actors prepared to disperse. 
If officials showed up by 

4282
03:45:04,600 --> 03:45:07,300
offering moral instruction that 
coincidentally involved 

4283
03:45:07,300 --> 03:45:09,400
costumed. 
Actors in acting better stories.

4284
03:45:09,400 --> 03:45:12,600
Some theatrical entrepreneurs 
came up with inventive ways to 

4285
03:45:12,600 --> 03:45:15,400
get around the bands. 
When the monarchy was reinstated

4286
03:45:15,400 --> 03:45:19,700
in 1660 theater made a comeback 
to England, but with some 

4287
03:45:19,700 --> 03:45:22,400
notable modifications, that 
would permanently alter the art 

4288
03:45:22,400 --> 03:45:25,300
form for the first time, women 
were allowed to act on 

4289
03:45:25,300 --> 03:45:28,500
professional stages, which seems
like such an obvious Innovation 

4290
03:45:28,500 --> 03:45:30,900
that you wonder why it took so 
long to occur to anyone. 

4291
03:45:30,900 --> 03:45:34,800
In the past young men were cast 
in all female roles, which 

4292
03:45:34,800 --> 03:45:38,100
created some Trekking theatrical
complications when characters 

4293
03:45:38,100 --> 03:45:40,200
and stories, pretended to be the
opposite gender. 

4294
03:45:40,200 --> 03:45:43,800
The ability to see real women 
portraying women opened up new 

4295
03:45:43,800 --> 03:45:46,900
avenues for dramatic 
characterization, and romantic 

4296
03:45:46,900 --> 03:45:49,300
comedy. 
Additionally, male audience 

4297
03:45:49,300 --> 03:45:51,400
members occasionally showed 
greater interest in the 

4298
03:45:51,400 --> 03:45:54,300
actresses than in the plays. 
They were performing which led 

4299
03:45:54,300 --> 03:45:57,600
to new issues the most well, 
known restoration actress Nell. 

4300
03:45:57,600 --> 03:46:00,500
Gwynn is a prime example of this
shifted advantages and 

4301
03:46:00,500 --> 03:46:03,800
disadvantages this conflict 
between artistic success. 

4302
03:46:03,800 --> 03:46:07,400
And personal Fame would haunt 
actresses for centuries, as they

4303
03:46:07,400 --> 03:46:10,400
benefited from professional 
opportunities, while confronting

4304
03:46:10,400 --> 03:46:13,100
social stigmas that did not 
apply to their male 

4305
03:46:13,100 --> 03:46:15,800
counterparts. 
She was a truly gifted performer

4306
03:46:15,800 --> 03:46:18,300
who could handle comedy and 
tragedy with the equal skill, 

4307
03:46:18,300 --> 03:46:20,700
which she is more famous today 
for being King. 

4308
03:46:20,700 --> 03:46:23,700
Charles, the second's mistress 
comedy of manners and other 

4309
03:46:23,700 --> 03:46:26,400
sophisticated plays about the 
social intrigues of the upper 

4310
03:46:26,400 --> 03:46:28,900
classes. 
Also gained popularity during 

4311
03:46:28,900 --> 03:46:32,300
the restoration era in stead of 
being broad physical comedies. 

4312
03:46:32,300 --> 03:46:35,100
These were clever verbal 
entertainments that definitely 

4313
03:46:35,100 --> 03:46:37,200
parody. 
Romantic pretenses and social 

4314
03:46:37,200 --> 03:46:40,200
norms, consider them the 
forerunners of contemporary 

4315
03:46:40,200 --> 03:46:44,000
romantic comedies, albeit with 
tighter corsets, more complex 

4316
03:46:44,000 --> 03:46:47,300
language and a markedly more 
pessimistic outlook on marriage 

4317
03:46:47,300 --> 03:46:49,900
and faithfulness. 
Perhaps the best example of 

4318
03:46:49,900 --> 03:46:52,700
restoration, comedy as William 
Congress The Way of the World. 

4319
03:46:53,500 --> 03:46:56,200
Features characters who navigate
romantic and financial 

4320
03:46:56,200 --> 03:46:59,100
complexities with well-crafted 
epigrams. 

4321
03:46:59,100 --> 03:47:02,800
That only true intelligence can 
understand there is a lot of wit

4322
03:47:02,800 --> 03:47:05,700
in the conversation but it is 
used as a weapon in complex 

4323
03:47:05,700 --> 03:47:09,200
social Warfare where reputation 
and wealth are at stake compared

4324
03:47:09,200 --> 03:47:11,700
to their Elizabethan forebears 
restoration. 

4325
03:47:11,700 --> 03:47:14,700
Theaters evolved into more 
elegant spaces that increasingly

4326
03:47:14,700 --> 03:47:18,100
catered to affluent, patrons 
prepare to Shell out more cash 

4327
03:47:18,100 --> 03:47:20,400
for Cozier. 
Surroundings imported from 

4328
03:47:20,400 --> 03:47:23,000
Italian architecture the 
proscenium arch theater. 

4329
03:47:23,000 --> 03:47:25,800
Improved the audience performer 
relationship by separating, the 

4330
03:47:25,800 --> 03:47:29,500
two in subtle, yet significant 
ways, with painted, backdrops 

4331
03:47:29,500 --> 03:47:31,200
and Wing flats. 
That could be switched between 

4332
03:47:31,200 --> 03:47:33,000
acts to imply different 
locations. 

4333
03:47:33,000 --> 03:47:37,100
The scenery grew increasingly 
ornate, all the meant that plays

4334
03:47:37,100 --> 03:47:40,200
relied Less on the imagination 
of the audience and more on 

4335
03:47:40,200 --> 03:47:43,100
visual spectacle. 
This marked a shift toward 

4336
03:47:43,100 --> 03:47:46,600
theatrical illusionism that 
would rule stage design for the 

4337
03:47:46,600 --> 03:47:49,000
next two centuries 
sentimentalism. 

4338
03:47:49,000 --> 03:47:51,900
The groundbreaking notion that 
viewers should be emotionally 

4339
03:47:51,900 --> 03:47:54,700
affected by what they saw, 
rather than merely amused or 

4340
03:47:54,708 --> 03:47:57,400
intellectually. 
Stimulated was introduced to 

4341
03:47:57,408 --> 03:48:01,600
theater in the 1700s, domestic 
tragedy and plays about common 

4342
03:48:01,600 --> 03:48:04,900
middle-class, people dealing 
with moral quandaries as opposed

4343
03:48:04,900 --> 03:48:07,700
to Kings and Nobles handling 
state affairs, and divine 

4344
03:48:07,700 --> 03:48:11,100
intervention became more popular
during this time with its 

4345
03:48:11,100 --> 03:48:14,200
emphasis on a Young Apprentice 
whose moral decline is caused by

4346
03:48:14,200 --> 03:48:18,200
common human frailties, rather 
than Fatale Character defects or

4347
03:48:18,200 --> 03:48:21,500
Supernatural intervention. 
George lillo's, the London 

4348
03:48:21,500 --> 03:48:25,100
Merchant was revolutionary by 
establishing the idea that 

4349
03:48:25,100 --> 03:48:27,800
theater could and should 
represent the experience of its 

4350
03:48:27,800 --> 03:48:30,900
audience rather than merely 
offering Escapist entertainment 

4351
03:48:30,900 --> 03:48:33,900
about exotic people in 
extraordinary circumstances, 

4352
03:48:33,900 --> 03:48:38,200
this move toward emotional 
realism and relatable characters

4353
03:48:38,200 --> 03:48:42,100
set the foundation for modern 
drama emotional response of And 

4354
03:48:42,100 --> 03:48:45,800
moral sensitivity would give new
significance by The Cult of 

4355
03:48:45,800 --> 03:48:48,100
sensibility. 
That ruled 18th century Society 

4356
03:48:48,100 --> 03:48:51,100
touching scenes were supposed to
make audiences cry. 

4357
03:48:51,100 --> 03:48:53,800
The number of handkerchiefs 
needed in the theater on any 

4358
03:48:53,800 --> 03:48:56,400
given night was frequently used 
to gauge a play success. 

4359
03:48:56,400 --> 03:48:59,200
Although, this may seem too 
sentimental, by today's 

4360
03:48:59,200 --> 03:49:01,000
standards. 
It was a significant 

4361
03:49:01,000 --> 03:49:03,400
acknowledgment that theater 
could be used to explore 

4362
03:49:03,400 --> 03:49:07,500
emotional and moral complexity. 
In addition, to offering obscene

4363
03:49:07,500 --> 03:49:10,800
entertainment by creating a more
naturalistic performance style 

4364
03:49:10,800 --> 03:49:14,000
that prioritized psychological 
realism over exclamatory 

4365
03:49:14,000 --> 03:49:17,100
technique, David Garrick, 
transformed acting during this 

4366
03:49:17,100 --> 03:49:20,600
time Garrick researched human 
behavior and attempted to 

4367
03:49:20,608 --> 03:49:23,800
replicated authentically on 
stage, rather than pausing and 

4368
03:49:23,800 --> 03:49:26,200
giving speeches in a formal 
oratorical way. 

4369
03:49:26,200 --> 03:49:29,400
His portrayal of Hamlet received
accolades from not looking like 

4370
03:49:29,400 --> 03:49:32,600
an actor, giving well known 
speeches, but rather like a real

4371
03:49:32,600 --> 03:49:35,200
person dealing with real 
psychological issues. 

4372
03:49:35,200 --> 03:49:38,600
In addition Garrick invented a 
number of theatrical techniques 

4373
03:49:38,600 --> 03:49:42,100
that are now commonplace. 
He was one of the first A demand

4374
03:49:42,100 --> 03:49:45,400
that hole Productions, not just 
individual scenes, undergo 

4375
03:49:45,400 --> 03:49:49,300
lengthy, rehearsals he created, 
cohesive artistic Visions for 

4376
03:49:49,300 --> 03:49:53,200
his Productions by coordinating 
staging costumes and scenery in 

4377
03:49:53,200 --> 03:49:55,900
order to create atmospheric 
illumination that increased the 

4378
03:49:55,908 --> 03:49:59,600
emotional impact of scenes. 
He even experimented with stage 

4379
03:49:59,600 --> 03:50:02,800
lighting effects, using 
reflective surfaces and hidden 

4380
03:50:02,800 --> 03:50:06,100
lamps with periodicals like The 
Spectator and the Tattler 

4381
03:50:06,100 --> 03:50:09,900
reviewing plays And discussing 
Aesthetics the 18th century also

4382
03:50:09,900 --> 03:50:11,600
witnessed. 
The emergence of what is now 

4383
03:50:11,600 --> 03:50:14,200
known as theater criticism. 
This led to a more 

4384
03:50:14,200 --> 03:50:17,100
self-conscious theatrical 
culture where a more 

4385
03:50:17,100 --> 03:50:19,600
sophisticated audience examined 
and discussed artistic 

4386
03:50:19,600 --> 03:50:22,300
decisions. 
The development of theatrical 

4387
03:50:22,300 --> 03:50:25,400
celebrity culture as we know it 
today began in the late 18th 

4388
03:50:25,400 --> 03:50:28,500
century performers. 
Such as Sarah, siddens Rose to 

4389
03:50:28,500 --> 03:50:31,300
Fame in Britain and Europe. 
Their private lives, the focus 

4390
03:50:31,300 --> 03:50:34,300
of public interest and their 
creative interpretations of 

4391
03:50:34,300 --> 03:50:37,400
important roles discussed with 
the same further that 

4392
03:50:37,400 --> 03:50:40,900
contemporary audiences reserved 
for athletes people, traveled 

4393
03:50:40,900 --> 03:50:43,600
hundreds of miles to see siddens
Lady Macbeth perform. 

4394
03:50:43,600 --> 03:50:46,700
The sleepwalking scene because 
she was so well, known her 

4395
03:50:46,700 --> 03:50:49,200
departure from the stage was 
viewed as a lost to the nation's

4396
03:50:49,200 --> 03:50:52,100
culture and her performance of 
the part, became the Benchmark 

4397
03:50:52,100 --> 03:50:54,400
by which all other actresses 
were judged. 

4398
03:50:54,400 --> 03:50:57,200
She was the first actress to 
receive a statue. 

4399
03:50:57,200 --> 03:50:59,400
In Westminster Abbey, something 
that would have been 

4400
03:50:59,400 --> 03:51:03,200
unimaginable for a performer, 
only a century before the 

4401
03:51:03,200 --> 03:51:05,700
development of the theater was 
impacted by this celebrity 

4402
03:51:05,700 --> 03:51:09,200
culture in both positive and 
negative ways on the plus side. 

4403
03:51:09,200 --> 03:51:12,000
Well, known actors could ensure 
that shows have audiences and 

4404
03:51:12,000 --> 03:51:13,600
draw funding to theater 
businesses. 

4405
03:51:13,600 --> 03:51:17,100
Their notoriety contributed to 
the development of theater as a 

4406
03:51:17,100 --> 03:51:19,800
legitimate art form. 
Deserving of significant 

4407
03:51:19,800 --> 03:51:23,000
cultural consider On the 
downside, the star system 

4408
03:51:23,000 --> 03:51:26,300
started to skew theatrical 
production, with play selected, 

4409
03:51:26,300 --> 03:51:29,300
more for their ability to 
Showcase specific actors than 

4410
03:51:29,300 --> 03:51:31,000
for their inherent artistic 
value. 

4411
03:51:31,000 --> 03:51:34,700
This resulted in a custom of 
star vehicles that prioritized 

4412
03:51:34,700 --> 03:51:38,200
individual skills over balanced,
dramatic construction and 

4413
03:51:38,200 --> 03:51:42,700
Ensemble acting everything 
including theater was altered by

4414
03:51:42,700 --> 03:51:46,100
the Industrial Revolution. 
In ways that continue to shape 

4415
03:51:46,100 --> 03:51:48,000
our perceptions of live 
performances. 

4416
03:51:48,000 --> 03:51:51,500
Theater was transformed from an 
afternoon Amusement to an 

4417
03:51:51,500 --> 03:51:54,200
evening event that could rival 
other nightlife activities. 

4418
03:51:54,200 --> 03:51:57,400
Thanks to advancements in 
lighting, technology that 

4419
03:51:57,400 --> 03:52:00,500
allowed indoor performance is to
last well, into the evening. 

4420
03:52:00,500 --> 03:52:04,300
When gaslighting was first used 
in the early 1800s, it 

4421
03:52:04,300 --> 03:52:06,300
completely changed the 
possibility for theater. 

4422
03:52:07,300 --> 03:52:10,800
The first time stage lighting 
could be precisely adjusted to 

4423
03:52:10,800 --> 03:52:13,900
be brightened for dramatic 
climaxes, and dimmed for 

4424
03:52:13,900 --> 03:52:16,800
intimate scenes. 
More complex atmospheric effects

4425
03:52:16,800 --> 03:52:19,300
were made possible, and 
filmmakers were equipped with 

4426
03:52:19,300 --> 03:52:22,700
new means of, directing viewers,
attention and evoking strong 

4427
03:52:22,700 --> 03:52:26,700
feelings by putting performers 
in the Limelight, and enabling 

4428
03:52:26,700 --> 03:52:29,200
the type of dramatic 
illumination that could isolate 

4429
03:52:29,200 --> 03:52:32,700
individual characters or produce
amazing visual effects 

4430
03:52:32,700 --> 03:52:36,700
Limelight, which is made by 
heating lime with oxygen and 

4431
03:52:36,708 --> 03:52:41,200
hydrogen Flames was introduced. 
Resulting in the first powerful 

4432
03:52:41,200 --> 03:52:43,600
Spotlight. 
Effects actors would literally 

4433
03:52:43,600 --> 03:52:46,500
position themselves to catch the
most flattering light during 

4434
03:52:46,500 --> 03:52:50,100
this time, which is where the 
well-known expression stealing 

4435
03:52:50,100 --> 03:52:53,500
the spotlight originated. 
As urban populations increased. 

4436
03:52:53,500 --> 03:52:56,300
In the middle class grew 
theaters, had to expand to 

4437
03:52:56,300 --> 03:52:58,600
accommodate their Leisure Time 
and entertainment budget. 

4438
03:52:58,600 --> 03:53:01,600
Several thousand people could 
fit in some of the theater's 

4439
03:53:01,600 --> 03:53:05,000
constructed during this time, 
necessitating Innovative staging

4440
03:53:05,000 --> 03:53:06,900
and performance techniques that 
could successfully. 

4441
03:53:07,200 --> 03:53:11,400
Project to such sizable crowds 
melodrama, a theatrical genre 

4442
03:53:11,400 --> 03:53:15,000
that focused on Stark moral 
contrasts breathtaking, special 

4443
03:53:15,000 --> 03:53:18,300
effects and poignant scenarios 
that were understandable and 

4444
03:53:18,300 --> 03:53:21,200
enjoyable, even in large 
theaters was born as a result. 

4445
03:53:21,200 --> 03:53:24,700
The plots of melodramas included
enough, physical action and 

4446
03:53:24,700 --> 03:53:27,900
visual spectacle to keep 
audiences interested, even when 

4447
03:53:27,900 --> 03:53:31,000
they couldn't hear every word of
dialogue, while the heroes were 

4448
03:53:31,000 --> 03:53:33,600
entirely good and the villains 
were completely evil 

4449
03:53:33,600 --> 03:53:36,700
melodramatic plots with 
thrilling for audiences of the 

4450
03:53:36,700 --> 03:53:38,400
time. 
But delightfully absurd, by 

4451
03:53:38,400 --> 03:53:40,600
today's standards on Family 
Farms. 

4452
03:53:40,600 --> 03:53:44,100
Villains, threatened for closure
Heroes Swang on ropes, across 

4453
03:53:44,100 --> 03:53:48,100
burning buildings, heroines were
tied to railroad tracks and evil

4454
03:53:48,100 --> 03:53:50,800
was always severely. 
Punished, usually in a 

4455
03:53:50,808 --> 03:53:53,600
spectacular way. 
While virtue was always 

4456
03:53:53,600 --> 03:53:56,400
rewarded. 
However, melodrama fulfilled 

4457
03:53:56,400 --> 03:53:59,800
significant social roles that 
went beyond simple Amusement, in

4458
03:53:59,800 --> 03:54:02,000
order to help viewers 
comprehend, the Swift changes, 

4459
03:54:02,000 --> 03:54:05,500
taking place in their society, a
number of melodramas addressed 

4460
03:54:05,500 --> 03:54:09,400
modern social issues. 
Is urbanization, class, conflict

4461
03:54:09,400 --> 03:54:12,700
industrialization and shifting 
family structures. 

4462
03:54:12,700 --> 03:54:15,500
The most well known American 
play of the 19th century. 

4463
03:54:15,500 --> 03:54:19,600
Uncle Tom's Cabin employed 
melodramatic devices to make 

4464
03:54:19,600 --> 03:54:21,400
anti-slavery points to 
audiences. 

4465
03:54:21,400 --> 03:54:23,500
That political speeches and 
newspaper. 

4466
03:54:23,500 --> 03:54:26,900
Editorials might not have been 
able to reach, additionally, 

4467
03:54:26,900 --> 03:54:29,600
touring Productions, that could 
reach audiences in smaller 

4468
03:54:29,600 --> 03:54:32,500
cities and towns gained 
popularity in the 19th century. 

4469
03:54:32,500 --> 03:54:36,400
As railroad networks expanded, 
it became financially viable to 

4470
03:54:36,400 --> 03:54:39,800
transport, entire Productions, 
complete with sets costumes, and

4471
03:54:39,808 --> 03:54:42,800
entire acting companies to 
locations across the nation. 

4472
03:54:42,800 --> 03:54:46,000
This made it possible for 
audience's and far-flung places 

4473
03:54:46,000 --> 03:54:48,800
to see the same place that were 
performed in large cities. 

4474
03:54:48,800 --> 03:54:53,500
Establishing the first genuinely
National theatrical culture with

4475
03:54:53,500 --> 03:54:56,900
theatrical syndicates planning. 
Tours, reserving venues and 

4476
03:54:56,900 --> 03:55:00,700
standardizing production values 
across several locations theater

4477
03:55:00,700 --> 03:55:02,600
emerged as a significant 
industry. 

4478
03:55:02,600 --> 03:55:06,000
During this time the majority of
America's major theater were 

4479
03:55:06,000 --> 03:55:08,600
under the control of the 
Theatrical Syndicate, which was 

4480
03:55:08,600 --> 03:55:12,700
established in 1896. 
That booking choices have the 

4481
03:55:12,700 --> 03:55:16,300
power to make or ruin careers a 
parallel movement that would 

4482
03:55:16,300 --> 03:55:19,700
transform dramatic literature 
and lay the foundation for many 

4483
03:55:19,700 --> 03:55:21,200
of the tenets that still 
governs. 

4484
03:55:21,200 --> 03:55:24,500
Serious theater today was 
emerging at the same time that 

4485
03:55:24,500 --> 03:55:28,200
popular theater was embracing 
spectacle and wide emotional 

4486
03:55:28,200 --> 03:55:30,900
appeal. 
Henry Gibson, August strindberg 

4487
03:55:30,900 --> 03:55:34,300
and Anton Chekhov were among the
first playwrights to tackle 

4488
03:55:34,300 --> 03:55:37,000
contemporary social issues 
through the experiences of 

4489
03:55:37,000 --> 03:55:40,300
likable characters and familiar 
settings because it addressed 

4490
03:55:40,300 --> 03:55:42,700
marriage and women's rights 
honestly and in ways that went 

4491
03:55:42,700 --> 03:55:46,500
against ingrained social norms, 
its a doll's, house sparked 

4492
03:55:46,500 --> 03:55:50,000
scandals across Europe, some 
theater's refused to present the

4493
03:55:50,000 --> 03:55:53,300
plays contentious ending in 
which Nora abandoned her 

4494
03:55:53,300 --> 03:55:56,600
husband, and kids to find her 
own identity without, including 

4495
03:55:56,600 --> 03:55:59,400
a more traditional conclusion in
which she resumes her 

4496
03:55:59,400 --> 03:56:02,400
responsibilities to her family, 
that the controversy was 

4497
03:56:02,400 --> 03:56:05,700
precisely the point. 
Absent and his peers, felt that 

4498
03:56:05,708 --> 03:56:08,600
theater should provoke viewers 
to reflect deeply on moral 

4499
03:56:08,600 --> 03:56:11,300
issues and societal issues. 
In addition, to providing 

4500
03:56:11,300 --> 03:56:14,900
Amusement, this marked a return 
to theaters long-standing role 

4501
03:56:14,900 --> 03:56:18,100
as a platform for discussing 
significant topics, but with a 

4502
03:56:18,108 --> 03:56:20,700
particularly contemporary 
emphasis on psychological 

4503
03:56:20,700 --> 03:56:24,600
realism and current social 
issues, check off mastered the 

4504
03:56:24,608 --> 03:56:27,300
art of naturalistic drama by 
crafting plays in which 

4505
03:56:27,300 --> 03:56:30,600
characters discuss significant 
topics without directly 

4506
03:56:30,600 --> 03:56:33,600
addressing them in which the 
most poignant emotional moments 

4507
03:56:33,600 --> 03:56:37,100
frequently occur in silence. 
And in which the overall impact 

4508
03:56:37,100 --> 03:56:40,100
relies on Maynooth details, 
rather than dramatic climaxes 

4509
03:56:40,100 --> 03:56:43,200
although the Cherry Orchard is 
supposedly about an aristocratic

4510
03:56:43,200 --> 03:56:47,100
family losing their estate. 
It's really about how hard it is

4511
03:56:47,100 --> 03:56:50,500
to adjust to social change and 
how impossible it is to cling to

4512
03:56:50,508 --> 03:56:52,900
the past. 
These playwrights developed new 

4513
03:56:52,900 --> 03:56:55,800
techniques for creating 
cycleogical depth and emotional 

4514
03:56:55,800 --> 03:56:58,900
authenticity, that would 
influence theatrical writing for

4515
03:56:58,900 --> 03:57:02,200
the next century and beyond 
their plot centered on internal 

4516
03:57:02,200 --> 03:57:04,100
conflicts and slow Revelations. 
Rather. 

4517
03:57:04,200 --> 03:57:08,000
Than external action and 
dramatic confrontations, and 

4518
03:57:08,000 --> 03:57:11,100
their characters spoke and acted
more like real people. 

4519
03:57:11,900 --> 03:57:15,200
Theatrical archetypes more 
changes to theater occurred in 

4520
03:57:15,208 --> 03:57:18,200
the 20th century than in any 
other because of two World Wars,

4521
03:57:18,200 --> 03:57:21,800
the emergence of television and 
film shifting, social mores, and

4522
03:57:21,800 --> 03:57:25,100
new technological advancements. 
As naturalistic acting 

4523
03:57:25,100 --> 03:57:27,800
techniques gained popularity in 
the early part of the century 

4524
03:57:27,800 --> 03:57:31,100
actors attempted to act as 
naturally as possible on stage. 

4525
03:57:31,100 --> 03:57:33,900
The more clamorous 
presentational style that are 

4526
03:57:33,900 --> 03:57:36,600
dominated theater for centuries 
was drastically different from 

4527
03:57:36,600 --> 03:57:39,600
this, by using their own 
emotional experiences and 

4528
03:57:39,600 --> 03:57:42,200
creating intricate psychological
backstories for their 

4529
03:57:42,200 --> 03:57:45,200
characters. 
Konstantin stanislavski created 

4530
03:57:45,200 --> 03:57:48,200
methodical techniques to assist 
actors in creating believable 

4531
03:57:48,200 --> 03:57:50,900
characters. 
Modern actor training was on the

4532
03:57:50,900 --> 03:57:54,500
interpretation and modification 
of the stanislavski method by 

4533
03:57:54,500 --> 03:57:57,300
American instructors. 
Such as Lee Strasberg, Stella 

4534
03:57:57,300 --> 03:58:01,400
Adler and Sanford, Meisner the 
notion that actors should live. 

4535
03:58:01,400 --> 03:58:04,400
Truthfully under imaginary 
circumstances, transformed 

4536
03:58:04,400 --> 03:58:07,600
performance and created guide 
lines that are still studied in 

4537
03:58:07,600 --> 03:58:09,300
used by the majority of actors 
today. 

4538
03:58:09,300 --> 03:58:13,200
Meanwhile, experimental theater.
This we're pushing in completely

4539
03:58:13,200 --> 03:58:15,800
different directions. 
Rejecting naturalistic 

4540
03:58:15,800 --> 03:58:19,600
representation entirely in favor
of more abstract symbolic or 

4541
03:58:19,600 --> 03:58:22,300
ritualistic forms of performance
in Russia. 

4542
03:58:22,300 --> 03:58:25,900
Several odd, meyerhold created 
biomechanical acting methods 

4543
03:58:25,900 --> 03:58:28,800
that prioritize stylized 
movement and physical accuracy 

4544
03:58:28,800 --> 03:58:31,600
over psychological realism the 
theater of Cruelty. 

4545
03:58:31,600 --> 03:58:35,100
That Antonin our tour envisioned
would directly affect audiences,

4546
03:58:35,100 --> 03:58:37,900
emotions and spirituality. 
While challenging their 

4547
03:58:37,900 --> 03:58:40,800
rationale defenses through 
powerful sensory experiences, 

4548
03:58:40,800 --> 03:58:44,100
despite his own Productions 
frequent failures with modern 

4549
03:58:44,100 --> 03:58:47,800
audiences, his theory is shaped 
experimental theater for decades

4550
03:58:47,800 --> 03:58:50,800
in order to keep audience's from
getting emotionally engrossed in

4551
03:58:50,808 --> 03:58:52,800
Theatrical, illusion. 
Bertolt. 

4552
03:58:52,800 --> 03:58:56,300
Brecht created Epic Theater 
techniques in order for the 

4553
03:58:56,300 --> 03:58:59,200
audience to critically, consider
the social and political issues 

4554
03:58:59,200 --> 03:59:02,000
his plays addressed. 
He wanted them to keep a 

4555
03:59:02,000 --> 03:59:04,500
critical distance from the 
action political theater. 

4556
03:59:04,500 --> 03:59:07,500
All across the world was 
impacted by brexit alienation 

4557
03:59:07,500 --> 03:59:11,300
effects which included direct 
address to the audience songs 

4558
03:59:11,300 --> 03:59:13,200
that made. 
Common tree on the action and 

4559
03:59:13,200 --> 03:59:16,600
staging that purposefully 
exposed theatrical artifice and 

4560
03:59:16,600 --> 03:59:19,200
American Theater, was creating 
its own unique traits and 

4561
03:59:19,200 --> 03:59:22,400
contributions to the art form 
while European theater was 

4562
03:59:22,400 --> 03:59:25,200
battling, modernist Innovations 
and political upheavals. 

4563
03:59:25,200 --> 03:59:29,100
The rise of uniquely American 
dramatic voices that wrote about

4564
03:59:29,100 --> 03:59:32,100
uniquely American issues and 
experiences occurred in the 

4565
03:59:32,100 --> 03:59:36,100
early 20th century. 
The first American playwright to

4566
03:59:36,100 --> 03:59:38,900
receive widespread Acclaim for 
his serious, dramatic Works. 

4567
03:59:38,900 --> 03:59:41,600
Was Eugene O'Neill. 
His early plays featured 

4568
03:59:41,600 --> 03:59:44,700
working-class characters, and 
Industrial settings that in 

4569
03:59:44,700 --> 03:59:45,700
ways. 
Never before. 

4570
03:59:45,700 --> 03:59:49,700
Seen on stage, reflected the 
realities of American Life later

4571
03:59:49,700 --> 03:59:53,000
pieces, like the Iceman, Cometh,
and Long days journey into night

4572
03:59:53,000 --> 03:59:55,500
examined. 
Personal failure, and family 

4573
03:59:55,500 --> 03:59:58,900
dysfunction with a psychological
depth that was comparable to 

4574
03:59:58,900 --> 04:00:00,200
anything being written in 
Europe. 

4575
04:00:00,200 --> 04:00:03,200
Only experimented, with 
theatrical methods, that went 

4576
04:00:03,200 --> 04:00:05,500
beyond what was typically 
expected of theatrical 

4577
04:00:05,500 --> 04:00:07,000
entertainment in the United 
States. 

4578
04:00:07,800 --> 04:00:10,200
And strange interlude. 
There were lengthy aside 

4579
04:00:10,200 --> 04:00:12,400
passages where characters 
Express their thoughts out. 

4580
04:00:12,400 --> 04:00:16,000
Loud masks were employed by the 
great God, Brown to symbolize 

4581
04:00:16,000 --> 04:00:20,000
various facets of his Persona by
adapting, Greek tragedy to an 

4582
04:00:20,000 --> 04:00:22,700
American setting during the 
Civil War mourning becomes 

4583
04:00:22,700 --> 04:00:25,500
Electra produced a Trilogy that 
used classical dramatic 

4584
04:00:25,500 --> 04:00:27,500
structures to analyze American 
history. 

4585
04:00:27,500 --> 04:00:30,100
The only time in American 
history that the federal 

4586
04:00:30,100 --> 04:00:33,800
government directly subsidized 
theatrical production was during

4587
04:00:33,800 --> 04:00:37,000
the federal theater project, 
which was a component of the New

4588
04:00:37,000 --> 04:00:38,800
Deal initiatives. 
During the Great Depression, 

4589
04:00:38,800 --> 04:00:41,600
thousands of theater 
professionals were employed by 

4590
04:00:41,600 --> 04:00:46,500
the project between 1935 and 
1939 and 100 of Productions were

4591
04:00:46,500 --> 04:00:49,900
produced Nationwide, including 
the groundbreaking living 

4592
04:00:49,900 --> 04:00:52,800
newspaper Productions, that 
dramatized current events and 

4593
04:00:52,800 --> 04:00:56,300
social concerns, even though the
federal theater project was 

4594
04:00:56,300 --> 04:00:59,100
eventually shut down because of 
political concerns about its 

4595
04:00:59,100 --> 04:01:03,200
left-leaning content. 
It showed that seriously engaged

4596
04:01:03,200 --> 04:01:05,900
theater was in high demand 
Across the Nation. 

4597
04:01:05,900 --> 04:01:09,400
Not just in large cities. 
The creation of the integrated 

4598
04:01:09,400 --> 04:01:13,100
musical which fused songs dances
and dramatic scenes into 

4599
04:01:13,100 --> 04:01:16,100
cohesive artistic experiences, 
rather, than merely 

4600
04:01:16,100 --> 04:01:18,900
entertainment reviews. 
With well-known performers was 

4601
04:01:18,900 --> 04:01:22,400
perhaps American theaters, most 
notable contribution to World 

4602
04:01:22,400 --> 04:01:24,400
drama. 
With songs that developed 

4603
04:01:24,400 --> 04:01:26,700
organically from the character 
and Circumstance. 

4604
04:01:26,700 --> 04:01:30,000
Rather than being added as 
specialty, numbers Showboat, 

4605
04:01:30,000 --> 04:01:34,000
1927 is frequently regarded as 
the first fully integrated 

4606
04:01:34,000 --> 04:01:37,100
American Musical. 
The production addressed weighty

4607
04:01:37,100 --> 04:01:39,400
topics like racial Prejudice and
the passing of time 

4608
04:01:39,400 --> 04:01:42,500
demonstrating that musical 
theater, could tackle important 

4609
04:01:42,500 --> 04:01:44,700
issues while still offering 
mainstream entertainment. 

4610
04:01:44,700 --> 04:01:49,600
Alright, 1943 transformed 
musical theater by introducing 

4611
04:01:49,600 --> 04:01:53,000
dance sequences that progressed 
the plot and revealed character 

4612
04:01:53,000 --> 04:01:54,600
rather than melee offering 
spectacle. 

4613
04:01:54,600 --> 04:01:57,600
And by starting with a single 
character, singing alone on 

4614
04:01:57,600 --> 04:02:00,600
stage and stead of a large 
chorus, Number Richard Rodgers 

4615
04:02:00,600 --> 04:02:03,800
and Oscar Hammerstein, the 
second partnership, created a 

4616
04:02:03,800 --> 04:02:06,800
model for musical theater design
that shape the genre for many 

4617
04:02:06,800 --> 04:02:09,400
years through. 
Complex music and choreography 

4618
04:02:09,400 --> 04:02:12,600
that produced theatrical 
experiences unmatched in any 

4619
04:02:12,600 --> 04:02:17,600
other medium Westside Story, 
1957 showed that musical theater

4620
04:02:17,600 --> 04:02:21,800
could address modern social 
issues like gang violence racial

4621
04:02:21,800 --> 04:02:25,700
tension and urban poverty, 
classical jazz and popular music

4622
04:02:25,700 --> 04:02:28,800
were all incorporated into 
Leonard, Bernstein score and 

4623
04:02:28,800 --> 04:02:31,700
Jerome Robbins choreography 
turned dance from a decorative 

4624
04:02:31,700 --> 04:02:34,900
element to a crucial part of the
narrative Broadway musicals 

4625
04:02:34,900 --> 04:02:38,600
Heyday, which spanned roughly 
the 1940s to the 1960s. 

4626
04:02:38,600 --> 04:02:42,100
Produced works that shaped 
American culture songs from 

4627
04:02:42,100 --> 04:02:45,000
these shows entered, the popular
repertoire and the shows 

4628
04:02:45,000 --> 04:02:48,100
themselves established Broadway,
as a major cultural export that 

4629
04:02:48,100 --> 04:02:50,400
influenced musical, theater 
development, worldwide 

4630
04:02:50,400 --> 04:02:53,800
alternative, theaters arose to 
accommodate more experimental 

4631
04:02:53,800 --> 04:02:55,500
work, and give up and coming 
artists. 

4632
04:02:55,500 --> 04:02:58,700
A platform as Broadway. 
Grew more commercial and costly 

4633
04:02:58,700 --> 04:03:01,800
originally characterized by 
their smaller size and cheaper 

4634
04:03:01,800 --> 04:03:04,600
ticket costs. 
Off-Broadway theater evolved 

4635
04:03:04,600 --> 04:03:07,700
into hubs for theatrical 
Innovation and platforms for 

4636
04:03:07,700 --> 04:03:09,500
work. 
That were unable to find a home 

4637
04:03:09,500 --> 04:03:13,300
in commercial settings, Julian 
Beck and Judith Molina founded, 

4638
04:03:13,300 --> 04:03:16,400
the living Theater, which 
pioneered confrontational and 

4639
04:03:16,400 --> 04:03:18,800
interactive theater. 
That dismantled the conventional

4640
04:03:18,800 --> 04:03:20,900
divided between audiences and 
performers. 

4641
04:03:20,900 --> 04:03:23,700
In addition to challenging 
preconceived, notions about 

4642
04:03:23,700 --> 04:03:26,800
social norms and Theatrical 
Behavior, their production of 

4643
04:03:26,800 --> 04:03:28,900
paradise. 
Now, invited audience members to

4644
04:03:28,908 --> 04:03:31,800
participate in the performance 
instead of adhering to 

4645
04:03:31,800 --> 04:03:33,700
Conventional hierarchical 
structures. 

4646
04:03:33,700 --> 04:03:37,100
The open Theater Under the 
direction of Joseph Chaikin 

4647
04:03:37,100 --> 04:03:40,100
developed on sambal based 
creation techniques in which 

4648
04:03:40,100 --> 04:03:43,700
actors directors and writers 
work together throughout the 

4649
04:03:43,700 --> 04:03:47,700
creative process, their work 
which placed a strong emphasis 

4650
04:03:47,700 --> 04:03:50,500
on vocal and physical 
experimentation produced 

4651
04:03:50,500 --> 04:03:53,100
performance styles that had an 
international impact on 

4652
04:03:53,100 --> 04:03:56,500
experimental theater and actor 
training as a separate field. 

4653
04:03:56,500 --> 04:03:59,200
Performance art rejected, many 
of the conventions of theater 

4654
04:03:59,200 --> 04:04:01,300
while drawing inspiration from 
it. 

4655
04:04:01,300 --> 04:04:04,100
So lope performance is by our 
artists, like Laurie Anderson, 

4656
04:04:04,100 --> 04:04:07,400
Spalding Gray and Karen Finley 
Blended storytelling. 

4657
04:04:08,000 --> 04:04:11,400
Visual art music and theater in 
ways that defied, easy, 

4658
04:04:11,400 --> 04:04:14,200
classification, as art. 
A decentralized theatrical 

4659
04:04:14,200 --> 04:04:16,800
culture was produced by the 
founding of regional theater 

4660
04:04:16,800 --> 04:04:20,600
companies across the United 
States in the 1960s and 1970s 

4661
04:04:20,600 --> 04:04:24,100
which lessened New York to 
Germany and offered chances for 

4662
04:04:24,100 --> 04:04:27,800
theatrical growth. 
Outside of conventional, hubs 

4663
04:04:27,800 --> 04:04:30,300
organizations. 
Such as the Arena Stage in 

4664
04:04:30,300 --> 04:04:32,900
Washington, DC. 
The American Conservatory 

4665
04:04:32,900 --> 04:04:36,100
theater in San Francisco and the
Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis 

4666
04:04:36,100 --> 04:04:39,200
formed unique creative 
personalities while giving back 

4667
04:04:39,200 --> 04:04:42,400
to their communities Regional 
Theaters emerged as crucial, 

4668
04:04:42,400 --> 04:04:45,800
venues for creating original 
works and bringing classic plays

4669
04:04:45,800 --> 04:04:47,200
back to life for modern 
audiences. 

4670
04:04:47,200 --> 04:04:50,600
In addition to creating 
audiences for serious theater in

4671
04:04:50,600 --> 04:04:53,500
communities Across the Nation, 
they offered jobs to theater 

4672
04:04:53,500 --> 04:04:56,800
professionals, who wish to work 
regularly without vying for the 

4673
04:04:56,800 --> 04:04:59,500
few Broadway, openings. 
The growth of playwright 

4674
04:04:59,500 --> 04:05:02,500
development programs, which 
supported up and coming authors 

4675
04:05:02,500 --> 04:05:06,700
through workshops readings and 
developmental Productions was 

4676
04:05:06,700 --> 04:05:08,800
also encouraged by the More 
theater movement. 

4677
04:05:08,800 --> 04:05:12,100
The Works of many of the most 
significant American playwrights

4678
04:05:12,100 --> 04:05:16,000
of the late 20th century such as
David Mamet, Sam, Shepard and 

4679
04:05:16,000 --> 04:05:18,700
Lanford Wilson were developed in
Regional Theaters. 

4680
04:05:18,700 --> 04:05:22,600
The theater of today, is part of
a complex ecosystem, that also 

4681
04:05:22,600 --> 04:05:26,300
includes social media video 
games, streaming services, 

4682
04:05:26,300 --> 04:05:30,000
television and movies in stead 
of being supplanted. 

4683
04:05:30,000 --> 04:05:32,600
By these more recent 
entertainment, mediums theater 

4684
04:05:32,600 --> 04:05:35,300
has managed to integrate their 
Innovations while preserving its

4685
04:05:35,300 --> 04:05:38,200
fundamental qualities as a live 
social event. 

4686
04:05:38,200 --> 04:05:41,300
Diversity is embraced by modern 
theater in ways that were 

4687
04:05:41,300 --> 04:05:45,200
Unthinkable in early at times on
contemporary stages stories from

4688
04:05:45,200 --> 04:05:47,200
various cultures. 
Previously, marginalized 

4689
04:05:47,200 --> 04:05:50,700
viewpoints and experimental, 
forms that defy conventional. 

4690
04:05:50,700 --> 04:05:54,500
Notions of what theater can be 
coexist, playwrights such as 

4691
04:05:54,500 --> 04:05:58,300
Tony Kushner lin-manuel. 
Miranda and Susan, Laurie Parks 

4692
04:05:58,300 --> 04:06:01,300
have produced plays that broaden
the theatrical Canon while 

4693
04:06:01,300 --> 04:06:04,400
appealing to new audiences. 
The fundamental components of 

4694
04:06:04,400 --> 04:06:07,600
theatrical performance have been
improved by technology, rather 

4695
04:06:07,600 --> 04:06:11,100
than Replaced. 
Nowadays sound design is a 

4696
04:06:11,100 --> 04:06:14,300
highly developed art form, that 
produces oral Landscapes that 

4697
04:06:14,300 --> 04:06:17,700
were not possible in the past 
computer controls systems are 

4698
04:06:17,700 --> 04:06:20,100
used in lighting design to 
produce effects that are only 

4699
04:06:20,100 --> 04:06:23,700
constrained by the designers 
creativity real-time visual 

4700
04:06:23,700 --> 04:06:26,500
environments that adapt to live.
Performances are made possible 

4701
04:06:26,500 --> 04:06:28,700
by digital effects and video 
projection. 

4702
04:06:28,700 --> 04:06:31,800
However, these technological 
advancements support, 

4703
04:06:31,800 --> 04:06:34,800
conventional theatrical 
functions, such as narrating, 

4704
04:06:34,800 --> 04:06:38,900
stories setting the mood and 
drawing in viewers, realizing 

4705
04:06:38,900 --> 04:06:41,300
that theaters power is in the 
direct interaction between 

4706
04:06:41,300 --> 04:06:44,300
actors and audiences. 
The most successful, modern 

4707
04:06:44,300 --> 04:06:47,300
Productions used technology, to 
complement live performance, 

4708
04:06:47,300 --> 04:06:50,600
rather than to replace it. 
Some elements of theater of 

4709
04:06:50,600 --> 04:06:52,400
State. 
Remarkably consistent over 

4710
04:06:52,400 --> 04:06:56,000
thousands of years, despite all 
these changes, the fundamental 

4711
04:06:56,000 --> 04:06:59,200
bond between an Entertainer and 
Their audience, the Enchantment 

4712
04:06:59,200 --> 04:07:02,500
of live performance is and the 
potency of group storytelling, 

4713
04:07:02,500 --> 04:07:05,300
have withstood all social 
changes and technological, 

4714
04:07:05,300 --> 04:07:08,700
advancements, being in the same 
room as live performers. 

4715
04:07:09,200 --> 04:07:12,400
Experience in the energy of the 
crowd and realizing that, this 

4716
04:07:12,400 --> 04:07:14,600
specific performance will never 
be precisely. 

4717
04:07:14,600 --> 04:07:18,600
Duplicated are still in 
comparable live performance is 

4718
04:07:18,600 --> 04:07:21,500
on predictable and crucial in 
ways that recorded entertainment

4719
04:07:21,500 --> 04:07:25,100
can never match with subtle 
variations brought about, by the

4720
04:07:25,100 --> 04:07:28,500
audience's mood, the performers 
energy, the weather and 

4721
04:07:28,500 --> 04:07:31,800
countless other small factors. 
Archived dwelling ancestors, 

4722
04:07:31,800 --> 04:07:34,700
gathered around their Fires. 
For many of the same purposes 

4723
04:07:34,700 --> 04:07:36,100
that theater still fulfills 
today. 

4724
04:07:37,000 --> 04:07:40,000
It gives difficult feelings and 
complicated concepts are 

4725
04:07:40,000 --> 04:07:43,000
tangible form. 
And a common context which AIDS 

4726
04:07:43,000 --> 04:07:45,400
in their processing. 
I offering experiences that 

4727
04:07:45,400 --> 04:07:49,800
people can talk about debate and
remember together, it Fosters a 

4728
04:07:49,800 --> 04:07:52,900
sense of community. 
It allows each generation to 

4729
04:07:52,900 --> 04:07:55,200
reinterpret stories, and 
cultural values for their 

4730
04:07:55,200 --> 04:07:57,600
current relevance. 
While preserving them theater, 

4731
04:07:57,600 --> 04:08:00,500
gives us the opportunity to 
investigate various viewpoints 

4732
04:08:00,500 --> 04:08:03,600
and options in a secure setting 
where we can experience 

4733
04:08:03,600 --> 04:08:06,900
repercussions without, actually 
going through them, observe 

4734
04:08:06,900 --> 04:08:09,900
other people's decisions and 
consider, how we might act in 

4735
04:08:09,900 --> 04:08:13,700
comparable situations through 
the experience of characters who

4736
04:08:13,700 --> 04:08:15,800
represent various facets of 
human nature. 

4737
04:08:15,800 --> 04:08:19,900
It offers a forum for discussing
ethical issues, societal issues 

4738
04:08:19,900 --> 04:08:23,400
and interpersonal conflicts, 
indeed theater, serves many 

4739
04:08:23,400 --> 04:08:26,300
important, artistic and social 
purposes, but it's also 

4740
04:08:26,300 --> 04:08:29,300
important to remember that. 
It's just for fun, the small 

4741
04:08:29,300 --> 04:08:33,200
Pleasures, the shared gasp of 
surprise, and unexpected plot 

4742
04:08:33,200 --> 04:08:36,200
twists, the laugh after that 
breaks out during a well-timed, 

4743
04:08:36,200 --> 04:08:38,900
comedy sequence, the shared 
intake of breath. 

4744
04:08:38,900 --> 04:08:43,300
During a moment of transcendent 
Beauty directly connect to every

4745
04:08:43,300 --> 04:08:47,100
audience, as ever assembled to 
witness other people posing as 

4746
04:08:47,100 --> 04:08:49,900
someone else's theaters 
Humanity, as what makes it, so 

4747
04:08:49,900 --> 04:08:53,400
appealing, In contrast to 
television or movies which show 

4748
04:08:53,400 --> 04:08:56,000
are still photos of actors who 
played their parts weeks or 

4749
04:08:56,000 --> 04:08:59,300
months ago, theater shows us 
real people performing live 

4750
04:08:59,300 --> 04:09:03,000
right in front of us, the tear 
shed by a theater performer. 

4751
04:09:03,000 --> 04:09:07,200
Are genuine when they laugh, 
it's real laughter they must 

4752
04:09:07,200 --> 04:09:08,300
immediately. 
Correct? 

4753
04:09:08,300 --> 04:09:11,600
Their mistakes in front of the 
audience, no other art form can 

4754
04:09:11,600 --> 04:09:15,600
compare to the sense of danger 
and urgency this evokes during a

4755
04:09:15,600 --> 04:09:18,200
live performance. 
Anything can happen and actor, 

4756
04:09:18,200 --> 04:09:22,200
may forget their lines, a set 
piece may break or a costume May

4757
04:09:22,200 --> 04:09:25,700
tear at a pivotal point. 
How the actors respond to these 

4758
04:09:25,700 --> 04:09:27,600
situations. 
Become part of the entertainment

4759
04:09:27,600 --> 04:09:30,900
for the evening by agreeing to 
overlook small errors and 

4760
04:09:30,900 --> 04:09:34,100
recognizing the skill needed to 
produce, convincing characters 

4761
04:09:34,100 --> 04:09:36,800
and gripping narratives under 
such a media pressure. 

4762
04:09:36,800 --> 04:09:40,000
The audience completely 
maintains, the theatrical 

4763
04:09:40,000 --> 04:09:42,900
illusion with theatrical 
Traditions from all over the 

4764
04:09:42,900 --> 04:09:44,500
world. 
In influencing one another in 

4765
04:09:44,500 --> 04:09:47,900
ways that were not feasible in 
the past, modern theater has a 

4766
04:09:47,900 --> 04:09:51,600
genuinely Global reach. 
Western experimental theaters 

4767
04:09:51,600 --> 04:09:54,100
influenced by Japanese Noh and 
Kabuki techniques. 

4768
04:09:54,100 --> 04:09:56,900
Modern American playwriting is 
influenced by African 

4769
04:09:56,900 --> 04:10:00,800
storytelling Traditions, Asian 
Productions of Western Classics.

4770
04:10:00,800 --> 04:10:03,600
Adopt European directing 
techniques by broadening the 

4771
04:10:03,608 --> 04:10:06,600
scope of methods themes and 
approaches accessible to Modern 

4772
04:10:06,600 --> 04:10:08,700
artists. 
This cross-pollination has 

4773
04:10:08,700 --> 04:10:11,400
enhanced theater. 
As artists strive to respect 

4774
04:10:11,400 --> 04:10:14,200
traditional forms while bringing
them up to date for contemporary

4775
04:10:14,200 --> 04:10:17,600
audiences, as well as negotiate 
issues of cultural appropriation

4776
04:10:17,600 --> 04:10:21,600
and genuine representation, it 
is also brought forth. 

4777
04:10:21,600 --> 04:10:24,500
New difficulties, theater 
Innovations, are now widely 

4778
04:10:24,500 --> 04:10:27,300
disseminated across National and
cultural borders through the 

4779
04:10:27,300 --> 04:10:31,000
Festival circuit festivals in 
Adelaide Edinburgh Avenue and 

4780
04:10:31,000 --> 04:10:34,100
numerous other cities offer 
venues for artists from various 

4781
04:10:34,100 --> 04:10:36,900
Traditions to exchange their 
work and have an impact on one 

4782
04:10:36,900 --> 04:10:39,800
another's growth. 
This International Exchange has 

4783
04:10:39,800 --> 04:10:42,700
been sped up by digital 
communication, which has made it

4784
04:10:42,700 --> 04:10:45,000
possible for theater 
professionals to collaborate on 

4785
04:10:45,000 --> 04:10:48,800
projects, share techniques and 
reach audiences around the world

4786
04:10:48,800 --> 04:10:51,500
in ways that were Thinkable for 
earlier Generations. 

4787
04:10:51,500 --> 04:10:55,000
All though live streaming of 
theatrical performances has 

4788
04:10:55,000 --> 04:10:56,700
grown in sophistication and 
popularity. 

4789
04:10:56,700 --> 04:11:00,300
It still serves as an addition 
to live theater experiences, 

4790
04:11:00,300 --> 04:11:03,600
rather than as a substitute for 
them, theater keeps changing 

4791
04:11:03,600 --> 04:11:05,700
while retaining its fundamental 
qualities. 

4792
04:11:05,700 --> 04:11:08,200
As we look to the Future, 
although they haven't yet 

4793
04:11:08,200 --> 04:11:10,500
completely altered. 
The fundamental theatrical 

4794
04:11:10,500 --> 04:11:13,200
experience of live performers, 
working with live audiences 

4795
04:11:13,200 --> 04:11:16,600
virtual and augmented reality 
Technologies. 

4796
04:11:16,600 --> 04:11:19,300
Present new opportunities for 
staging and audience. 

4797
04:11:19,300 --> 04:11:22,000
Interaction theater operations 
are being impacted by 

4798
04:11:22,000 --> 04:11:24,600
environmental concerns. 
As many businesses are 

4799
04:11:24,600 --> 04:11:28,200
implementing sustainable, set 
construction, energy, use and 

4800
04:11:28,200 --> 04:11:32,000
touring Logistics practices as 
audience's funding sources and 

4801
04:11:32,000 --> 04:11:34,200
distribution. 
Strategies shift, in response to

4802
04:11:34,200 --> 04:11:36,500
more General, Social and 
technological advancements. 

4803
04:11:36,500 --> 04:11:40,900
Theater's economics, continue to
change the same urgent subject 

4804
04:11:40,900 --> 04:11:43,600
matter that has always inspired 
the most compelling. 

4805
04:11:43,600 --> 04:11:46,500
Dramatic work is available to 
theater today in the form of 

4806
04:11:46,500 --> 04:11:49,800
climate change, political 
polarization e. 

4807
04:11:49,800 --> 04:11:52,400
Make inequality and 
technological disruption 

4808
04:11:52,400 --> 04:11:55,500
emerging playwrights of today, 
are figuring out how to deal 

4809
04:11:55,500 --> 04:11:57,900
with these issues while 
respecting theater's historical 

4810
04:11:57,900 --> 04:12:01,300
advantages and investigating 
fresh avenues for artistic 

4811
04:12:01,300 --> 04:12:03,700
expression, tens of thousands of
years ago. 

4812
04:12:03,700 --> 04:12:07,300
The first storytellers gathered 
around their fires and began a 

4813
04:12:07,300 --> 04:12:10,400
tradition that today's Young 
performers are carrying on their

4814
04:12:10,400 --> 04:12:12,300
learning from teachers who 
learned from teachers who can 

4815
04:12:12,300 --> 04:12:15,000
trace their ancestry back 
through centuries of theatrical 

4816
04:12:15,000 --> 04:12:17,600
tradition. 
An unbroken line of knowledge 

4817
04:12:17,600 --> 04:12:20,900
and technique that links actors 
of today to actors of the past. 

4818
04:12:20,900 --> 04:12:24,000
However, there are also 
developing new formats and 

4819
04:12:24,000 --> 04:12:26,700
inventive storytelling 
techniques that appeal to 

4820
04:12:26,700 --> 04:12:29,800
audiences in the modern era who 
are confronted with previously 

4821
04:12:29,800 --> 04:12:31,800
unheard of possibilities and 
challenges. 

4822
04:12:31,800 --> 04:12:34,500
They are performing for 
audiences that include people 

4823
04:12:34,500 --> 04:12:37,800
from all over the world working 
in theaters that are equipped 

4824
04:12:37,800 --> 04:12:41,400
with new technology and tackling
artistic and social issues that 

4825
04:12:41,400 --> 04:12:43,200
were Unthinkable for early 
Generations. 

4826
04:12:43,200 --> 04:12:47,300
Theater adapts without losing 
its core which is why endures 

4827
04:12:47,300 --> 04:12:51,200
and flourishes while embracing 
new technologies, it keeps its 

4828
04:12:51,200 --> 04:12:54,000
emphasis on interpersonal 
connections and in-person 

4829
04:12:54,000 --> 04:12:56,900
communication. 
It explores the Timeless themes.

4830
04:12:56,900 --> 04:12:58,700
That have always fueled dramatic
literature. 

4831
04:12:58,700 --> 04:13:02,200
While incorporating shifting 
social perspectives, In addition

4832
04:13:02,200 --> 04:13:04,400
to developing new narratives 
that represent modern 

4833
04:13:04,400 --> 04:13:07,200
experience. 
It discovers novel ways to tell 

4834
04:13:07,200 --> 04:13:11,100
old Tales the value of theaters 
emphasis on community presence 

4835
04:13:11,100 --> 04:13:14,800
and shared experience increases 
rather than decreases. 

4836
04:13:14,800 --> 04:13:18,000
In our increasingly digital 
remote and fast-paced world. 

4837
04:13:18,000 --> 04:13:20,800
The experience of sitting in a 
theater with hundreds of other 

4838
04:13:20,800 --> 04:13:23,800
people, all of whom are focused 
on the same life, performance 

4839
04:13:23,800 --> 04:13:27,100
feels more valuable and unique 
as more of our entertainment 

4840
04:13:27,100 --> 04:13:29,000
becomes personalized and 
customizable. 

4841
04:13:29,000 --> 04:13:32,500
Theater serves as a reminder, 
that humans are social beings 

4842
04:13:32,500 --> 04:13:35,200
who require opportunities to 
come together in physical 

4843
04:13:35,200 --> 04:13:39,700
settings, where we can laugh cry
and discuss what it means to be 

4844
04:13:39,700 --> 04:13:41,600
human. 
It offers a break from The 

4845
04:13:41,600 --> 04:13:43,700
NeverEnding stimulation of 
digital media. 

4846
04:13:43,700 --> 04:13:46,900
In favor of the more profound 
rewards of focused attention, 

4847
04:13:46,900 --> 04:13:51,200
emotional, involvement, and 
group contemplation for the next

4848
04:13:51,200 --> 04:13:52,700
few hours. 
You become a part of something 

4849
04:13:52,700 --> 04:13:56,000
bigger than yourself, part of 
the ongoing dialogue between the

4850
04:13:56,000 --> 04:13:59,700
past and present between artists
and audiences and between 

4851
04:13:59,700 --> 04:14:01,400
personal experience and 
Collective. 

4852
04:14:01,600 --> 04:14:04,400
Understanding that has been 
going on for as long as people 

4853
04:14:04,400 --> 04:14:07,400
have been Gathering to tell 
stories, this begins when the 

4854
04:14:07,400 --> 04:14:10,500
curtain Rises and the first 
actor enters the spotlight, you 

4855
04:14:10,500 --> 04:14:13,700
take part in one of the oldest 
and most enduring traditions in 

4856
04:14:13,700 --> 04:14:17,000
human history and that dimly lit
theater with strangers who 

4857
04:14:17,000 --> 04:14:19,000
momentarily become your 
companions. 

4858
04:14:19,000 --> 04:14:22,000
As you watch a story unfold 
together with everyone else 

4859
04:14:22,000 --> 04:14:25,900
present, you can sent to believe
the story being told and allow 

4860
04:14:25,900 --> 04:14:28,700
yourself to be moved by the 
experiences of fictional 

4861
04:14:28,700 --> 04:14:31,400
characters who are portrayed by 
actual people. 

4862
04:14:31,400 --> 04:14:34,900
Just a few feet away from you 
and when the lights come up and 

4863
04:14:34,900 --> 04:14:38,000
the Applause subsides you take a
little bit of that experience 

4864
04:14:38,000 --> 04:14:41,600
back into your everyday life, 
memories of things that shocked 

4865
04:14:41,600 --> 04:14:45,300
touched or challenged. 
You questions prompted by the 

4866
04:14:45,300 --> 04:14:48,000
story. 
You've seen connections drawn 

4867
04:14:48,000 --> 04:14:51,400
between the experience of the 
characters and your own life and

4868
04:14:51,400 --> 04:14:54,200
the pure joy of spending time 
with people who have chosen to 

4869
04:14:54,200 --> 04:14:58,400
congregate in that specific 
location at that specific moment

4870
04:14:58,400 --> 04:15:01,400
to partake in the age-old 
Enchantment of Life performance.

4871
04:15:02,100 --> 04:15:04,700
Because it fulfills needs that 
technology cannot and offers 

4872
04:15:04,700 --> 04:15:06,900
experiences that no, other art 
form can match. 

4873
04:15:06,900 --> 04:15:10,000
Theater has endured. 
There, will always be theaters 

4874
04:15:10,000 --> 04:15:12,300
where actors and audiences 
gathered to discuss what it 

4875
04:15:12,300 --> 04:15:14,400
means to be alive in any given 
time. 

4876
04:15:14,400 --> 04:15:18,300
And location as long as people 
have a need for stories, a 

4877
04:15:18,300 --> 04:15:21,300
desire for connection, and a 
search for meaning and shared 

4878
04:15:21,300 --> 04:15:24,500
experiences. 
So let's celebrate theater, it's

4879
04:15:24,500 --> 04:15:28,400
absurd aspirations and deep 
fulfillments, its age-old wisdom

4880
04:15:28,400 --> 04:15:32,700
and modern inventions and its 
capacity to make us laugh cry. 

4881
04:15:32,700 --> 04:15:36,800
And think often all in one 
evening, cheers to the actors 

4882
04:15:36,800 --> 04:15:38,800
who dedicate their lives to 
playing different roles. 

4883
04:15:38,800 --> 04:15:41,800
The directors who transformed 
unfinished material into 

4884
04:15:41,800 --> 04:15:45,500
meaningful experience, is the 
designers who build worlds out 

4885
04:15:45,500 --> 04:15:49,100
of plywood and Imagination and 
the audience is who consistently

4886
04:15:49,100 --> 04:15:52,400
turn up night after night 
willing to believe whatever 

4887
04:15:52,400 --> 04:15:55,000
Stories being told the customer 
is upheld. 

4888
04:15:55,000 --> 04:15:58,600
The curtain is raised and The 
NeverEnding dialogue between the

4889
04:15:58,600 --> 04:16:02,000
performer and the audience, the 
story and The Listener and the 

4890
04:16:02,100 --> 04:16:04,200
Imagination. 
And the real world continues. 

4891
04:16:04,200 --> 04:16:07,300
May your own performance is 
whether on stage or in the 

4892
04:16:07,308 --> 04:16:10,600
everyday theater of Life, the 
full of the ideal ratio of humor

4893
04:16:10,600 --> 04:16:14,600
and drama, knowledge, and, or, 
and individual expression and 

4894
04:16:14,600 --> 04:16:27,000
group Harmony. 
Sweet dreams. imagine yourself 

4895
04:16:27,000 --> 04:16:29,600
sitting comfortably in what 
would have been Africa, 6 

4896
04:16:29,600 --> 04:16:32,700
million years ago, But now it's 
just a lovely neighborhood with 

4897
04:16:32,700 --> 04:16:36,600
plenty of trees and no property 
taxes, like the first parkour 

4898
04:16:36,600 --> 04:16:39,300
enthusiasts in nature your 
distant relatives. 

4899
04:16:39,300 --> 04:16:42,500
I mean, really distant. 
Like the kind, you only see at 

4900
04:16:42,500 --> 04:16:45,900
evolutionary reunions are having
the time of their lives swinging

4901
04:16:45,900 --> 04:16:49,200
from Branch to branch. 
Your early ancestors had it 

4902
04:16:49,208 --> 04:16:52,900
worked out trees, offered food 
covered defense against large 

4903
04:16:52,900 --> 04:16:55,700
teeth and a great place to 
observe how other primates 

4904
04:16:55,700 --> 04:16:58,800
swung. 
Up there in the canopy where the

4905
04:16:58,800 --> 04:17:01,200
only big decisions were which 
fruit look the rapist. 

4906
04:17:01,200 --> 04:17:04,000
And if it was worth 
investigating that rustling in 

4907
04:17:04,000 --> 04:17:05,800
the next Trio, over life was 
good. 

4908
04:17:06,700 --> 04:17:09,700
Then however, something began to
occur that would alter 

4909
04:17:09,700 --> 04:17:12,900
everything. 
The atmosphere started to change

4910
04:17:12,900 --> 04:17:16,300
much like when your favorite 
restaurant gradually Alters, its

4911
04:17:16,300 --> 04:17:19,200
menu until you can no longer 
recognize anything on it. 

4912
04:17:19,900 --> 04:17:22,700
After millions of years, The 
Verdant Forest began to 

4913
04:17:22,700 --> 04:17:25,500
disappear. 
Like Houses in a Suburban 

4914
04:17:25,500 --> 04:17:27,500
development that became a bit 
too. 

4915
04:17:27,500 --> 04:17:30,600
Ambitious with the lot sizes 
trees became less common and 

4916
04:17:30,600 --> 04:17:33,500
more dispersed. 
You understand, the issue your 

4917
04:17:33,500 --> 04:17:35,400
ancestors faced. 
If you have ever attempted to 

4918
04:17:35,400 --> 04:17:38,200
move from one tree to another 
when they are slightly too far 

4919
04:17:38,200 --> 04:17:40,800
apart. 
It's like attempting to cross a 

4920
04:17:40,800 --> 04:17:43,900
Creek from one stone to another 
only in getting wet feet. 

4921
04:17:43,900 --> 04:17:46,200
You run the risk of becoming 
someone's lunch. 

4922
04:17:47,000 --> 04:17:49,500
When the next handhold was 20 
feet away through open 

4923
04:17:49,500 --> 04:17:52,500
grassland, the traditional swing
and grab technique wasn't 

4924
04:17:52,500 --> 04:17:54,400
working so well, thank you very 
much. 

4925
04:17:54,400 --> 04:17:57,500
Some of your relatives have 
chosen to continue living in the

4926
04:17:57,500 --> 04:18:00,400
woods doubling down on their 
arboreal lifestyle. 

4927
04:18:00,400 --> 04:18:03,900
For example, they insist on 
using flip phones because they 

4928
04:18:03,900 --> 04:18:06,100
are reliable. 
It's actually good for them. 

4929
04:18:06,100 --> 04:18:08,200
That these became the ancestors 
of modern Apes. 

4930
04:18:08,200 --> 04:18:12,200
They stayed in their Niche. 
However, others your specific 

4931
04:18:12,200 --> 04:18:15,100
branch of the family tree. 
If you will begin to spend more 

4932
04:18:15,100 --> 04:18:18,000
time on the ground. 
Initially, this was most likely 

4933
04:18:18,000 --> 04:18:21,600
merely a practical requirement. 
A short walk across the 

4934
04:18:21,600 --> 04:18:24,000
increasingly common. 
Grasslands was the only way to 

4935
04:18:24,000 --> 04:18:26,900
get from this patch of trees to 
that patch of trees. 

4936
04:18:26,900 --> 04:18:30,000
It wasn't particularly 
effective, but it was manageable

4937
04:18:30,000 --> 04:18:33,600
to crawl across open ground 
Imagine attempting to crawl 

4938
04:18:33,600 --> 04:18:36,600
across a parking lot. 
You can do it but it will take 

4939
04:18:36,600 --> 04:18:38,900
some time and you will draw 
strange looks. 

4940
04:18:39,700 --> 04:18:42,700
Furthermore, you could only see 
what was right in front of your 

4941
04:18:42,700 --> 04:18:45,700
nose while you were down in the 
grass, which could be anything 

4942
04:18:45,700 --> 04:18:48,800
from a pleasant patch of clover,
to something that thought of 

4943
04:18:48,800 --> 04:18:52,600
you, as a walking appetizer. 
When the solution began to take 

4944
04:18:52,600 --> 04:18:55,500
shape, it was both sophisticated
and a little absurd. 

4945
04:18:56,100 --> 04:18:59,800
Getting to your feet, simply 
getting to your feet. 

4946
04:19:00,500 --> 04:19:03,500
Like a meerkat that chose to 
adopt it as a way of life. 

4947
04:19:03,500 --> 04:19:06,700
Instead of merely a fast Lookout
tactic naturally. 

4948
04:19:06,700 --> 04:19:08,200
This was not an impulsive 
Choice. 

4949
04:19:08,200 --> 04:19:11,000
Contrary to what some cartoons 
May portray. 

4950
04:19:11,000 --> 04:19:13,600
Evolution does not operate in 
that manner. 

4951
04:19:13,600 --> 04:19:17,200
It was more akin to a very slow 
experiment that occurred over 

4952
04:19:17,200 --> 04:19:20,600
100s of thousands of years 
making it perhaps the longest 

4953
04:19:20,600 --> 04:19:24,900
running trial period in history.
No one woke up one morning and 

4954
04:19:24,900 --> 04:19:27,700
thought, you know what? 
I'm going to try this walking 

4955
04:19:27,700 --> 04:19:30,100
thing. 
The initial attempt at upright 

4956
04:19:30,100 --> 04:19:32,900
walking were likely as graceful 
as a toddlers skating on ice 

4957
04:19:32,900 --> 04:19:36,600
uncertain, wobbly and involving 
a lot of falling. 

4958
04:19:36,600 --> 04:19:40,300
However, there were benefits to 
even those early uncomfortable 

4959
04:19:40,300 --> 04:19:44,400
steps, you could see over the 
grass identify opportunities and

4960
04:19:44,400 --> 04:19:47,600
threats from a greater distance 
and appear much more impressive 

4961
04:19:47,600 --> 04:19:49,900
to potential mates. 
If they were attracted to 

4962
04:19:49,900 --> 04:19:52,300
someone who was constantly 
falling over, which they 

4963
04:19:52,300 --> 04:19:55,200
apparently were really your 
ancestors were Pioneers. 

4964
04:19:55,200 --> 04:19:58,900
They were trying something 
entirely different something no 

4965
04:19:58,900 --> 04:20:01,300
primate had ever tried on a 
regular basis. 

4966
04:20:02,300 --> 04:20:06,000
Since they were the first to try
eating cheese, it seemed strange

4967
04:20:06,000 --> 04:20:08,600
and dangerous, but it ended up 
being a really smart move. 

4968
04:20:08,600 --> 04:20:10,900
You were there for more 
accurately. 

4969
04:20:10,900 --> 04:20:13,800
Your grandparents were there 
making their first hesitant 

4970
04:20:13,800 --> 04:20:17,000
forays into the world of 
bipedalism and believe me. 

4971
04:20:17,000 --> 04:20:20,000
When I say that those initial 
steps were more like, please 

4972
04:20:20,000 --> 04:20:22,900
don't let me fall on my face 
again then giant leap for 

4973
04:20:22,900 --> 04:20:26,100
mankind. the problem with 
standing up though, is that you 

4974
04:20:26,100 --> 04:20:28,900
start to realize how beneficial 
it is once you start doing it on

4975
04:20:28,900 --> 04:20:31,500
a regular basis, It's similar to
realizing. 

4976
04:20:31,500 --> 04:20:33,900
You've been living in a soft 
focus world and finally cleaning

4977
04:20:33,900 --> 04:20:37,000
your glasses. 
The scenery suddenly opened up, 

4978
04:20:37,000 --> 04:20:40,000
you could track where your 
family members had gone, find 

4979
04:20:40,000 --> 04:20:42,500
the best route to those stream 
trees and spot. 

4980
04:20:42,500 --> 04:20:45,300
Predators from a distance, and 
stead of just seeing grass and 

4981
04:20:45,300 --> 04:20:48,900
the occasional Antelope ankle. 
Though the visual Advantage was 

4982
04:20:48,900 --> 04:20:52,600
enormous, the learning curve was
as steep as the hiking trail of 

4983
04:20:52,600 --> 04:20:55,700
a mountain goat. 
It's like going from riding a 

4984
04:20:55,700 --> 04:20:59,000
bicycle with training wheels to 
performing in Cirque du Soleil, 

4985
04:20:59,000 --> 04:21:02,500
your ancestors, had to learn how
to balance on two feet instead 

4986
04:21:02,500 --> 04:21:06,300
of four The amazing little organ
that prevents you from falling 

4987
04:21:06,300 --> 04:21:08,400
over. 
When you stand up to fast, the 

4988
04:21:08,400 --> 04:21:11,100
inner ear had to recalibrate 
itself from the ground. 

4989
04:21:11,100 --> 04:21:13,400
Up. 
As you read this, consider all 

4990
04:21:13,400 --> 04:21:16,100
the small muscles and movements 
your body performs to keep you 

4991
04:21:16,100 --> 04:21:18,400
standing like a driver on a 
nice. 

4992
04:21:18,400 --> 04:21:21,200
You rode your brain is 
continuously making micro 

4993
04:21:21,200 --> 04:21:24,300
Corrections swerving into tiny 
skids, that you are not even 

4994
04:21:24,308 --> 04:21:27,700
aware of All of this was 
something your ancestors had to 

4995
04:21:27,700 --> 04:21:31,100
create from the ground up making
what was basically a full-time 

4996
04:21:31,100 --> 04:21:33,800
job of not falling down into 
something that just happened? 

4997
04:21:34,600 --> 04:21:36,600
It was a revolutionary, 
hands-free Advantage. 

4998
04:21:36,600 --> 04:21:39,900
Your hands are essentially Prime
real estate taken up by the 

4999
04:21:39,900 --> 04:21:43,700
unglamorous tasks of moving when
your knuckle walking, but when 

5000
04:21:43,700 --> 04:21:46,200
you get up, your hands are free 
to do other things. 

5001
04:21:46,200 --> 04:21:49,200
Instead of eating the food right
away, like some sort of 

5002
04:21:49,200 --> 04:21:52,000
prehistoric fast food 
experience, you could take it 

5003
04:21:52,000 --> 04:21:54,900
home to your family. 
Humanity's first step toward 

5004
04:21:54,900 --> 04:21:57,000
becoming the creatures that 
would eventually collect 

5005
04:21:57,000 --> 04:22:00,500
everything from stamps to Old, 
lunchboxes was likely the 

5006
04:22:00,500 --> 04:22:03,100
ability to pick up and examine 
interesting objects. 

5007
04:22:04,500 --> 04:22:05,900
The use of tools was made 
possible. 

5008
04:22:05,900 --> 04:22:09,600
In previously unimaginable ways 
chimpanzees can fish termites 

5009
04:22:09,600 --> 04:22:12,700
out of a mound with a stick but 
they are unable to transport and

5010
04:22:12,700 --> 04:22:15,600
entire toolkit. 
Humanity's, first mobile 

5011
04:22:15,600 --> 04:22:18,900
workshops, were made possible by
your upright ancestors, ability 

5012
04:22:18,900 --> 04:22:21,500
to gather practical objects, 
like sturdy sticks and rocks. 

5013
04:22:22,300 --> 04:22:25,100
They were similar to prehistoric
handyman, but instead of 

5014
04:22:25,100 --> 04:22:28,400
Building kitchen cabinets, they 
worked on Survival projects and 

5015
04:22:28,400 --> 04:22:31,100
other unanticipated Advantage 
was the cooling system. 

5016
04:22:31,100 --> 04:22:35,000
It may seem counterintuitive to 
stand upright in the African Sun

5017
04:22:35,000 --> 04:22:38,400
after all, it exposes more 
surface area to the Heat. 

5018
04:22:39,200 --> 04:22:41,500
Even though they weren't aware 
of it consciously, your 

5019
04:22:41,500 --> 04:22:43,000
ancestors were smarter than 
that. 

5020
04:22:43,000 --> 04:22:46,600
They increase their exposure to 
cooling breezes and decrease 

5021
04:22:46,600 --> 04:22:49,300
their exposure to the direct 
overhead Sun by standing up. 

5022
04:22:50,000 --> 04:22:52,200
If you didn't mind, looking a 
little goofy while it was in 

5023
04:22:52,200 --> 04:22:55,100
use, it was similar to having an
integrated climate control 

5024
04:22:55,100 --> 04:22:57,600
system. 
In order to accommodate this new

5025
04:22:57,600 --> 04:23:02,200
way of life hairstyles, even 
began to shift And natural sun 

5026
04:23:02,200 --> 04:23:05,200
hat was created by the body hair
remaining thicker, on top of the

5027
04:23:05,200 --> 04:23:09,500
head, but becoming less dense. 
So overall, Practical efficient 

5028
04:23:09,500 --> 04:23:12,400
and establishing trends that 
would eventually result in some 

5029
04:23:12,400 --> 04:23:15,200
genuinely dubious hairstyles 
throughout human history. 

5030
04:23:15,200 --> 04:23:18,100
It was Evolution's take on 
functional fashion. 

5031
04:23:19,000 --> 04:23:21,400
The biggest shift though might 
have been cycle. 

5032
04:23:21,400 --> 04:23:25,300
Your ancestors appeared larger, 
more impressive, and more 

5033
04:23:25,300 --> 04:23:29,100
substantial when they stood up. 
This was no small advantage in a

5034
04:23:29,108 --> 04:23:31,700
world where being a formidable 
person could mean the difference

5035
04:23:31,700 --> 04:23:34,000
between being left alone or 
being someone's dinner. 

5036
04:23:34,000 --> 04:23:37,100
It was the ancient equivalent of
dressing nicely for a job 

5037
04:23:37,108 --> 04:23:39,300
interview. 
It didn't alter your identity 

5038
04:23:39,300 --> 04:23:41,600
but it did alter how other 
people saw you. 

5039
04:23:41,600 --> 04:23:44,800
The challenge of surviving in a 
changing world, was the occasion

5040
04:23:44,800 --> 04:23:46,600
in. 
Your ancestors were literally 

5041
04:23:46,600 --> 04:23:50,200
rising to the occasion. 
Every shaky step every 

5042
04:23:50,200 --> 04:23:53,500
successful treat to treat 
Crossing every successful moment

5043
04:23:53,500 --> 04:23:56,600
of avoiding falling was leading 
to something never seen before 

5044
04:23:56,600 --> 04:24:00,500
in the history of life on Earth.
Now, you might assume that the 

5045
04:24:00,500 --> 04:24:03,300
difficult part was over. 
Once your ancestors learned, the

5046
04:24:03,300 --> 04:24:06,000
fundamentals of standing up, 
you'd be mistaken. 

5047
04:24:06,000 --> 04:24:09,100
It's like assuming you're 
prepared for the Tour de France.

5048
04:24:09,100 --> 04:24:11,800
Once you learn how to ride a 
bicycle, there was a lot of 

5049
04:24:11,800 --> 04:24:14,400
trial and error involved in the 
transition from technically 

5050
04:24:14,400 --> 04:24:17,900
possible to actually practical 
with a focus on the latter. 

5051
04:24:18,800 --> 04:24:21,900
Over hundreds of thousands of 
years, significant skeletal 

5052
04:24:21,900 --> 04:24:24,200
changes were necessary for 
full-time bipedalism. 

5053
04:24:25,000 --> 04:24:27,800
In order to distribute weight 
evenly, when standing erect, 

5054
04:24:27,800 --> 04:24:30,900
your ancestors spine, had to 
grow curves, they had never had 

5055
04:24:30,900 --> 04:24:33,600
before forming a s walking 
upright. 

5056
04:24:33,600 --> 04:24:36,100
Without these curves would have 
been like a tempting to balance 

5057
04:24:36,100 --> 04:24:38,900
a pile of books as someone can 
continue to add more to the top.

5058
04:24:39,700 --> 04:24:41,700
There was a complete renovation 
of the pelvis. 

5059
04:24:41,700 --> 04:24:45,200
If you will Apes, have long 
narrow pelvises that are ideal 

5060
04:24:45,200 --> 04:24:48,300
for supporting a horizontal 
body, but dreadfully inadequate 

5061
04:24:48,300 --> 04:24:51,800
for supporting a vertical one. 
In order to accommodate internal

5062
04:24:51,800 --> 04:24:55,100
organs, arranged vertically, 
rather than horizontally your 

5063
04:24:55,100 --> 04:24:58,700
ancestors evolved wider. 
Bold shaped pelvises after 

5064
04:24:58,700 --> 04:25:01,200
choosing to live on the walls, 
rather than the floors. 

5065
04:25:01,200 --> 04:25:04,000
It was similar to moving, all 
the furniture around a house, 

5066
04:25:04,000 --> 04:25:06,700
leg, bones, realigned and became
stronger. 

5067
04:25:06,700 --> 04:25:09,900
The knees were able to properly 
aligned under the center of 

5068
04:25:09,900 --> 04:25:13,400
gravity of the body because the 
thigh bone, formed an angle that

5069
04:25:13,400 --> 04:25:16,800
would make any geometry teacher 
proud in order to absorb the 

5070
04:25:16,800 --> 04:25:19,500
shock of Heel To Toe walking 
feet, change from being 

5071
04:25:19,500 --> 04:25:22,700
flexible, grasping appendages to
rigid platforms with archers, 

5072
04:25:22,700 --> 04:25:25,900
your ancestors were literally 
starting over from scratch. 

5073
04:25:25,900 --> 04:25:29,200
This is where things start to 
get interesting and a little 

5074
04:25:29,208 --> 04:25:32,500
awkward human still have to make
trade-offs as a result of all 

5075
04:25:32,500 --> 04:25:35,800
these changes that slender 
pelvis that allowed for upright 

5076
04:25:35,800 --> 04:25:38,500
walking. 
It also greatly increased, the 

5077
04:25:38,500 --> 04:25:40,100
difficulty and risk of 
childbirth. 

5078
04:25:40,900 --> 04:25:43,600
Your female ancestors were 
effectively making a trade-off 

5079
04:25:43,600 --> 04:25:46,600
between mobility and ease of 
reproduction, which would have 

5080
04:25:46,600 --> 04:25:48,200
long-term effects on our 
species. 

5081
04:25:49,200 --> 04:25:52,100
In addition to effectively 
Distributing weight, the curved 

5082
04:25:52,100 --> 04:25:54,900
spine produced weak spots that 
continued to cause issues. 

5083
04:25:55,800 --> 04:25:58,600
People have been complaining of 
lower back pain for millions of 

5084
04:25:58,600 --> 04:26:00,700
years. 
It's not just a modern 

5085
04:26:00,700 --> 04:26:03,500
occurrence brought on by desk 
work and bad posture. 

5086
04:26:03,500 --> 04:26:06,600
Although they most likely 
weren't aware of this specific 

5087
04:26:06,600 --> 04:26:09,300
first. 
Your ancestors were Pioneers in 

5088
04:26:09,300 --> 04:26:10,700
the field of chronic back 
problems. 

5089
04:26:10,700 --> 04:26:14,400
In the meantime, the feet that 
had become so good for walking 

5090
04:26:14,400 --> 04:26:16,800
turned into awful ones for 
climbing. 

5091
04:26:17,500 --> 04:26:21,000
For grasping branches those in 
flexible arches and straight 

5092
04:26:21,000 --> 04:26:23,600
Toes, that were ideal for 
covering ground were 

5093
04:26:23,600 --> 04:26:26,300
ineffective. 
Evolutionarily speaking, your 

5094
04:26:26,300 --> 04:26:28,800
ancestors were burning their 
Bridges by settling for a 

5095
04:26:28,808 --> 04:26:32,300
terrestrial lifestyle with fewer
and fewer tree backup plans. 

5096
04:26:33,200 --> 04:26:35,900
Without a doubt, there were many
spectacular failures during the 

5097
04:26:35,900 --> 04:26:38,800
learning process. 
Imagine attempting to flee from 

5098
04:26:38,800 --> 04:26:40,800
a predator. 
After you've only just learned 

5099
04:26:40,800 --> 04:26:44,300
how to walk upright, imagine 
trying to negotiate uneven 

5100
04:26:44,300 --> 04:26:47,100
ground while you're balancing 
system is still in beta testing.

5101
04:26:47,800 --> 04:26:51,000
In essence, your ancestors, were
relearning how to use their 

5102
04:26:51,000 --> 04:26:54,100
bodies much like someone 
recuperating from a serious 

5103
04:26:54,100 --> 04:26:57,500
injury, only the injury was 
caused by millions of years, of 

5104
04:26:57,500 --> 04:27:00,300
quadruple Evolution. 
During this time of transition, 

5105
04:27:00,300 --> 04:27:02,900
children must have been a 
special entertaining. 

5106
04:27:02,900 --> 04:27:05,600
If you've ever seen a human 
toddler, learn to walk. 

5107
04:27:05,600 --> 04:27:09,700
Imagine how unsteady they were 
then at in the fact that the 

5108
04:27:09,700 --> 04:27:13,300
adults were much more stable, 
Like a group Expedition, led by 

5109
04:27:13,300 --> 04:27:16,000
people who had never gone hiking
before families. 

5110
04:27:16,000 --> 04:27:18,300
Most likely moved very slowly 
and fell a lot. 

5111
04:27:18,308 --> 04:27:21,700
However, they continued because 
the benefits were becoming 

5112
04:27:21,700 --> 04:27:24,800
indisputable. 
In this honest business, each 

5113
04:27:24,800 --> 04:27:27,800
generation was marginally 
superior to the previous one 

5114
04:27:27,800 --> 04:27:31,800
Offspring with stronger. 
Spines improved balance or more 

5115
04:27:31,800 --> 04:27:34,000
effective. 
Walking patterns had a higher 

5116
04:27:34,000 --> 04:27:37,800
chance of surviving and 
procreating Those who were able 

5117
04:27:37,800 --> 04:27:40,500
to learn this strange, new way 
of moving through the world were

5118
04:27:40,500 --> 04:27:44,100
rewarded by natural selection, 
better balance control and 

5119
04:27:44,100 --> 04:27:47,400
spatial awareness with being 
developed by the brain in tandem

5120
04:27:47,400 --> 04:27:51,000
with these physical changes. 
That vital part of the brain 

5121
04:27:51,000 --> 04:27:54,000
that controls movement. 
The Sarah Bellum was being 

5122
04:27:54,000 --> 04:27:57,200
thoroughly exercised and 
improving as a result As they 

5123
04:27:57,200 --> 04:27:59,700
learned to use their newly, 
acquired abilities, your 

5124
04:27:59,700 --> 04:28:02,300
ancestors were literally growing
into their new bodies. 

5125
04:28:02,300 --> 04:28:05,900
Your ancestors had become fairly
proficient at this standing up 

5126
04:28:05,900 --> 04:28:08,400
business, by this point. 
They weren't particularly 

5127
04:28:08,400 --> 04:28:12,800
elegant yet, think functional 
rather than elegant, but they 

5128
04:28:12,800 --> 04:28:15,900
made real progress by being able
to move from point A to point B 

5129
04:28:15,900 --> 04:28:17,900
without constantly embarrassing 
themselves. 

5130
04:28:19,200 --> 04:28:22,400
The desire to see what labor on 
the next Hill, which would 

5131
04:28:22,400 --> 04:28:25,100
forever Define. 
Humanity came along with this 

5132
04:28:25,100 --> 04:28:28,700
newfound Mobility. 
Because your ancestors became 

5133
04:28:28,700 --> 04:28:31,300
the ultimate tourists. 
This is where your family 

5134
04:28:31,300 --> 04:28:33,100
history becomes really 
fascinating. 

5135
04:28:33,100 --> 04:28:37,200
However, they were exploring 
completely new continents and 

5136
04:28:37,200 --> 04:28:39,300
establishing the human presence 
in places. 

5137
04:28:39,300 --> 04:28:43,200
No premade had ever seen before,
rather than snapping photos and 

5138
04:28:43,200 --> 04:28:46,800
purchasing trinkets. 
Walking had become so efficient.

5139
04:28:46,800 --> 04:28:50,100
That long-distance travel was no
longer just feasible but also 

5140
04:28:50,100 --> 04:28:53,100
necessary. 
The world begins to appear as 

5141
04:28:53,100 --> 04:28:55,900
though, it is just waiting for 
you to explore it. 

5142
04:28:55,900 --> 04:28:59,900
Once you're able to move quickly
and steadily carry your supplies

5143
04:28:59,900 --> 04:29:02,200
and food with you and improve 
your teamwork skills. 

5144
04:29:03,500 --> 04:29:06,700
This wasn't just a weekend, 
getaway your ancestors started 

5145
04:29:06,700 --> 04:29:09,100
the first major human migration 
Out of Africa. 

5146
04:29:09,100 --> 04:29:12,700
In the end, this 
multi-generational journey would

5147
04:29:12,700 --> 04:29:16,300
disperse Humanity throughout the
world. since walking was their 

5148
04:29:16,300 --> 04:29:19,600
new superpower, they traveled by
foot from Africa, to the Middle,

5149
04:29:19,600 --> 04:29:25,000
East Asia, and finally 
Australia, and the Americas By 

5150
04:29:25,000 --> 04:29:27,800
today's standards, the pace was 
slow in a good year. 

5151
04:29:27,800 --> 04:29:29,400
These groups might travel a few 
miles. 

5152
04:29:29,400 --> 04:29:33,200
Stopping, wherever, resources 
were plentiful, making temporary

5153
04:29:33,200 --> 04:29:35,400
settlements. 
And then continuing on when 

5154
04:29:35,400 --> 04:29:39,100
assessed steel curiosity 
demanded it It resembled the 

5155
04:29:39,100 --> 04:29:41,500
world's slowest and longest 
treasure hunt more than a 

5156
04:29:41,500 --> 04:29:43,900
planned Expedition. 
With the treasure being simply 

5157
04:29:43,900 --> 04:29:45,700
finding what was around the next
corner. 

5158
04:29:46,600 --> 04:29:49,400
Their ability to walk upright, 
was further honed by the new 

5159
04:29:49,400 --> 04:29:51,700
challenges presented by each new
setting. 

5160
04:29:52,400 --> 04:29:55,600
They learned endurance and how 
to move effectively over Sand 

5161
04:29:55,600 --> 04:29:58,600
and Stone in the desert. 
Their sure-footedness and 

5162
04:29:58,600 --> 04:30:00,600
balance were developed in 
mountainous areas. 

5163
04:30:00,600 --> 04:30:03,900
They were exposed to walking on 
a variety of surfaces and 

5164
04:30:03,900 --> 04:30:07,900
coastal areas, including sand, 
rocks and tide pools all of 

5165
04:30:07,900 --> 04:30:10,600
which required Minor Adjustments
to their balance, and gait 

5166
04:30:10,600 --> 04:30:14,300
walking social components gained
equal weight, with its physical 

5167
04:30:14,300 --> 04:30:17,100
ones better. 
Communication systems had to be 

5168
04:30:17,100 --> 04:30:19,800
developed in order for groups to
coordinate their movements. 

5169
04:30:20,900 --> 04:30:23,800
When you needed to say something
like there's a river three days 

5170
04:30:23,800 --> 04:30:26,600
walk North that has. 
Excellent fishing, but watch out

5171
04:30:26,600 --> 04:30:29,300
for the cranky. 
Hippopotamuses you couldn't just

5172
04:30:29,300 --> 04:30:32,800
Grunt and point. 
Language became crucial for 

5173
04:30:32,800 --> 04:30:35,700
exchanging navigational, 
information, discussing route 

5174
04:30:35,700 --> 04:30:39,700
options, and organizing stops. 
Walking in groups also meant 

5175
04:30:39,700 --> 04:30:42,100
creating systems of cooperation 
and social hierarchy. 

5176
04:30:42,900 --> 04:30:46,600
Who determines the speed without
abandoning, the slow Walkers. 

5177
04:30:46,600 --> 04:30:48,700
How can you make a 
accommodations for them? 

5178
04:30:48,700 --> 04:30:51,100
When someone is hurt, what do 
you do? 

5179
04:30:51,900 --> 04:30:54,700
The idea of group travel with 
all the associated logistical 

5180
04:30:54,700 --> 04:30:57,500
difficulties was essentially 
being invented by your 

5181
04:30:57,500 --> 04:31:01,000
ancestors, they developed, 
increasingly Advanced, and 

5182
04:31:01,000 --> 04:31:03,000
specialized tools for their 
nomadic way of life. 

5183
04:31:03,800 --> 04:31:06,200
Heavy one-time. 
Use tools were preferred over 

5184
04:31:06,200 --> 04:31:08,700
lightweight, portable 
multifunctional items. 

5185
04:31:08,700 --> 04:31:12,000
They continuously improve their 
equipment to strike a balance 

5186
04:31:12,000 --> 04:31:14,700
between portability and 
functionality much like 

5187
04:31:14,700 --> 04:31:18,400
prehistoric hikers. 
A good walking stick became 

5188
04:31:18,400 --> 04:31:22,200
useful, not only for stability 
but also as a measuring tool a 

5189
04:31:22,200 --> 04:31:24,400
testing ground probe and a reach
extension. 

5190
04:31:25,100 --> 04:31:27,800
When they lived mostly in trees,
the weather became a constant 

5191
04:31:27,800 --> 04:31:29,800
factor in ways that it had never
been before. 

5192
04:31:30,700 --> 04:31:33,500
Their bodies were more exposed 
to wind rain and temperature 

5193
04:31:33,500 --> 04:31:35,500
fluctuations. 
When they were walking upright, 

5194
04:31:35,500 --> 04:31:38,900
they had to learn how to read 
where the patterns plan their 

5195
04:31:38,900 --> 04:31:41,900
routes around seasonal changes 
and device strategies for 

5196
04:31:41,900 --> 04:31:43,400
traveling in various weather 
conditions. 

5197
04:31:43,400 --> 04:31:47,600
They developed extraordinary 
navigational skills, they 

5198
04:31:47,600 --> 04:31:50,300
learned to read Landscapes like 
books without the use of Maps 

5199
04:31:50,300 --> 04:31:55,400
GPS or even written language, 
Mountain shapes, river flows, 

5200
04:31:55,400 --> 04:31:57,800
vegetation patterns, and animal 
behavior. 

5201
04:31:57,800 --> 04:32:00,400
All contributed to the 
development of a complex system 

5202
04:32:00,400 --> 04:32:03,800
for navigating Uncharted 
Territory By establishing 

5203
04:32:03,800 --> 04:32:06,600
patterns of curiosity and 
movement that would eventually 

5204
04:32:06,600 --> 04:32:09,400
take their descendants to every 
part of the planet. 

5205
04:32:09,400 --> 04:32:12,500
Your ancestors were pinning, the
first chapters of human 

5206
04:32:12,500 --> 04:32:16,800
exploration, With only their 
ability to walk upright, their 

5207
04:32:16,800 --> 04:32:19,700
developing intelligence and an 
apparently insatiable desire to 

5208
04:32:19,700 --> 04:32:21,600
see what lay beyond the next 
Horizon. 

5209
04:32:21,600 --> 04:32:25,800
They were the first pioneers. 
Even your ancestors probably 

5210
04:32:25,800 --> 04:32:27,600
didn't anticipate the Intriguing
turn. 

5211
04:32:27,600 --> 04:32:29,100
Your family history is about to 
take. 

5212
04:32:29,900 --> 04:32:32,500
Their brains were being 
remarkably impacted by all of 

5213
04:32:32,500 --> 04:32:36,700
this walking carrying tool use 
and acclimating to new 

5214
04:32:36,700 --> 04:32:40,300
surroundings. it was similar to 
a very long-term, very slow 

5215
04:32:40,300 --> 04:32:43,100
fitness program, but it was 
building intelligence rather 

5216
04:32:43,100 --> 04:32:46,300
than muscles One of the most 
graceful feedback loops in 

5217
04:32:46,300 --> 04:32:49,300
evolution is the connection 
between brain development and 

5218
04:32:49,300 --> 04:32:53,100
upright, walking your ancestors 
ability to walk on two feet. 

5219
04:32:53,100 --> 04:32:56,200
Allowed them to use their hands 
for more difficult tasks. 

5220
04:32:56,200 --> 04:32:59,600
They needed more advanced hand 
eye coordination than they had 

5221
04:32:59,600 --> 04:33:03,500
ever needed before in order to 
use tools, make tools and carry 

5222
04:33:03,500 --> 04:33:06,500
several objects at once. 
The really clever part though, 

5223
04:33:06,500 --> 04:33:09,300
is that the parts of the brain 
that govern precise hand 

5224
04:33:09,300 --> 04:33:12,500
movements a located, directly 
adjacent to those that govern 

5225
04:33:12,500 --> 04:33:16,200
language and abstract thought, 
Ideas tend to flow back and 

5226
04:33:16,200 --> 04:33:19,400
forth, much like, when your 
office and workshop or adjacent.

5227
04:33:20,099 --> 04:33:22,599
Your ancestors were 
unintentionally, creating the 

5228
04:33:22,599 --> 04:33:24,800
neural infrastructure, that 
would eventually enable 

5229
04:33:24,800 --> 04:33:28,900
sophisticated communication and 
problem-solving, as they improve

5230
04:33:28,900 --> 04:33:30,500
their motor control for using 
tools. 

5231
04:33:30,500 --> 04:33:33,700
The actual brain was enlarging, 
but not at random. 

5232
04:33:34,500 --> 04:33:38,200
To meet the new demands of 
bipedal life, certain areas were

5233
04:33:38,200 --> 04:33:41,000
growing. 
Already exerting extra effort to

5234
04:33:41,000 --> 04:33:45,300
control balance and coordination
the cerebellum kept growing. the

5235
04:33:45,300 --> 04:33:47,500
frontal cortex, which is in 
charge of planning and making 

5236
04:33:47,500 --> 04:33:51,000
decisions grew to accommodate 
the intricate decisions required

5237
04:33:51,000 --> 04:33:55,800
for group, coordination tool, 
use and navigation, Consider the

5238
04:33:55,800 --> 04:33:58,599
activities that your ancestors 
engaged in on a daily basis, 

5239
04:33:58,599 --> 04:34:00,700
they had to make and maintain 
tools. 

5240
04:34:00,700 --> 04:34:04,400
Remember, where resources were 
plan, route through Uncharted 

5241
04:34:04,400 --> 04:34:07,599
Territory, coordinate group 
movements and solve problems 

5242
04:34:07,599 --> 04:34:09,099
that. 
They treat dwelling relatives 

5243
04:34:09,099 --> 04:34:12,500
had never faced it was similar 
to enrolling in a full-time. 

5244
04:34:12,500 --> 04:34:15,300
Multi-year, University course on
how to solve real world 

5245
04:34:15,300 --> 04:34:17,900
problems. 
Their developing brains were 

5246
04:34:17,900 --> 04:34:20,800
especially taxed by the social 
components of their new way of 

5247
04:34:20,808 --> 04:34:24,300
life. cooperation and Group 
Travel required, not only 

5248
04:34:24,300 --> 04:34:27,599
knowing what you had to do but 
also knowing what other members 

5249
04:34:27,599 --> 04:34:30,400
of your group were planning and 
thinking the ability to 

5250
04:34:30,400 --> 04:34:32,599
comprehend that other people 
have their own thoughts 

5251
04:34:32,599 --> 04:34:36,400
intentions and knowledge what 
psychologists now refer to as 

5252
04:34:36,400 --> 04:34:41,400
theory of Mind, had to be 
developed The importance and 

5253
04:34:41,408 --> 04:34:44,599
sophistication of language were 
growing, their lifestyle now 

5254
04:34:44,599 --> 04:34:48,200
required complex coordination, 
and simple gestures, and warning

5255
04:34:48,200 --> 04:34:51,000
calls were insufficient. 
The Water Source, they had 

5256
04:34:51,000 --> 04:34:53,900
discovered yesterday. 
The Hazardous terrain ahead and 

5257
04:34:53,900 --> 04:34:56,000
the travel plans for tomorrow 
were among the things. 

5258
04:34:56,000 --> 04:34:58,400
They needed to discuss that 
weren't immediately available. 

5259
04:34:59,099 --> 04:35:01,800
Thinking abstractly was turning 
into a survival tactic. 

5260
04:35:01,800 --> 04:35:05,200
Additionally, your ancestors had
to contend with a wide range of 

5261
04:35:05,200 --> 04:35:08,099
difficult circumstances. 
Every new habitats they came 

5262
04:35:08,108 --> 04:35:10,200
across. 
Had its own set of challenges in

5263
04:35:10,200 --> 04:35:13,200
a desert. 
How can one locate water in a 

5264
04:35:13,200 --> 04:35:14,800
new area? 
What is safe to eat? 

5265
04:35:15,700 --> 04:35:18,400
In a climate that is colder than
anything you have ever 

5266
04:35:18,400 --> 04:35:20,700
experienced. 
How do you stay warm? 

5267
04:35:21,599 --> 04:35:25,000
In essence, each obstacle 
overcome served as a teaching 

5268
04:35:25,000 --> 04:35:27,700
tool for Innovative problem. 
Solving there was an 

5269
04:35:27,700 --> 04:35:30,300
acceleration of the feedback 
loop between mental development 

5270
04:35:30,300 --> 04:35:34,300
and physical capabilities. 
More sophisticated tasks were 

5271
04:35:34,300 --> 04:35:37,599
made possible by better tools, 
which in turn required, even 

5272
04:35:37,599 --> 04:35:39,700
better. 
Brains better group. 

5273
04:35:39,700 --> 04:35:42,300
Coordination made possible by 
more advanced communication 

5274
04:35:42,300 --> 04:35:44,900
allow them to take on 
increasingly difficult 

5275
04:35:44,900 --> 04:35:47,800
situations, that required more 
complex planning and 

5276
04:35:47,800 --> 04:35:51,599
problem-solving skills. 
Most significantly though, they 

5277
04:35:51,599 --> 04:35:54,000
were acquiring what we might 
refer to as cognitive 

5278
04:35:54,000 --> 04:35:57,200
flexibility. 
Capacity to modify their way of 

5279
04:35:57,200 --> 04:35:59,200
thinking in response to novel 
circumstances. 

5280
04:35:59,200 --> 04:36:02,300
Your ancestors were always 
facing new problems. 

5281
04:36:02,300 --> 04:36:05,599
That needed nuances. 
Unlike their relatives, who are 

5282
04:36:05,599 --> 04:36:08,099
discovered and remained in 
successfully ecological niches. 

5283
04:36:08,099 --> 04:36:10,900
They were evolving into the best
generalists. 

5284
04:36:10,900 --> 04:36:14,900
Able to survive in nearly any 
setting, their bodies and Minds 

5285
04:36:14,900 --> 04:36:16,800
were becoming uniquely 
intertwined. 

5286
04:36:17,500 --> 04:36:20,900
Their improved vocal control due
to their erect posture aided in 

5287
04:36:20,900 --> 04:36:22,400
the development of their 
language skills. 

5288
04:36:23,500 --> 04:36:26,300
The production of sophisticated 
tools made possible by their 

5289
04:36:26,300 --> 04:36:29,599
freed hands promoted. 
The growth of their brains They 

5290
04:36:29,599 --> 04:36:31,700
were able to plan and 
coordinate, better, thanks to 

5291
04:36:31,707 --> 04:36:34,700
their enhanced brains, which 
increased the effectiveness of 

5292
04:36:34,700 --> 04:36:38,700
their bipedalism. everything was
interconnected and as one 

5293
04:36:38,700 --> 04:36:42,800
advancement led to another the 
capabilities increased Through 

5294
04:36:42,800 --> 04:36:46,500
intelligence collaboration and 
cultural Innovation, your 

5295
04:36:46,500 --> 04:36:49,099
ancestors were essentially 
evolving into a new kind of 

5296
04:36:49,099 --> 04:36:52,599
creature that could adapt to 
nearly any environment without 

5297
04:36:52,599 --> 04:36:54,800
the need for specialized 
physical evolution. 

5298
04:36:55,599 --> 04:36:58,300
They were laying the groundwork 
for all subsequent stages of 

5299
04:36:58,300 --> 04:37:02,099
human development by exchanging,
biological specialization for 

5300
04:37:02,099 --> 04:37:05,400
mental adaptability Your 
ancestors have been walking 

5301
04:37:05,400 --> 04:37:08,099
upright for well over a million 
years by this time in your 

5302
04:37:08,099 --> 04:37:10,700
family's history. 
They had also become quite 

5303
04:37:10,700 --> 04:37:14,000
proficient at it. 
However, in evolutionary terms, 

5304
04:37:14,000 --> 04:37:16,400
being good at it, meant that 
they had figured out, the 

5305
04:37:16,400 --> 04:37:19,000
fundamental issue of not 
toppling over all the time. 

5306
04:37:19,700 --> 04:37:22,599
They now had to deal with the 
subtler, optimization problems. 

5307
04:37:22,599 --> 04:37:26,200
Like how to walk more 
effectively longer better and 

5308
04:37:26,200 --> 04:37:29,200
under more difficult 
circumstances human walking 

5309
04:37:29,200 --> 04:37:31,200
became truly remarkable at this 
point. 

5310
04:37:31,200 --> 04:37:34,800
Your ancestors were becoming the
most proficient, long-distance 

5311
04:37:34,800 --> 04:37:36,500
Walkers, the world had ever 
seen. 

5312
04:37:36,500 --> 04:37:40,500
Not just proficient bipeds. 
They were evolving into the best

5313
04:37:40,500 --> 04:37:43,500
hiking, experts. 
Able to go far on little effort.

5314
04:37:43,500 --> 04:37:46,000
They created truly amazing 
mechanics. 

5315
04:37:46,900 --> 04:37:50,000
When done correctly, human 
walking is basically a 

5316
04:37:50,000 --> 04:37:52,200
controlled Falls. 
You leaned forward, a little 

5317
04:37:52,207 --> 04:37:55,700
catch yourself with your other 
leg and then used the momentum 

5318
04:37:55,700 --> 04:37:58,700
to keep moving forward. 
It functions similarly to a 

5319
04:37:58,700 --> 04:38:01,400
perpetual motion machine driven 
by muscle coordination and 

5320
04:38:01,400 --> 04:38:05,400
gravity Walking had become an 
art form for your ancestors. 

5321
04:38:05,400 --> 04:38:08,900
However, endurance walking was 
the most advanced development. 

5322
04:38:08,900 --> 04:38:13,099
Your ancestors were able to keep
up a steady pace for hours days 

5323
04:38:13,099 --> 04:38:16,900
or even weeks or as other 
animals might be faster in short

5324
04:38:16,900 --> 04:38:19,300
bursts. 
They learned how to walk long 

5325
04:38:19,300 --> 04:38:22,700
distance as with heavy loads, 
negotiate challenging terrain 

5326
04:38:22,700 --> 04:38:25,500
and keep up this pace for 
extended periods of time. 

5327
04:38:25,500 --> 04:38:29,000
They resembled infinite range, 
biological all terrain, 

5328
04:38:29,000 --> 04:38:31,900
vehicles. 
This was supported by remarkable

5329
04:38:31,900 --> 04:38:34,599
physical adaptations. 
Their leg muscles became 

5330
04:38:34,599 --> 04:38:38,500
incredibly efficient able to 
contract repeatedly for extended

5331
04:38:38,500 --> 04:38:42,400
periods of time without becoming
tired during prolonged activity.

5332
04:38:42,400 --> 04:38:45,000
Their cardiovascular systems 
developed exceptional 

5333
04:38:45,000 --> 04:38:48,099
capabilities to sustain 
consistent oxygen delivery. 

5334
04:38:48,800 --> 04:38:51,700
Their feet of evolved into 
highly Advanced propulsion and 

5335
04:38:51,700 --> 04:38:55,400
shock absorption mechanisms the 
control of temperature became 

5336
04:38:55,400 --> 04:38:58,900
specially complex. 
Your ancestors capacity to sweat

5337
04:38:58,900 --> 04:39:01,599
effectively while sustaining 
constant activity levels. 

5338
04:39:01,599 --> 04:39:04,300
Is the most sophisticated 
cooling mechanism in the 

5339
04:39:04,308 --> 04:39:07,300
mammalian world. 
In hotter climates they could 

5340
04:39:07,300 --> 04:39:10,200
walk all day, whereas other 
animals needed to take cover 

5341
04:39:10,200 --> 04:39:13,400
from the heat, the more they 
worked, the more effective, the 

5342
04:39:13,400 --> 04:39:14,700
built-in air conditioning 
became. 

5343
04:39:15,500 --> 04:39:18,400
Long-distance walking cycle 
effects were equally as 

5344
04:39:18,400 --> 04:39:20,099
significant as its physical 
ones. 

5345
04:39:20,800 --> 04:39:23,599
Your ancestors possessed. 
Exceptional, mental endurance, 

5346
04:39:23,599 --> 04:39:27,000
which is the capacity to stay 
motivated and focused during 

5347
04:39:27,000 --> 04:39:29,900
long periods of repetitive works
such as hours or days. 

5348
04:39:30,700 --> 04:39:32,599
They developed the ability to 
Pace themselves. 

5349
04:39:32,599 --> 04:39:36,099
Find Rhythm and flow in 
prolonged movement, and keep the

5350
04:39:36,099 --> 04:39:40,300
group cohesive during travels. 
Modern explorers would be 

5351
04:39:40,300 --> 04:39:42,800
impressed by the level of 
navigation skills, attained. 

5352
04:39:43,600 --> 04:39:46,400
They were able to plan multi-day
routes through unfamiliar 

5353
04:39:46,400 --> 04:39:49,500
territory, remember and return 
to specific locations. 

5354
04:39:49,500 --> 04:39:52,600
After long absences and 
maintained direction of the 

5355
04:39:52,600 --> 04:39:55,700
featureless terrain without the 
use of any tools other than 

5356
04:39:55,700 --> 04:39:58,500
their own senses. 
They gained an intuitive 

5357
04:39:58,500 --> 04:40:01,800
awareness of seasonal, 
variations natural navigational 

5358
04:40:01,800 --> 04:40:05,700
markers and Landscape patterns. 
Group long-distance travel 

5359
04:40:05,700 --> 04:40:09,400
required, extraordinary social 
coordination throughout possibly

5360
04:40:09,400 --> 04:40:12,300
weeks of travel groups, had to 
coordinate rest periods. 

5361
04:40:12,300 --> 04:40:14,500
Share the load of carrying 
supplies. 

5362
04:40:14,500 --> 04:40:16,900
Keep their unity and 
synchronize. 

5363
04:40:16,900 --> 04:40:20,500
Their Pace in essence, they were
creating the ideas of expedition

5364
04:40:20,500 --> 04:40:22,200
management, teamwork and 
Logistics. 

5365
04:40:23,000 --> 04:40:25,700
They developed an extremely 
complex relationship with the 

5366
04:40:25,700 --> 04:40:28,500
terrain. 
Their ability to read various 

5367
04:40:28,500 --> 04:40:31,700
ground types and modify their 
stride for maximum Effectiveness

5368
04:40:31,700 --> 04:40:37,600
on grass, mud, rock, or sand. 
They created methods for safely.

5369
04:40:37,600 --> 04:40:40,900
Traversing, through dense, 
vegetation Crossing streams and 

5370
04:40:40,900 --> 04:40:44,600
walking on steep slopes every 
kind of terrain turned into a 

5371
04:40:44,600 --> 04:40:47,100
puzzle that needed to be solved 
using walking technique. 

5372
04:40:47,800 --> 04:40:50,300
There walking lifestyle was 
supported by the evolution of 

5373
04:40:50,300 --> 04:40:53,100
tool. 
Use walking sticks evolved into 

5374
04:40:53,100 --> 04:40:55,300
multi-functional tools for 
testing the ground. 

5375
04:40:56,200 --> 04:40:59,800
Determining depth reaching 
objects and offering leverage on

5376
04:40:59,808 --> 04:41:02,500
challenging terrain. 
There were no longer only used 

5377
04:41:02,500 --> 04:41:05,400
for balance more, advanced 
carrying systems that 

5378
04:41:05,400 --> 04:41:08,300
efficiently, distributed weight 
for long-distance Transportation

5379
04:41:08,300 --> 04:41:11,500
were developed. 
Most significantly though your 

5380
04:41:11,500 --> 04:41:14,700
ancestors were acquiring, what 
we might refer to as walking 

5381
04:41:14,700 --> 04:41:18,900
wisdom, an innate sense of 
Rhythm Pace, endurance and 

5382
04:41:18,900 --> 04:41:21,900
efficiency that would later come
to Define humanity. 

5383
04:41:22,500 --> 04:41:25,000
In addition to learning how to 
walk, they were also learning 

5384
04:41:25,000 --> 04:41:28,600
how to walk far, walk. 
Well, and make walking a 

5385
04:41:28,600 --> 04:41:31,700
long-term sustainable lifestyle.
They were producing something 

5386
04:41:31,700 --> 04:41:34,700
that had never been seen before.
In Natural History, thanks to 

5387
04:41:34,700 --> 04:41:38,800
their unique blend of physical 
prowess, mental stamina, social 

5388
04:41:38,800 --> 04:41:41,800
coordination, and Technical 
Proficiency in bipedal 

5389
04:41:41,800 --> 04:41:44,200
locomotion. 
In addition to being animals 

5390
04:41:44,200 --> 04:41:45,400
with the ability to walk 
upright. 

5391
04:41:45,400 --> 04:41:48,500
Your ancestors were developing 
into the most proficient 

5392
04:41:48,500 --> 04:41:50,700
long-distance drivers the world 
had ever seen. 

5393
04:41:51,600 --> 04:41:54,300
Millions of years later, you are
most likely sitting and reading 

5394
04:41:54,300 --> 04:41:57,500
this, which would have perplexed
your early ancestors, who had to

5395
04:41:57,500 --> 04:41:59,900
go to such lengths to get you 
upright in the first place. 

5396
04:42:00,800 --> 04:42:03,400
The beauty of the whole story. 
However, is that your ancestors 

5397
04:42:03,400 --> 04:42:05,500
learned to do more than just 
stand up and walk? 

5398
04:42:05,500 --> 04:42:08,100
They learned to do it. 
So well that you now have the 

5399
04:42:08,100 --> 04:42:10,500
freedom to decide when to use 
the amazing skills. 

5400
04:42:10,500 --> 04:42:13,700
They acquired. 
In the end becoming proficient 

5401
04:42:13,700 --> 04:42:17,000
at by pedal, involved much more 
than simply moving from one 

5402
04:42:17,000 --> 04:42:20,000
location to another. 
It turned into the Cornerstone 

5403
04:42:20,000 --> 04:42:23,400
of everything that makes people 
special upright, posture 

5404
04:42:23,400 --> 04:42:27,000
improved vocal tract 
configuration and breath control

5405
04:42:27,000 --> 04:42:29,500
which contributed to the 
development of language. 

5406
04:42:30,300 --> 04:42:33,100
Hands were released from 
Locomotion allowing for the use 

5407
04:42:33,100 --> 04:42:36,800
of complex tools because Group 
Travel and coordination required

5408
04:42:36,800 --> 04:42:38,700
Advanced planning and 
communication skills. 

5409
04:42:38,700 --> 04:42:42,800
Social cooperation developed, 
millions of years of walking 

5410
04:42:42,800 --> 04:42:44,500
have left their mark on your 
brain today. 

5411
04:42:44,500 --> 04:42:47,800
Numerous generations of 
ancestors who had to negotiate 

5412
04:42:47,800 --> 04:42:50,700
difficult terrain while 
remaining upright shape the 

5413
04:42:50,700 --> 04:42:53,800
neural Pathways that govern 
balance coordination and spatial

5414
04:42:53,800 --> 04:42:56,300
awareness. 
The ongoing difficulties of 

5415
04:42:56,300 --> 04:42:59,600
group coordination and 
long-distance travel extended 

5416
04:42:59,600 --> 04:43:01,900
the areas in charge of planning 
and problem solving. 

5417
04:43:02,500 --> 04:43:05,400
Even the skills, your ancestors 
required through repeatedly are 

5418
04:43:05,400 --> 04:43:07,100
essential to your current way of
life. 

5419
04:43:07,800 --> 04:43:10,600
You use skills developed over 
millions of years of upright. 

5420
04:43:10,600 --> 04:43:13,600
Walking, when you move through a
crowded area, keep your balance 

5421
04:43:13,600 --> 04:43:16,600
on a moving bus according to 
your movements while carrying 

5422
04:43:16,600 --> 04:43:19,200
multiple objects. 
You have skills that you 

5423
04:43:19,200 --> 04:43:21,700
probably don't think about much 
but use all the time because of 

5424
04:43:21,700 --> 04:43:24,200
your ancestors extensive 
training and staying vertical. 

5425
04:43:25,200 --> 04:43:28,300
Your ancestors endurance, 
manifests itself in unexpected 

5426
04:43:28,300 --> 04:43:31,000
ways. 
Among the animal kingdoms top 

5427
04:43:31,000 --> 04:43:34,900
long-distance Runners are still 
humans running marathons hiking 

5428
04:43:34,900 --> 04:43:37,400
and other Endurance, Sports 
activate muscles, that were 

5429
04:43:37,400 --> 04:43:41,900
evolved for survival, not sport.
You possess the genetic Heritage

5430
04:43:41,900 --> 04:43:44,200
of the greatest walkers in the 
history of evolution. 

5431
04:43:45,000 --> 04:43:47,800
Human interaction is still 
influenced by the social aspects

5432
04:43:47,800 --> 04:43:49,700
of your ancestors walking 
lifestyle. 

5433
04:43:50,500 --> 04:43:53,500
All human social organization is
built on the cooperation, 

5434
04:43:53,500 --> 04:43:56,700
communication and group 
coordination skills. 

5435
04:43:56,700 --> 04:43:58,600
They acquired for successful 
Group Travel. 

5436
04:43:59,400 --> 04:44:02,100
The skills that your ancestors 
developed while attempting to 

5437
04:44:02,100 --> 04:44:05,400
travel together across ancient 
Landscapes are used in every 

5438
04:44:05,400 --> 04:44:09,300
team project coordinated effort 
and successful group endeavor. 

5439
04:44:10,300 --> 04:44:13,500
Even in our gps-enabled world, 
your relationship with the 

5440
04:44:13,500 --> 04:44:16,100
landscape and navigation. 
Reflects skills. 

5441
04:44:16,100 --> 04:44:20,100
Your ancestors developed, out of
sheer need Millions of years of 

5442
04:44:20,100 --> 04:44:22,900
evolutionary development in 
Land, Navigation, have given 

5443
04:44:22,900 --> 04:44:26,200
humans the ability to read 
terrain comprehend spatial 

5444
04:44:26,200 --> 04:44:28,000
relationships and maintained 
Direction. 

5445
04:44:28,900 --> 04:44:32,200
Perhaps most astonishingly. 
However your ancestors ability 

5446
04:44:32,200 --> 04:44:35,100
to walk on two feet. 
Allowed humans to flourish in 

5447
04:44:35,100 --> 04:44:38,700
nearly any terrestrial setting. 
Something no other species has 

5448
04:44:38,700 --> 04:44:41,700
been able to do. 
Because your ancestors acquired 

5449
04:44:41,700 --> 04:44:45,000
such amazing walking skills. 
And the intelligence to use them

5450
04:44:45,000 --> 04:44:49,200
efficiently, humans are able to 
adapt and survive in a variety 

5451
04:44:49,200 --> 04:44:51,800
of environments. 
From the Arctic tundra to the 

5452
04:44:51,800 --> 04:44:54,800
tropical rainforest from 
mountaintops to the Ocean. 

5453
04:44:54,800 --> 04:44:58,200
Shores, being able to stand up 
straight to as not only a 

5454
04:44:58,200 --> 04:45:00,900
physical accomplishment, it 
marked the start of human 

5455
04:45:00,900 --> 04:45:04,800
civilization culture technology 
and language. 

5456
04:45:05,700 --> 04:45:08,700
The foundation your ancestors 
laid when they first got up and 

5457
04:45:08,700 --> 04:45:11,100
made the decision to remain. 
That way as the basis for all 

5458
04:45:11,100 --> 04:45:13,900
human achievements, from the 
invention of the first stone 

5459
04:45:13,900 --> 04:45:17,600
tools to space exploration. 
Take a moment to appreciate the 

5460
04:45:17,600 --> 04:45:19,600
Incredible Journey. 
That led you to this point. 

5461
04:45:19,600 --> 04:45:23,300
The next time you stand up, 
really stand up with your head. 

5462
04:45:23,300 --> 04:45:27,800
High hands-free, spine curve, 
just right, and your weight 

5463
04:45:27,800 --> 04:45:30,500
balanced on two feet. 
You are The Offspring of 

5464
04:45:30,500 --> 04:45:33,200
creatures that took one of the 
most unlikely risks in the 

5465
04:45:33,200 --> 04:45:35,400
history of the natural world and
made it work. 

5466
04:45:35,400 --> 04:45:38,900
Remarkably, well, you're the 
result of millions of years of 

5467
04:45:38,900 --> 04:45:42,800
evolutionary, experimentation 
the ability to stand tall in the

5468
04:45:42,808 --> 04:45:44,800
world. 
Both literally and figuratively 

5469
04:45:44,800 --> 04:45:48,900
is a gift from your ancestors. 
They evolved into being that 

5470
04:45:48,900 --> 04:45:52,400
made upright walking, their 
defining trait rather than 

5471
04:45:52,400 --> 04:45:55,000
creatures that occasionally 
stood up to gain a better view. 

5472
04:45:55,000 --> 04:45:58,100
They transformed a last-ditch 
effort to adapt to changing 

5473
04:45:58,100 --> 04:46:00,800
conditions in to The Greatest 
Adventure in human history. 

5474
04:46:02,000 --> 04:46:04,400
You can now, sleep soundly 
knowing that you will be taking 

5475
04:46:04,400 --> 04:46:07,100
part in one of the most 
successful evolutionary 

5476
04:46:07,100 --> 04:46:10,100
Innovations in the history of 
life on earth when you wake up 

5477
04:46:10,108 --> 04:46:13,600
and walk for the first time 
tomorrow, good walks and sweet 

5478
04:46:13,600 --> 04:46:20,700
dreams. 
Picture. 

5479
04:46:20,700 --> 04:46:23,700
This, you're standing on a 
wooden dock somewhere along the 

5480
04:46:23,700 --> 04:46:27,300
Norwegian Coast around 950 ad 
watching 30 AUD. 

5481
04:46:27,300 --> 04:46:30,000
Bearded men load supplies onto. 
What looks like an oversized 

5482
04:46:30,000 --> 04:46:31,500
canoe with delusions of 
grandeur. 

5483
04:46:31,500 --> 04:46:34,500
This ship is your ride for the 
next several months. 

5484
04:46:34,500 --> 04:46:38,100
A viking, long ship, that's 
about as comfortable as sleeping

5485
04:46:38,100 --> 04:46:39,700
on a park bench during a 
thunderstorm. 

5486
04:46:39,700 --> 04:46:42,300
You'd probably expect something 
impressive, right? 

5487
04:46:43,100 --> 04:46:45,800
Perhaps you were expecting a 
Majestic vessel with towering 

5488
04:46:45,800 --> 04:46:49,500
masks and spacious quarters. 
Well, surprise your new home 

5489
04:46:49,500 --> 04:46:53,400
measures roughly 75 ft long and 
maybe 15 feet wide at its 

5490
04:46:53,400 --> 04:46:56,800
broadest point, that smaller 
than most modern two-bedroom 

5491
04:46:56,800 --> 04:46:59,700
apartments in your sharing, it 
with 30 other people who haven't

5492
04:46:59,700 --> 04:47:03,300
discovered deodorant yet. 
The whole thing sit, so low in 

5493
04:47:03,308 --> 04:47:05,800
the water that you could 
practically drag your fingers in

5494
04:47:05,800 --> 04:47:08,300
the sea while. 
Sitting on the side, the ship 

5495
04:47:08,300 --> 04:47:11,600
itself is actually a Marvel of 
engineering though, your back 

5496
04:47:11,600 --> 04:47:14,700
won't appreciate that fact after
the first week, bill from 

5497
04:47:14,700 --> 04:47:18,000
overlapping Oak planks held 
together with Iron rivets it's 

5498
04:47:18,000 --> 04:47:20,600
designed to flex with the waves 
rather than fight them. 

5499
04:47:21,300 --> 04:47:24,000
Think of it, as the medieval 
equivalent of a yoga instructor 

5500
04:47:24,000 --> 04:47:27,400
incredibly flexible. 
But that doesn't mean you want 

5501
04:47:27,400 --> 04:47:29,200
to spend months pressed up 
against one. 

5502
04:47:29,200 --> 04:47:32,400
Your sleeping Arrangements would
make a college dorm room. 

5503
04:47:32,400 --> 04:47:35,700
Look luxurious, there are no 
beds, no hammocks. 

5504
04:47:35,700 --> 04:47:39,000
Just a thin layer of animal hide
between you and the wooden deck.

5505
04:47:39,700 --> 04:47:43,200
Everyone sleeps, wherever they 
can obtain space, which usually 

5506
04:47:43,200 --> 04:47:45,600
means curled up next to the guy 
who's been eating nothing. 

5507
04:47:45,600 --> 04:47:47,600
But salted, fish and onions for 
three weeks. 

5508
04:47:48,600 --> 04:47:51,500
The ship rocks constantly even 
in calm weather. 

5509
04:47:51,500 --> 04:47:53,700
Creating a gentle swaying 
motion. 

5510
04:47:53,700 --> 04:47:57,300
That sounds romantic Until you 
realize it, never ever stops. 

5511
04:47:57,300 --> 04:48:01,600
These long ships are both very 
strong and very fragile, which 

5512
04:48:01,600 --> 04:48:02,800
is their most interesting 
feature. 

5513
04:48:02,800 --> 04:48:06,400
They are capable of maneuvering 
through enormous waves and 

5514
04:48:06,400 --> 04:48:09,100
rough. 
Seas effortlessly gliding across

5515
04:48:09,100 --> 04:48:12,000
the water. 
However, a misstep on a loose 

5516
04:48:12,000 --> 04:48:15,000
Plank and quickly lead to an 
unexpected immersion in the 

5517
04:48:15,000 --> 04:48:18,200
North Atlantic. 
The Viking's these ships to be 

5518
04:48:18,200 --> 04:48:21,200
fast and maneuverable not 
comfortable, which becomes 

5519
04:48:21,200 --> 04:48:23,200
painfully obvious. 
The moment you try to find a 

5520
04:48:23,200 --> 04:48:25,900
spot to sit that doesn't involve
someone's elbow in your ribs. 

5521
04:48:26,700 --> 04:48:29,800
Storage space is at such a 
premium that every inch matters.

5522
04:48:30,600 --> 04:48:33,500
your personal belongings, 
assuming you have any be on the 

5523
04:48:33,500 --> 04:48:36,600
clothes, on your back, get 
stuffed into whatever, tiny Gap,

5524
04:48:36,600 --> 04:48:40,000
you can discover, Most of your 
fellow passengers have brought 

5525
04:48:40,000 --> 04:48:41,900
along weapons tools and trading 
Goods. 

5526
04:48:41,900 --> 04:48:45,100
All of which take precedence 
over luxury items like extra 

5527
04:48:45,100 --> 04:48:47,700
clothing or anything resembling 
comfort. 

5528
04:48:48,400 --> 04:48:50,900
The ship's sides aligned with 
shields, when you're not rowing,

5529
04:48:50,900 --> 04:48:53,800
which serves the dual purpose of
protection and decoration. 

5530
04:48:53,800 --> 04:48:57,100
It looks impressive from a 
distance like a floating rainbow

5531
04:48:57,100 --> 04:48:59,000
of War gear. 
Up close. 

5532
04:48:59,000 --> 04:49:02,000
However, you realize these 
shields also double as dinner 

5533
04:49:02,000 --> 04:49:05,800
tables, cutting boards and 
makeshift pillows medieval 

5534
04:49:05,800 --> 04:49:09,900
multitasking at its finest. 
What strikes you most about life

5535
04:49:09,900 --> 04:49:12,300
aboard is how exposed Everything
feels. 

5536
04:49:12,300 --> 04:49:16,800
There's no privacy No Escape 
From the elements and absolutely

5537
04:49:16,800 --> 04:49:19,900
no way to hide when that person 
who brought the fermented shark,

5538
04:49:19,900 --> 04:49:23,800
starts opening his lunch. 
The ocean stretches endlessly in

5539
04:49:23,800 --> 04:49:26,500
every direction and your tiny 
wooden World. 

5540
04:49:26,500 --> 04:49:30,400
Feels both insignificant and 
miraculous floating on all that 

5541
04:49:30,400 --> 04:49:34,100
vastness The crew moves around 
the ship with practiced ease 

5542
04:49:34,100 --> 04:49:37,400
stepping over sleeping bodies 
and ducking under ropes with the

5543
04:49:37,400 --> 04:49:39,900
grace of dancers who have 
perfected their routine through 

5544
04:49:39,900 --> 04:49:43,700
sheer necessity. 
You meanwhile, spend most of 

5545
04:49:43,700 --> 04:49:46,400
your time, trying not to trip 
over the various bits of rope 

5546
04:49:46,400 --> 04:49:50,700
sale and Humanity scattered 
across every available surface 

5547
04:49:50,700 --> 04:49:54,400
as you settle in for your first 
night aboard, listening to The 

5548
04:49:54,400 --> 04:49:57,500
Creeks of wood and the slap of 
waves against the hull. 

5549
04:49:57,500 --> 04:50:00,800
You begin to understand that 
this journey will test every 

5550
04:50:00,800 --> 04:50:04,700
assumption you've ever had about
Comfort privacy and personal 

5551
04:50:04,700 --> 04:50:08,100
space. 
Welcome to Viking travel where 

5552
04:50:08,100 --> 04:50:11,200
the journey truly is the 
destination mainly because 

5553
04:50:11,200 --> 04:50:14,600
you'll spend so much time 
getting their morning, aboard a 

5554
04:50:14,600 --> 04:50:16,400
viking, longship arrives, 
whether you're ready or not 

5555
04:50:16,408 --> 04:50:19,300
usually announced by someone 
stepping on your leg while 

5556
04:50:19,300 --> 04:50:21,100
heading to the side of the boat 
for their morning 

5557
04:50:21,100 --> 04:50:26,200
constitutional. privacy, as you 
quickly, discover is a concept 

5558
04:50:26,200 --> 04:50:29,500
as foreign to Vikings as indoor 
plumbing, which is to say, 

5559
04:50:29,500 --> 04:50:33,800
completely non-existent Your 
daily routine begins with the 

5560
04:50:33,808 --> 04:50:37,200
delightful realization, that 
everything you own is damp. 

5561
04:50:37,900 --> 04:50:40,300
The North Sea has a way of 
making itself known through 

5562
04:50:40,300 --> 04:50:43,200
every Gap in the ship's 
construction and moisture 

5563
04:50:43,200 --> 04:50:45,000
becomes your constant 
compliance. 

5564
04:50:45,600 --> 04:50:47,600
Your clothes feel perpetually 
clammy. 

5565
04:50:47,600 --> 04:50:51,500
Your bedding squelch is when you
move and even your thoughts seem

5566
04:50:51,500 --> 04:50:53,500
to develop a thin layer of 
condensation. 

5567
04:50:54,400 --> 04:50:56,100
Breakfast. 
If you can call it, that 

5568
04:50:56,100 --> 04:50:59,700
consists of whatever dried 
salted or pickled, Provisions. 

5569
04:50:59,700 --> 04:51:03,600
Haven't gone stale overnight. 
the Vikings were masters of food

5570
04:51:03,600 --> 04:51:07,000
preservation, mainly because 
they had to be Fresh food, 

5571
04:51:07,000 --> 04:51:09,600
deteriorates rapidly, in an 
environment dominated by 

5572
04:51:09,600 --> 04:51:12,700
saltwater and there are no 
convenient options for dining 

5573
04:51:12,700 --> 04:51:15,000
such as a medieval fast food 
establishment. 

5574
04:51:15,900 --> 04:51:19,200
You'll become intimately 
acquainted with hardtack a 

5575
04:51:19,200 --> 04:51:21,600
biscuit, so tough. 
It could probably stop an arrow 

5576
04:51:21,608 --> 04:51:24,900
in battle and frequently serves 
double duty as both food and 

5577
04:51:24,900 --> 04:51:27,500
construction material for, 
emergency ship repairs. 

5578
04:51:27,500 --> 04:51:30,900
The ships fresh water supply 
lives in wooden barrels that 

5579
04:51:30,900 --> 04:51:34,100
take up precious space but 
represent the difference between

5580
04:51:34,100 --> 04:51:36,000
life and a very uncomfortable 
death. 

5581
04:51:36,800 --> 04:51:40,000
Water is rationed carefully and 
you learn to appreciate every 

5582
04:51:40,000 --> 04:51:42,700
slightly stale wooden flavored 
sip. 

5583
04:51:43,400 --> 04:51:46,300
Beer also, makes an appearance 
in these barrels, not because 

5584
04:51:46,300 --> 04:51:49,000
the Vikings were party animals, 
but because for fermented 

5585
04:51:49,000 --> 04:51:51,400
beverages stayed safe to drink 
longer than plain water. 

5586
04:51:51,400 --> 04:51:55,100
Alcohols miraculous ability to 
ensure food safety. 

5587
04:51:55,100 --> 04:51:57,600
During the medieval area is 
truly remarkable. 

5588
04:51:58,800 --> 04:52:01,500
Personal hygiene becomes an 
exercise in creativity and 

5589
04:52:01,500 --> 04:52:04,100
compromise. 
You might get to wash your face 

5590
04:52:04,100 --> 04:52:06,900
and hands with seawater, which 
leaves your skin feeling? 

5591
04:52:06,900 --> 04:52:09,900
Like you've been rubbing it with
sandpaper but at least removes 

5592
04:52:09,900 --> 04:52:13,000
some of the accumulating Grime. 
Hair washing happens when it 

5593
04:52:13,008 --> 04:52:14,500
rains. 
Assuming you can position 

5594
04:52:14,500 --> 04:52:17,600
yourself to catch the runoff, 
The remainder of the time, one 

5595
04:52:17,600 --> 04:52:20,200
can only hope that others share 
a similar level of odor as one 

5596
04:52:20,200 --> 04:52:23,000
cell phone. 
The toilet situation. 

5597
04:52:23,000 --> 04:52:26,800
Deserves special mention if only
because it's so memorably awful.

5598
04:52:26,800 --> 04:52:30,500
The head consists of a bucket or
a hole cut in a plank that hangs

5599
04:52:30,500 --> 04:52:33,800
over the side of the ship. 
Using it requires timing, the 

5600
04:52:33,800 --> 04:52:37,200
waves correctly, maintaining 
your balance and praying that 

5601
04:52:37,200 --> 04:52:40,400
the wind doesn't shift Direction
at an inopportune moment. 

5602
04:52:41,300 --> 04:52:43,900
Privacy means hoping everyone 
else is politely looking the 

5603
04:52:43,900 --> 04:52:46,900
other way, which they usually 
are having been through this 

5604
04:52:46,900 --> 04:52:50,200
awkward dance themselves. 
Clothing serves multiple 

5605
04:52:50,200 --> 04:52:54,100
purposes Beyond, basic modesty, 
your cloak doubles as a blanket.

5606
04:52:54,100 --> 04:52:57,700
Your boots work as pillows and 
your belt holds everything from 

5607
04:52:57,700 --> 04:52:59,700
eating utensils to emergency 
rope. 

5608
04:53:00,300 --> 04:53:03,500
Vikings dressed in layers, wool 
and linen primarily. 

5609
04:53:03,500 --> 04:53:06,200
Which sounds practical. 
And Until you realize that wet 

5610
04:53:06,200 --> 04:53:07,600
wool. 
Smells like a combination of 

5611
04:53:07,600 --> 04:53:09,800
wet, dog. 
And regret and takes forever to 

5612
04:53:09,800 --> 04:53:14,100
dry in the perpetually human. 
Medical Care. 

5613
04:53:14,100 --> 04:53:16,700
Consists mainly of hoping 
nothing goes seriously wrong 

5614
04:53:16,700 --> 04:53:19,500
because your options are limited
to whatever Herbal Remedies 

5615
04:53:19,500 --> 04:53:22,700
someone thought to bring along 
plus the time on a tradition of 

5616
04:53:22,700 --> 04:53:25,900
walking it off. 
Minor cuts are treated with 

5617
04:53:25,900 --> 04:53:27,400
whatever clean-ish cloth is 
available. 

5618
04:53:27,408 --> 04:53:31,000
While more serious injuries, 
require creative problem solving

5619
04:53:31,000 --> 04:53:35,700
and a lot of optimism The ship's
Rhythm dictates everything, when

5620
04:53:35,700 --> 04:53:39,300
the wind picks up, everyone not 
actively sailing tries to stay 

5621
04:53:39,300 --> 04:53:42,300
out of the way of the crew 
managing the sale and steering 

5622
04:53:42,300 --> 04:53:44,800
when it dies down. 
You might discover yourself 

5623
04:53:44,800 --> 04:53:47,500
grabbing an ore and contributing
to the collective effort of 

5624
04:53:47,500 --> 04:53:49,900
making the boat move forward 
through sheer muscle power. 

5625
04:53:50,800 --> 04:53:53,000
There's no such thing as a 
passenger on a viking. 

5626
04:53:53,000 --> 04:53:55,300
Longship. 
Everyone contributes something. 

5627
04:53:55,300 --> 04:53:59,500
Even if it's just staying quiet 
while other people work weather 

5628
04:53:59,500 --> 04:54:02,800
becomes your constant Obsession.
You learn to read clouds. 

5629
04:54:02,800 --> 04:54:05,600
Like ancient scriptures watching
for signs of storms. 

5630
04:54:05,600 --> 04:54:08,000
That could turn your already 
uncomfortable journey into a 

5631
04:54:08,000 --> 04:54:09,600
genuinely life-threatening 
situation. 

5632
04:54:10,900 --> 04:54:14,700
The ship handles rough Seas 
remarkably well but remarkably. 

5633
04:54:14,700 --> 04:54:18,000
Well still means getting thrown 
around like laundry in a washing

5634
04:54:18,008 --> 04:54:20,300
machine, while trying to keep 
your mega possessions from 

5635
04:54:20,300 --> 04:54:23,700
disappearing overboard, living, 
in close quarters with 30, other

5636
04:54:23,700 --> 04:54:26,800
people, for months, at a time 
requires a delicate, social 

5637
04:54:26,800 --> 04:54:29,600
balance, that would challenge 
even the most experienced 

5638
04:54:29,600 --> 04:54:32,100
diplomat. 
Imagine your least favorite 

5639
04:54:32,100 --> 04:54:36,500
family reunion except it, never 
ends everyone's armed and 

5640
04:54:36,500 --> 04:54:38,200
there's no way to escape for a 
breather. 

5641
04:54:38,200 --> 04:54:42,100
The ship operates under a strict
but unspoken higher key that 

5642
04:54:42,100 --> 04:54:44,600
keeps things from descending 
into complete chaos. 

5643
04:54:45,800 --> 04:54:49,100
The captain, usually, the ship's
owner and the one who organized 

5644
04:54:49,100 --> 04:54:52,100
this particular Adventure sits 
at the top of the food chain. 

5645
04:54:52,100 --> 04:54:55,400
His word is law, mainly because 
he is the one, who knows, how to

5646
04:54:55,400 --> 04:54:58,500
navigate and everyone else would
prefer not to die, horribly at 

5647
04:54:58,500 --> 04:55:01,200
sea. 
Below him experienced Sailors 

5648
04:55:01,200 --> 04:55:03,800
and warriors, command respect 
through competence. 

5649
04:55:03,800 --> 04:55:06,400
And the occasional display of 
superior armrest wrestling 

5650
04:55:06,400 --> 04:55:09,700
ability. 
Your social standing aboard ship

5651
04:55:09,700 --> 04:55:11,700
depends on a complex mix of 
factors. 

5652
04:55:11,700 --> 04:55:15,600
You're fighting ability your 
usefulness and sailing the ship.

5653
04:55:15,600 --> 04:55:18,100
How much you contributed to 
funding the Expedition. 

5654
04:55:18,100 --> 04:55:20,900
And whether you've managed to 
annoy everyone within the first 

5655
04:55:20,900 --> 04:55:24,400
week, Respect gets earned 
through actions. 

5656
04:55:24,400 --> 04:55:26,800
Not birth, though. 
Being related to someone 

5657
04:55:26,800 --> 04:55:28,500
important. 
Certainly doesn't hurt your 

5658
04:55:28,500 --> 04:55:32,200
cause Conflict resolution 
happens through a combination of

5659
04:55:32,200 --> 04:55:35,500
peer pressure, practical 
necessity and the ever-present 

5660
04:55:35,500 --> 04:55:37,000
threat of being thrown 
overboard. 

5661
04:55:37,700 --> 04:55:40,000
Minor disputes. 
Get settled through negotiation,

5662
04:55:40,000 --> 04:55:43,300
major ones through combat and 
really serious problems through 

5663
04:55:43,300 --> 04:55:45,000
the captain's. 
Absolute Authority. 

5664
04:55:45,000 --> 04:55:48,600
Democracy has its place. 
But not when you're trying to 

5665
04:55:48,608 --> 04:55:52,400
run a storm or navigate through 
unfamiliar Waters the ship 

5666
04:55:52,400 --> 04:55:54,800
develops its own culture within 
days of departure. 

5667
04:55:55,700 --> 04:55:59,000
Inside jokes in merge from 
shared misery, nicknames get 

5668
04:55:59,000 --> 04:56:02,100
assigned based on embarrassing 
incidents or distinctive habits 

5669
04:56:02,100 --> 04:56:05,500
and informal rules, develop 
about everything from who gets 

5670
04:56:05,500 --> 04:56:09,000
to sleep where to how long 
someone can spend at the ship's 

5671
04:56:09,000 --> 04:56:12,500
limited washing facilities. 
These on laws become as 

5672
04:56:12,500 --> 04:56:14,400
important as any formal code of 
conduct. 

5673
04:56:15,300 --> 04:56:18,400
Storytelling serves as both 
entertainment and social glue 

5674
04:56:18,400 --> 04:56:21,800
during the long boring stretches
between exciting moments of 

5675
04:56:21,808 --> 04:56:24,300
Terror. 
The Vikings were Master 

5676
04:56:24,300 --> 04:56:27,500
storytellers and evenings often 
featured elaborate Tales of 

5677
04:56:27,508 --> 04:56:31,700
heroic Deeds mythical creatures 
and Adventures both real and 

5678
04:56:31,700 --> 04:56:34,500
imagined. 
These stories serve multiple 

5679
04:56:34,500 --> 04:56:38,200
purposes, they passed time, 
preserve cultural knowledge and 

5680
04:56:38,200 --> 04:56:41,000
provide a socially acceptable 
way for people to brag about 

5681
04:56:41,000 --> 04:56:44,000
their accomplishments without 
seeming to obnoxious about it. 

5682
04:56:45,300 --> 04:56:48,600
Gambling provides another outlet
for social interaction and 

5683
04:56:48,600 --> 04:56:51,900
tension, release. 
Dice games, contests of 

5684
04:56:51,900 --> 04:56:54,500
strength, and betting on 
everything from where the 

5685
04:56:54,500 --> 04:56:57,500
patterns to Wildlife, sightings 
help break up the monotony. 

5686
04:56:58,300 --> 04:57:01,400
Vikings would bet on practically
anything, partly for 

5687
04:57:01,400 --> 04:57:04,700
entertainment and partly because
small Stakes competition helps, 

5688
04:57:04,700 --> 04:57:07,700
establish social dynamics 
without resorting to actual 

5689
04:57:07,700 --> 04:57:10,300
violence. 
Personal space becomes an 

5690
04:57:10,308 --> 04:57:14,100
negotiated commodity. 
Your designated sleeping spot is

5691
04:57:14,100 --> 04:57:17,100
sacred territory but everything 
else is open for communal. 

5692
04:57:17,100 --> 04:57:20,700
Use learning to respect others. 
Few possessions while protecting

5693
04:57:20,700 --> 04:57:23,600
your own requires diplomatic 
skills, that would impress 

5694
04:57:23,600 --> 04:57:26,100
modern United Nations, 
peacekeepers. 

5695
04:57:27,300 --> 04:57:30,400
The golden rule of aboard ship 
is simple, don't mess with other

5696
04:57:30,400 --> 04:57:34,200
people's stuff and they probably
won't mess with yours food. 

5697
04:57:34,200 --> 04:57:37,000
Sharing follows, strict 
protocols based on contribution,

5698
04:57:37,000 --> 04:57:42,000
status and practical necessity 
Everyone eats from common stores

5699
04:57:42,000 --> 04:57:43,700
butt. 
Portion, sizes, and food 

5700
04:57:43,700 --> 04:57:45,300
quality. 
Reflect your position in the 

5701
04:57:45,300 --> 04:57:48,200
ship's hierarchy. 
The captain eats better than the

5702
04:57:48,200 --> 04:57:51,500
newest crew member, but everyone
gets fed, because a hungry crew.

5703
04:57:51,500 --> 04:57:52,900
Member is a dangerous crew 
member. 

5704
04:57:54,200 --> 04:57:57,600
Despite the cramped conditions, 
romance, occasionally blossoms 

5705
04:57:57,600 --> 04:58:00,600
will be it with considerable 
creativity and absolute 

5706
04:58:00,600 --> 04:58:03,800
discretion. 
Most ships are all male Affairs.

5707
04:58:03,800 --> 04:58:07,900
But mixed Expeditions do happen.
Especially for trading voyages, 

5708
04:58:07,900 --> 04:58:11,300
or family, migrations, any 
romantic entanglements. 

5709
04:58:11,300 --> 04:58:14,200
Need to stay extremely low key 
to avoid disrupting ship 

5710
04:58:14,200 --> 04:58:17,500
Dynamics because jealousy and 
Close Quarters can turn deadly 

5711
04:58:17,500 --> 04:58:20,200
fast. 
The constant proximity means 

5712
04:58:20,200 --> 04:58:23,400
that everyone learned everyone 
else is habits both good and 

5713
04:58:23,400 --> 04:58:26,600
deeply annoying. 
You discover who snores, who 

5714
04:58:26,600 --> 04:58:30,200
talks in this sleep, who has 
digestive issues and who insists

5715
04:58:30,200 --> 04:58:32,900
on sharpening their weapons at 
dawn every single day. 

5716
04:58:33,800 --> 04:58:35,900
Tolerance, becomes a crucial 
survival skill. 

5717
04:58:35,900 --> 04:58:39,300
Just as important as mastering 
not tying or reading the wind 

5718
04:58:39,300 --> 04:58:43,200
arguments, when they happen to 
escalate quickly and the 

5719
04:58:43,208 --> 04:58:46,400
confined space, but they all 
fast faster because there's 

5720
04:58:46,400 --> 04:58:49,600
literally, no where to go to 
nurse grudges, you learn to 

5721
04:58:49,600 --> 04:58:53,500
apologize quickly, forgive redly
and pick your battles cautiously

5722
04:58:53,500 --> 04:58:56,600
because the person you'll 
fighting with today might be the

5723
04:58:56,600 --> 04:58:58,200
one halling you back aboard 
tomorrow. 

5724
04:58:58,200 --> 04:59:01,300
When you fall overboard, finding
your way across thousands of 

5725
04:59:01,300 --> 04:59:05,700
miles of open ocean without GPS.
Compass or even accurate Maps 

5726
04:59:05,700 --> 04:59:07,800
requires skills that border on 
the supernatural. 

5727
04:59:08,800 --> 04:59:12,708
Viking Navigators called c-wise 
for good reason, relied on a 

5728
04:59:12,716 --> 04:59:16,300
combination of experience 
observation and what modern 

5729
04:59:16,300 --> 04:59:19,900
people might generously call 
educated, guessing your 

5730
04:59:19,900 --> 04:59:23,500
Navigator watches, everything 
the color and behavior of waves,

5731
04:59:23,500 --> 04:59:27,600
the direction of wind patterns, 
the flight Paths of seabirds, 

5732
04:59:27,600 --> 04:59:30,400
and the position of stars when 
they're visible through the 

5733
04:59:30,400 --> 04:59:33,700
Perpetual cloud cover. 
His memorized the location of 

5734
04:59:33,700 --> 04:59:37,600
every Landmark along familiar 
coasts and can estimate distance

5735
04:59:37,600 --> 04:59:40,200
traveled by the feel of the 
ship's motion through the water.

5736
04:59:41,100 --> 04:59:43,000
It's like being Guided by 
someone who's turned 

5737
04:59:43,000 --> 04:59:45,000
environmental awareness into a 
superpower. 

5738
04:59:45,800 --> 04:59:47,400
The sun Compass, when you can 
see. 

5739
04:59:47,400 --> 04:59:50,200
The sun provides basic 
directional, guidance. 

5740
04:59:50,200 --> 04:59:54,800
A Cloudy Skies, which describe 
about 80% of your sailing time 

5741
04:59:54,800 --> 04:59:57,200
require more creative, 
navigation techniques. 

5742
04:59:58,200 --> 05:00:01,600
Your Navigator might use a 
Sunstone a piece of Iceland spa 

5743
05:00:01,600 --> 05:00:04,200
that can locate the sun's 
position even through heavy 

5744
05:00:04,200 --> 05:00:06,300
clouds by analyzing polarized 
light. 

5745
05:00:06,300 --> 05:00:10,700
It sounds like magic and 
honestly it is Predicting, the 

5746
05:00:10,700 --> 05:00:13,000
weather becomes crucial not just
for comfort. 

5747
05:00:14,000 --> 05:00:17,000
Storm clouds building on the 
horizon might give you a few 

5748
05:00:17,000 --> 05:00:18,800
hours warning to find shelter or
prepare. 

5749
05:00:18,800 --> 05:00:21,700
For rough Seas, you'll navigate 
to Reed's, cloud. 

5750
05:00:21,700 --> 05:00:23,800
Formations like other people 
reading newspapers, 

5751
05:00:23,800 --> 05:00:28,600
interpreting, subtle changes in 
color, shape and movement to 

5752
05:00:28,600 --> 05:00:30,900
predict what's coming next. 
He's right. 

5753
05:00:30,900 --> 05:00:32,800
More often than modern 
meteorologists. 

5754
05:00:32,800 --> 05:00:35,400
Mainly because his life depends 
on accuracy. 

5755
05:00:36,200 --> 05:00:39,900
Coastal navigation, relies 
heavily on pilotage the art of 

5756
05:00:39,900 --> 05:00:43,900
recognizing specific landmarks 
watercolors and geographical 

5757
05:00:43,900 --> 05:00:46,700
features. 
You'll Navigator has spent years

5758
05:00:46,700 --> 05:00:48,600
memorizing. 
The appearance of coastlines, 

5759
05:00:48,600 --> 05:00:52,000
from specific distances and 
angles that distinctive 

5760
05:00:52,000 --> 05:00:54,100
Headland. 
The particular shade of green 

5761
05:00:54,100 --> 05:00:57,400
water near a river, mouth all 
the way mountains line up in the

5762
05:00:57,400 --> 05:00:59,200
distance. 
All servers navigational 

5763
05:00:59,200 --> 05:01:03,300
signposts on the medieval 
Maritime Highway Open ocean 

5764
05:01:03,300 --> 05:01:05,700
navigation. 
These skills to the utmost 

5765
05:01:05,700 --> 05:01:08,200
extent. 
Without land references. 

5766
05:01:08,200 --> 05:01:10,400
Your Navigator estimates, 
positional through dead 

5767
05:01:10,400 --> 05:01:12,800
reckoning. 
Calculating distance and 

5768
05:01:12,800 --> 05:01:14,900
Direction, traveled from a known
starting point. 

5769
05:01:15,700 --> 05:01:19,200
It requires constant attention 
to speed, wind direction, and 

5770
05:01:19,200 --> 05:01:21,500
the subtle clues that indicate 
current and drift. 

5771
05:01:22,500 --> 05:01:26,000
One small error in calculation 
compounded over days or weeks 

5772
05:01:26,000 --> 05:01:29,500
can leave you hundreds of miles 
from where you think you are the

5773
05:01:29,500 --> 05:01:32,700
ship's shallow draft while 
uncomfortable for passengers 

5774
05:01:32,700 --> 05:01:35,200
provides crucial navigational 
advantages. 

5775
05:01:35,200 --> 05:01:38,500
You can sale in water's too 
shallow for most other vessels. 

5776
05:01:38,500 --> 05:01:42,200
Follow coastlines closely and 
pull up on beaches for overnight

5777
05:01:42,200 --> 05:01:44,900
stops. 
This ability to hug the shore 

5778
05:01:44,900 --> 05:01:47,700
whenever possible. 
Reduces the need for Pure open 

5779
05:01:47,700 --> 05:01:51,200
ocean navigation, and provides 
regular opportunities to correct

5780
05:01:51,200 --> 05:01:55,600
course using familiar landmarks.
Sea conditions, tell experienced

5781
05:01:55,600 --> 05:01:59,200
Sailors, volumes about location,
and weather patterns the size 

5782
05:01:59,200 --> 05:02:03,000
spacing and direction of waves 
indicate proximity to land depth

5783
05:02:03,000 --> 05:02:05,200
of water and approaching weather
systems. 

5784
05:02:05,200 --> 05:02:08,800
Your Navigator can estimate 
distance from Shore by observing

5785
05:02:08,800 --> 05:02:12,900
how waves behave, larger swells 
suggest deep water and distance 

5786
05:02:12,900 --> 05:02:15,500
from Land. 
While shorter choppier waves 

5787
05:02:15,500 --> 05:02:19,200
often indicate shallow areas or 
nearby coastlines, While life 

5788
05:02:19,200 --> 05:02:23,000
serves as another navigational 
tool, certain seabirds range 

5789
05:02:23,000 --> 05:02:24,900
only specific distances from 
Shore. 

5790
05:02:24,900 --> 05:02:28,500
So spotting particular species 
tells you roughly how far you 

5791
05:02:28,500 --> 05:02:30,600
are from Land. 
The direction. 

5792
05:02:30,600 --> 05:02:33,200
Birds fly in the evening often 
points toward their nesting 

5793
05:02:33,200 --> 05:02:36,900
areas on Shore, even floating 
debris provides Clues. 

5794
05:02:36,900 --> 05:02:40,800
Freshly broken branches suggest 
proximity to rivers or storm 

5795
05:02:40,800 --> 05:02:43,800
damage to coastlines. 
Time measurement, relies on 

5796
05:02:43,800 --> 05:02:47,600
natural rhythms, rather than 
clocks the Navigator tracks Days

5797
05:02:47,600 --> 05:02:51,300
by sunset and sunrise estimates 
hours by the sun's position, 

5798
05:02:51,300 --> 05:02:54,600
when visible and gauges travel 
time by familiar, reference 

5799
05:02:54,600 --> 05:02:57,600
points when following known 
routes, its imprecise by modern 

5800
05:02:57,600 --> 05:03:00,800
standards, but adequate for 
navigation, that focuses more on

5801
05:03:00,800 --> 05:03:04,000
reaching general areas than 
specific coordinates, when 

5802
05:03:04,000 --> 05:03:06,800
everything goes wrong. 
Storms, blow you off course, 

5803
05:03:06,800 --> 05:03:10,100
clouds obscure Celestial 
navigation AIDS and you lose 

5804
05:03:10,100 --> 05:03:13,400
track of your position, survival
depends on The Navigators 

5805
05:03:13,400 --> 05:03:16,800
ability to make educated guesses
and gradually work back toward 

5806
05:03:16,800 --> 05:03:19,400
known Waters. 
Your tasks might involve 

5807
05:03:19,400 --> 05:03:22,700
following bird flight patterns 
toward Land watching for changes

5808
05:03:22,700 --> 05:03:25,500
in watercolor. 
That indicate shallow areas or 

5809
05:03:25,500 --> 05:03:28,500
simply maintaining consistent 
Direction until you encounter 

5810
05:03:28,500 --> 05:03:32,200
recognizable Coastline. 
The cycle pressure on Navigators

5811
05:03:32,200 --> 05:03:36,200
is enormous, everyone's life 
depends on their expertise, and 

5812
05:03:36,200 --> 05:03:38,900
there's no backup system if they
make serious errors. 

5813
05:03:40,000 --> 05:03:43,100
Most Navigators train for 
decades before attempting major 

5814
05:03:43,100 --> 05:03:46,000
voyages, learning their craft 
through apprenticeship with 

5815
05:03:46,000 --> 05:03:48,900
experienced c-wise captains, who
passed down knowledge 

5816
05:03:48,900 --> 05:03:51,700
accumulated over generations of 
Maritime exploration. 

5817
05:03:51,700 --> 05:03:55,800
The common perception of Vikings
as mindless barbarians, ravaging

5818
05:03:55,800 --> 05:03:58,200
Europe overlooks. 
The fact that they were among 

5819
05:03:58,200 --> 05:04:01,200
the most sophisticated Traders, 
and entrepreneurs of their era, 

5820
05:04:01,200 --> 05:04:04,800
your longship serves as both 
transportation and a mobile 

5821
05:04:04,800 --> 05:04:08,200
Warehouse carrying goods. 
That will be traded sold or 

5822
05:04:08,200 --> 05:04:11,900
occasionally acquired through 
less diplomatic means across a 

5823
05:04:11,900 --> 05:04:14,500
commercial network spanning from
Greenland to Constantinople. 

5824
05:04:15,800 --> 05:04:18,600
Trade goods packed into every 
available inch of ship space 

5825
05:04:18,600 --> 05:04:20,700
represent months of planning and
investment. 

5826
05:04:21,600 --> 05:04:25,200
Amber from the Baltic Coast. 
Walrus ivory from the Arctic 

5827
05:04:25,200 --> 05:04:30,200
Silver from Arabic coins, iron 
weapons and tools fur from 

5828
05:04:30,200 --> 05:04:34,200
northern animals and slaves, 
captured in raid, all jostle for

5829
05:04:34,200 --> 05:04:37,100
storage space, with your 
personal belongings, the ship 

5830
05:04:37,100 --> 05:04:39,900
resembles, a floating department
store, specializing in luxury 

5831
05:04:39,900 --> 05:04:43,200
goods and human misery. 
Your trading Expeditions follow 

5832
05:04:43,200 --> 05:04:46,500
established routes connecting, 
Scandinavia with the rest of the

5833
05:04:46,500 --> 05:04:49,100
Medieval World. 
The Eastern route takes you 

5834
05:04:49,100 --> 05:04:52,200
down, Russian rivers to 
Constantinople and the Byzantine

5835
05:04:52,200 --> 05:04:56,000
Empire where Nordic Amber and 
furs are exchanged for silk 

5836
05:04:56,000 --> 05:05:00,600
spices and business time goal. 
The Western route leads to 

5837
05:05:00,600 --> 05:05:04,400
Britain, Ireland and France. 
Where Viking Goods meet Roman 

5838
05:05:04,400 --> 05:05:08,200
influenced markets hungry for 
Northern Specialties, each route

5839
05:05:08,200 --> 05:05:11,800
requires different Navigation, 
skills, trade, languages and 

5840
05:05:11,800 --> 05:05:16,400
diplomatic approaches. raiding, 
despite its dramatic reputation 

5841
05:05:16,400 --> 05:05:19,300
often serves as just another 
form of aggressive business, 

5842
05:05:19,300 --> 05:05:24,200
negotiation, Many raids actually
begin as trading Expeditions 

5843
05:05:24,200 --> 05:05:27,200
that turn violent, when 
negotiations break down, or when

5844
05:05:27,208 --> 05:05:30,400
the Vikings realize, they can 
take what they want, more easily

5845
05:05:30,400 --> 05:05:33,300
than they can buy it. 
The line between Trader and 

5846
05:05:33,300 --> 05:05:37,100
Raider shifts depending on 
circumstances opportunity and 

5847
05:05:37,100 --> 05:05:39,200
the relative strength of 
potential trading partners. 

5848
05:05:40,100 --> 05:05:42,000
The economics of Viking 
Expeditions. 

5849
05:05:42,000 --> 05:05:46,600
Require careful calculation of 
risks and rewards ship's crew, 

5850
05:05:46,600 --> 05:05:49,900
provisions and trade, goods. 
Represent significant up front 

5851
05:05:49,900 --> 05:05:53,000
investment, often required, 
multiple investors pooling 

5852
05:05:53,000 --> 05:05:56,900
resources for major expeditions 
Profits get divided, according 

5853
05:05:56,900 --> 05:06:00,200
to complex formulas, based on 
investment participation and 

5854
05:06:00,200 --> 05:06:02,000
predetermined agreements that 
would impress. 

5855
05:06:02,000 --> 05:06:05,700
Modern Venture capitalists your 
crew includes specialists in 

5856
05:06:05,708 --> 05:06:09,100
various forms of Commerce. 
Beyond Simple muscle, powered 

5857
05:06:09,100 --> 05:06:11,800
intimidation. 
Some members speak, multiple 

5858
05:06:11,800 --> 05:06:13,700
languages and understand foreign
Customs. 

5859
05:06:13,700 --> 05:06:17,200
Others have expertise in 
evaluating precious metals and 

5860
05:06:17,200 --> 05:06:20,800
trade goods and a few possessed.
The Diplomatic skills necessary 

5861
05:06:20,800 --> 05:06:23,500
for negotiating with foreign 
merchants and local rulers. 

5862
05:06:24,200 --> 05:06:27,700
Successful Viking Expeditions 
require as much business Acumen 

5863
05:06:27,700 --> 05:06:30,700
as martial prowess. 
Markets in foreign ports, 

5864
05:06:30,700 --> 05:06:33,400
operate according to local 
Customs, that your crew has 

5865
05:06:33,400 --> 05:06:36,100
learned through experience and 
cultural Exchange. 

5866
05:06:36,900 --> 05:06:40,500
Understanding religious taboos 
social hierarchies and seasonal 

5867
05:06:40,500 --> 05:06:42,800
trading patterns makes the 
difference between profitable 

5868
05:06:42,800 --> 05:06:45,000
Commerce and diplomatic 
disasters. 

5869
05:06:45,800 --> 05:06:49,400
Viking's develop remarkable 
cultural adaptability adjusting 

5870
05:06:49,400 --> 05:06:51,600
their approach based on whether 
they are dealing with Christian 

5871
05:06:51,600 --> 05:06:55,200
monasteries Islamic merchants or
Pagan tribal leaders. 

5872
05:06:55,900 --> 05:06:58,600
Currently varies dramatically 
across your trading Network 

5873
05:06:58,600 --> 05:07:01,900
Arabic, silver coin, circulate 
widely and provide. 

5874
05:07:01,900 --> 05:07:05,800
A relatively stable, medium of 
exchange, but many transactions 

5875
05:07:05,800 --> 05:07:09,400
rely on barter systems, where 
goods are exchanged directly for

5876
05:07:09,400 --> 05:07:12,100
other Goods. 
Your Navigator might trade, for 

5877
05:07:12,100 --> 05:07:15,800
silk in Constantinople then 
exchange that Silk for silver 

5878
05:07:15,800 --> 05:07:19,100
and Kiev then convert silver 
into iron tools in Norway. 

5879
05:07:20,100 --> 05:07:22,900
Its medieval international 
finance at its most complex. 

5880
05:07:23,800 --> 05:07:27,000
Slave trading, unfortunately 
represents a major component of 

5881
05:07:27,000 --> 05:07:29,400
Viking. 
Commerce captives taken in 

5882
05:07:29,400 --> 05:07:32,700
raids, become valuable trade 
goods, especially in markets, 

5883
05:07:32,700 --> 05:07:35,100
where labor shortages, create 
demand for workers. 

5884
05:07:36,000 --> 05:07:39,200
The Vikings Geographic position 
between slave producing regions 

5885
05:07:39,200 --> 05:07:41,300
and labor. 
Hungry markets, makes them 

5886
05:07:41,300 --> 05:07:44,200
natural middlemen in this 
horrific but economically 

5887
05:07:44,200 --> 05:07:47,400
important trade quality 
controlled becomes crucial when 

5888
05:07:47,400 --> 05:07:51,000
your reputation affects future. 
Trading opportunities, diluted 

5889
05:07:51,000 --> 05:07:55,100
silver, inferior, weapons or 
slaves, who die in transport 

5890
05:07:55,100 --> 05:07:57,800
damaged relationships with 
trading partners and reduce 

5891
05:07:57,800 --> 05:07:59,600
profitability of future 
expeditions. 

5892
05:08:00,700 --> 05:08:03,900
Successful Viking, Merchants 
maintain quality standards, not 

5893
05:08:03,900 --> 05:08:07,000
because of altruism but because 
repeat business requires 

5894
05:08:07,000 --> 05:08:10,200
satisfied customers. 
Competition comes from other 

5895
05:08:10,200 --> 05:08:13,600
Viking Crews local, merchants 
and established trading. 

5896
05:08:13,600 --> 05:08:15,600
Networks that predate Viking 
involvement. 

5897
05:08:16,600 --> 05:08:20,100
Success requires finding Market,
niches, developing reliable, 

5898
05:08:20,100 --> 05:08:23,200
Supply, chains and building 
relationships with key trading 

5899
05:08:23,200 --> 05:08:26,000
partners. 
Some Viking specialized in 

5900
05:08:26,000 --> 05:08:29,100
particular routes or Goods 
becoming known for specific 

5901
05:08:29,100 --> 05:08:31,300
expertise that command premium 
prices. 

5902
05:08:32,200 --> 05:08:35,000
Whether a navigation delays, can
destroy profit margins by 

5903
05:08:35,000 --> 05:08:38,100
missing seasonal markets or 
arriving after competitors of 

5904
05:08:38,100 --> 05:08:41,400
saturated demand. 
Your trading Expedition operates

5905
05:08:41,400 --> 05:08:43,900
on tight schedules. 
Dictated by sailing Seasons 

5906
05:08:43,900 --> 05:08:47,300
Market cycles and religious 
festivals that affect local 

5907
05:08:47,300 --> 05:08:50,100
Commerce. 
Timing becomes as important as 

5908
05:08:50,100 --> 05:08:51,600
the quality of goods being 
traded. 

5909
05:08:52,400 --> 05:08:55,600
Investment diversification, 
spreads risk across multiple 

5910
05:08:55,600 --> 05:08:58,500
Expeditions, and trade, goods, 
wealthy Vikings. 

5911
05:08:58,500 --> 05:09:01,000
Rarely put all their resources 
into single Ventures. 

5912
05:09:01,000 --> 05:09:04,200
Instead participating in 
multiple Expeditions with 

5913
05:09:04,200 --> 05:09:06,000
different destinations and 
objectives. 

5914
05:09:06,800 --> 05:09:09,700
Its medieval portfolio 
management designed to maximize 

5915
05:09:09,700 --> 05:09:12,700
returns while minimizing the 
chance of total Financial ruin 

5916
05:09:12,700 --> 05:09:16,100
life, a board of Viking. 
Longship reduces existence to 

5917
05:09:16,100 --> 05:09:20,200
its most basic elements, staying
warm, staying fed, staying dry, 

5918
05:09:20,200 --> 05:09:23,300
and staying alive. 
The small victories that 

5919
05:09:23,300 --> 05:09:26,400
punctuate your journey. 
A successful fishing Expedition 

5920
05:09:26,400 --> 05:09:29,800
a day of favorable, wind or 
simply waking up without 

5921
05:09:29,800 --> 05:09:33,100
someone's foot in your face. 
Become Monumental celebrations 

5922
05:09:33,100 --> 05:09:35,200
in the context of your floating 
hardship. 

5923
05:09:36,000 --> 05:09:38,900
Fishing provides both food and 
entertainment during the long 

5924
05:09:38,900 --> 05:09:42,200
stretches of Ocean Travel. 
Lines trail behind the ship 

5925
05:09:42,200 --> 05:09:45,500
constantly tended by whoever 
isn't actively sailing or 

5926
05:09:45,500 --> 05:09:46,900
rowing. 
Catching. 

5927
05:09:46,900 --> 05:09:49,100
Fish means, fresh protein to 
supplement. 

5928
05:09:49,100 --> 05:09:52,600
The monotonous diet of preserved
Foods, plus the excitement of 

5929
05:09:52,600 --> 05:09:56,300
successfully outwitting secrets 
with medieval technology the 

5930
05:09:56,300 --> 05:09:58,800
entire crew celebrates. 
When someone lands a 

5931
05:09:58,800 --> 05:10:01,800
particularly large specimen, not
just because it means better 

5932
05:10:01,800 --> 05:10:05,100
eating, but because it breaks 
the tedium of another identical 

5933
05:10:05,100 --> 05:10:09,000
day, at sea, Cooking happens 
over a small fire contained. 

5934
05:10:09,000 --> 05:10:12,900
In a sand-filled metal box, the 
ship's kitchen, dining room, and

5935
05:10:12,900 --> 05:10:15,900
social Center. 
All rolled into one cramped, 

5936
05:10:15,900 --> 05:10:20,000
Smoky space. 
The fire provides warmth light 

5937
05:10:20,000 --> 05:10:24,200
and the ability to prepare hot 
food, making it arguably the 

5938
05:10:24,200 --> 05:10:26,700
most important feature of the 
ship, besides the hull itself. 

5939
05:10:27,700 --> 05:10:29,800
Keeping the fire going in. 
A rough weather requires 

5940
05:10:29,800 --> 05:10:34,200
constant attention and no small 
amount of skill, since a stray 

5941
05:10:34,200 --> 05:10:37,400
wave or sudden gust of wind can 
extinguish your own source of 

5942
05:10:37,400 --> 05:10:40,900
cooked food and warmth. 
Water collection becomes an 

5943
05:10:40,900 --> 05:10:43,000
obsession. 
During rainy weather, every 

5944
05:10:43,000 --> 05:10:46,100
available container gets pressed
into service to catch precious, 

5945
05:10:46,100 --> 05:10:49,200
freshwater from cooking, pots to
empty helmets. 

5946
05:10:50,000 --> 05:10:52,300
You learned to position 
containers strategically to 

5947
05:10:52,300 --> 05:10:55,200
catch runoff from the sale and 
everyone develops an almost 

5948
05:10:55,200 --> 05:10:58,600
Supernatural ability to wake up 
when rain starts falling, no 

5949
05:10:58,600 --> 05:11:02,200
matter how exhausted they are. 
Fresh water taste like the most 

5950
05:11:02,200 --> 05:11:05,600
luxurious ever created. 
When you've been rationing stale

5951
05:11:05,600 --> 05:11:09,000
barrel water for weeks, 
entertainment relies heavily on 

5952
05:11:09,000 --> 05:11:13,200
human creativity and social 
interaction riddles, word games,

5953
05:11:13,200 --> 05:11:16,700
and contests of memory help pass
time during calm weather. 

5954
05:11:17,400 --> 05:11:21,300
Physical competitions, arm 
wrestling balancing contests or 

5955
05:11:21,300 --> 05:11:24,900
games of skill with weapons, 
provide excitement and help 

5956
05:11:24,900 --> 05:11:28,800
maintain fighting Fitness. 
Music when someone has brought 

5957
05:11:28,800 --> 05:11:32,000
along an instrument transforms 
evening, Gatherings into 

5958
05:11:32,000 --> 05:11:33,600
something approaching 
civilization. 

5959
05:11:34,400 --> 05:11:37,300
Maintenance tasks occupy much of
the cruise attention during 

5960
05:11:37,300 --> 05:11:40,500
daylight hours. 
The ship requires constant care 

5961
05:11:40,500 --> 05:11:44,700
bailing water that seeps through
the hull adjusting rigging and 

5962
05:11:44,700 --> 05:11:47,700
repairing equipment, damaged by 
salt spray and constant use 

5963
05:11:48,400 --> 05:11:51,900
These tasks provide structure to
otherwise formless days and give

5964
05:11:51,900 --> 05:11:53,400
everyone something productive to
do. 

5965
05:11:54,300 --> 05:11:57,100
The ship becomes like a needy 
pet, that requires constant 

5966
05:11:57,100 --> 05:12:00,400
attention to keep it healthy and
functional personal rituals and 

5967
05:12:00,400 --> 05:12:03,400
superstitions developed to cope 
with the cycle stress of 

5968
05:12:03,400 --> 05:12:06,800
prolonged, Ocean Travel. some 
crew members, develop elaborate 

5969
05:12:06,800 --> 05:12:10,400
morning routines, others create 
personal ceremonies around meals

5970
05:12:10,400 --> 05:12:13,900
or navigation checks, these 
behaviors while sometimes 

5971
05:12:13,900 --> 05:12:16,800
appearing a rational provide 
psychological anchors in an 

5972
05:12:16,800 --> 05:12:20,000
environment where every day 
Blends into the next sleep 

5973
05:12:20,000 --> 05:12:21,600
becomes both escape and 
challenge. 

5974
05:12:22,300 --> 05:12:25,500
Despite cramped conditions and 
constant motion exhaustion 

5975
05:12:25,500 --> 05:12:28,200
enabled sleep, but regular 
interruptions from weather 

5976
05:12:28,200 --> 05:12:31,600
changes navigation emergencies 
or natural calls interrupt rest.

5977
05:12:32,500 --> 05:12:34,700
You learn to fall asleep, 
quickly, when opportunity 

5978
05:12:34,700 --> 05:12:38,100
presents itself and to function 
effectively on fragmented, sleep

5979
05:12:38,100 --> 05:12:40,300
patterns, that would leave 
modern people completely 

5980
05:12:40,300 --> 05:12:43,600
dysfunctional. 
Weather protection requires 

5981
05:12:43,600 --> 05:12:45,600
constant adaptation and 
creativity. 

5982
05:12:46,400 --> 05:12:48,700
Your clothing layers are 
adjusted throughout the day as 

5983
05:12:48,700 --> 05:12:52,100
conditions, change adding 
garments, when wind picks up, 

5984
05:12:52,100 --> 05:12:55,300
removing them when physical 
work, generates heat and 

5985
05:12:55,300 --> 05:12:59,100
rearranging everything when rain
starts falling Staying 

5986
05:12:59,100 --> 05:13:02,300
reasonably dry and warm becomes 
a full-time occupation that 

5987
05:13:02,300 --> 05:13:05,000
requires as much attention as 
any other survival skill. 

5988
05:13:05,700 --> 05:13:09,700
Small luxuries, take on enormous
cycle importance, a piece of 

5989
05:13:09,700 --> 05:13:12,900
preserved fruit, a drink of 
wine, or even a few minutes of 

5990
05:13:12,900 --> 05:13:14,700
privacy become treasured 
experience. 

5991
05:13:14,700 --> 05:13:18,500
Is that provide disproportionate
happiness, You learned to save a

5992
05:13:18,500 --> 05:13:21,000
tiny Pleasures because they 
represent the only breaks from 

5993
05:13:21,000 --> 05:13:23,200
an otherwise relentlessly 
austere existence. 

5994
05:13:24,100 --> 05:13:26,700
Social bonds strengthened 
through shared hardship and 

5995
05:13:26,700 --> 05:13:29,800
mutual dependents, the people 
you might have ignored or 

5996
05:13:29,800 --> 05:13:32,900
disliked on land become crucial 
allies in the struggle for daily

5997
05:13:32,900 --> 05:13:35,200
survival. 
Helping someone prepare their 

5998
05:13:35,200 --> 05:13:38,900
gear share sharing food during 
shortages or simply providing 

5999
05:13:38,900 --> 05:13:40,700
companionship during 
particularly difficult. 

6000
05:13:40,700 --> 05:13:44,300
Whether creates relationships 
that last long after the voyage 

6001
05:13:44,300 --> 05:13:48,800
ends negotiation, tradition and 
occasional Force resolve, 

6002
05:13:48,800 --> 05:13:52,100
territorial disputes over 
sleeping, Space storage areas 

6003
05:13:52,100 --> 05:13:56,200
and access to the fire. 
Your personal space shrinks to 

6004
05:13:56,200 --> 05:13:59,700
whatever you can physically 
defend, but everyone understands

6005
05:13:59,700 --> 05:14:01,500
the necessity of respecting 
others. 

6006
05:14:01,500 --> 05:14:03,500
Minimal claims to shipboard, 
real estate. 

6007
05:14:04,300 --> 05:14:07,400
Violating these unspoken 
agreements threatens, the social

6008
05:14:07,400 --> 05:14:09,900
fabric that keeps the entire 
Enterprise functional. 

6009
05:14:09,900 --> 05:14:13,900
The site of familiar Coastline 
after months at Sea triggers, 

6010
05:14:13,900 --> 05:14:17,000
emotions, that land, lubbers 
struggled to understand your 

6011
05:14:17,000 --> 05:14:19,200
home Shores. 
Previously, taken for granted 

6012
05:14:19,200 --> 05:14:23,500
now appear as the most beautiful
landscape ever, created the 

6013
05:14:23,500 --> 05:14:26,700
simple Prospect of sleeping on 
Solid Ground eating fresh food 

6014
05:14:26,700 --> 05:14:30,000
and enjoying privacy becomes 
almost overwhelming in its 

6015
05:14:30,000 --> 05:14:32,600
appeal. 
Landfall requires careful 

6016
05:14:32,600 --> 05:14:35,200
planning and execution your 
shallow draft. 

6017
05:14:35,200 --> 05:14:38,700
Longship can be almost anywhere 
but choosing the right spot. 

6018
05:14:38,700 --> 05:14:42,400
Involves considering Tides. 
Whether local politics and the 

6019
05:14:42,400 --> 05:14:43,800
condition of your crew and 
cargo. 

6020
05:14:44,700 --> 05:14:47,900
A successful Landing represents 
the culmination of months, of 

6021
05:14:47,900 --> 05:14:50,700
navigation, survival and 
teamwork. 

6022
05:14:50,700 --> 05:14:54,100
But it's also when many 
Expeditions face, their greatest

6023
05:14:54,100 --> 05:14:57,200
risks from local authorities or 
competing Viking groups. 

6024
05:14:57,900 --> 05:15:01,200
Unloading transforms the ship 
from a cramped living space back

6025
05:15:01,200 --> 05:15:04,000
in to a cargo vessel. 
Trade goods that have been 

6026
05:15:04,000 --> 05:15:05,800
carefully protected throughout 
the journey. 

6027
05:15:05,800 --> 05:15:09,200
Now, get evaluated sorted and 
prepared for local markets. 

6028
05:15:09,900 --> 05:15:11,700
The Amber. 
That seemed so precious during 

6029
05:15:11,700 --> 05:15:15,000
storms now faces the harsh 
reality of market prices and 

6030
05:15:15,000 --> 05:15:18,400
trading negotiations. 
Some Goods may have deteriorated

6031
05:15:18,400 --> 05:15:21,100
during the voyage turning 
expected profits into 

6032
05:15:21,100 --> 05:15:24,500
disappointing losses. your crew 
disperses according to 

6033
05:15:24,500 --> 05:15:27,300
predetermined agreements and 
personal relationships developed

6034
05:15:27,300 --> 05:15:31,100
during the voyage, Some members 
came aboard as Hired Hands and 

6035
05:15:31,100 --> 05:15:33,900
departed with their wages. 
Others invested in the 

6036
05:15:33,900 --> 05:15:37,400
Expedition and await their share
of profits and a few of become 

6037
05:15:37,400 --> 05:15:39,900
close companions who will 
maintain relationships long 

6038
05:15:39,900 --> 05:15:41,500
after the ship returns to 
Harbor. 

6039
05:15:42,200 --> 05:15:45,400
The social bonds forged in 
hardship, often proved more 

6040
05:15:45,400 --> 05:15:49,300
valuable than the material gains
from trade reintegration into 

6041
05:15:49,300 --> 05:15:52,100
land, based society requires 
psychological adjustment. 

6042
05:15:52,100 --> 05:15:56,200
Almost as significant, as the 
original departure months of 

6043
05:15:56,200 --> 05:15:59,500
communal, living shared 
hardship, and constant motion. 

6044
05:15:59,500 --> 05:16:02,200
Leave you changed in ways that 
become apparent. 

6045
05:16:02,200 --> 05:16:05,700
Only when you try to resume 
normal life, your tolerance for 

6046
05:16:05,700 --> 05:16:08,600
petty complaints and minor 
inconvenience is increased 

6047
05:16:08,600 --> 05:16:11,500
dramatically while your patience
for people who have an 

6048
05:16:11,500 --> 05:16:13,900
experience, real hardship may 
have decreased proportionally. 

6049
05:16:14,800 --> 05:16:17,900
Stories from your Voyage become 
valuable social currency in your

6050
05:16:17,900 --> 05:16:20,800
home Community. 
Tales of storms, you survived, 

6051
05:16:20,800 --> 05:16:23,500
strange lands, you visited and 
dangerous. 

6052
05:16:23,500 --> 05:16:27,000
You overcame entertain audiences
and establish your reputation as

6053
05:16:27,000 --> 05:16:28,900
someone who has seen the world 
beyond the familiar. 

6054
05:16:29,900 --> 05:16:32,100
Repetition refines these 
stories. 

6055
05:16:32,100 --> 05:16:36,000
Gradually transforming them from
raw experience into polished, 

6056
05:16:36,000 --> 05:16:38,600
narratives that may bear only a 
passing resemblance to actual 

6057
05:16:38,600 --> 05:16:41,500
events. 
Practical skills learned aboard 

6058
05:16:41,500 --> 05:16:45,500
ship, navigation seamanship, 
trading, combat and survival. 

6059
05:16:45,500 --> 05:16:49,100
Make you more valuable to your 
community and more attractive 

6060
05:16:49,100 --> 05:16:52,300
for future expeditions. 
Knowledge of foreign languages 

6061
05:16:52,300 --> 05:16:55,400
customs and market conditions 
required during your travels. 

6062
05:16:55,400 --> 05:16:58,200
Opens opportunities for 
employment with other 

6063
05:16:58,200 --> 05:17:01,800
Expeditions or local Merchants 
engaged in long-distance trade, 

6064
05:17:01,800 --> 05:17:05,400
physical changes from months of 
difficult, living become visible

6065
05:17:05,400 --> 05:17:08,400
to friends and family. 
Your hands are more calloused, 

6066
05:17:08,400 --> 05:17:12,000
your face more weather, and your
body adapted to the physical 

6067
05:17:12,000 --> 05:17:15,700
demands of Life at sea. 
These changes servers permanent 

6068
05:17:15,700 --> 05:17:18,600
reminders of your journey and 
Mark, you as someone who is 

6069
05:17:18,600 --> 05:17:21,800
endured what many people cannot 
imagine attempting Financial 

6070
05:17:21,800 --> 05:17:24,600
outcomes of vary dramatically 
depending on the Expedition 

6071
05:17:24,600 --> 05:17:28,300
success, your initial investment
and market conditions at 

6072
05:17:28,300 --> 05:17:31,200
Journeys end. 
Some crew members return wealthy

6073
05:17:31,200 --> 05:17:34,000
enough to buy Farms or ships of 
their own others. 

6074
05:17:34,000 --> 05:17:37,100
Barely cover their expenses and 
a few face Financial ruin. 

6075
05:17:37,100 --> 05:17:41,100
If the Voyager serious problems.
The Viking economy rewards. 

6076
05:17:41,100 --> 05:17:43,600
Success handsomely. 
But punishes failure harshly. 

6077
05:17:44,300 --> 05:17:47,300
Planning for future Expeditions 
often begins before the current 

6078
05:17:47,300 --> 05:17:50,700
Voyage is completely finished 
successful trips generate demand

6079
05:17:50,700 --> 05:17:53,300
for repeat Journeys. 
While Lessons Learned suggest 

6080
05:17:53,300 --> 05:17:56,600
improvements for next time. 
The ship requires maintenance 

6081
05:17:56,600 --> 05:17:59,900
and modifications crew members 
need replacement or Recruitment 

6082
05:17:59,900 --> 05:18:02,200
and trade goods. 
Must be selected based on 

6083
05:18:02,200 --> 05:18:06,000
experience with foreign markets,
your transformed perspective on 

6084
05:18:06,000 --> 05:18:09,700
risk, comfort and Human 
Relationships, affects decisions

6085
05:18:09,700 --> 05:18:12,800
about future Life Choices. 
Some people observe that 

6086
05:18:12,800 --> 05:18:15,900
land-based existence feels 
limiting After experiencing the 

6087
05:18:15,900 --> 05:18:19,300
freedom and intensity of Ocean 
Travel While others discover 

6088
05:18:19,300 --> 05:18:21,600
that one. 
Major Expedition, satisfies 

6089
05:18:21,600 --> 05:18:23,200
their desire for adventure 
permanently. 

6090
05:18:24,500 --> 05:18:27,900
The Voyage changes, everyone but
not always in predictable 

6091
05:18:27,900 --> 05:18:32,200
Direction's The cycle of 
departure journey and return 

6092
05:18:32,200 --> 05:18:35,500
that defines Viking, Expeditions
reflects larger patterns in 

6093
05:18:35,500 --> 05:18:39,500
medieval life where travel was 
dangerous expensive and 

6094
05:18:39,500 --> 05:18:42,400
transformative. 
Your months aboard, the longship

6095
05:18:42,400 --> 05:18:45,600
represent, not just a business 
venture or Adventure, but a rite

6096
05:18:45,600 --> 05:18:48,600
of passage that separates those 
who dream about distant places 

6097
05:18:48,600 --> 05:18:52,500
from those who have actually 
seen them years later when the 

6098
05:18:52,500 --> 05:18:54,200
pain is gone. 
And the prophets are spent. 

6099
05:18:54,200 --> 05:18:56,700
All that remains, is the 
knowledge that you succeeded in.

6100
05:18:56,700 --> 05:19:00,100
One of the hardest Endeavors of 
your time, you crossed vast 

6101
05:19:00,100 --> 05:19:03,200
Ocean's in a wooden ship 
survived storms, that could have

6102
05:19:03,200 --> 05:19:07,000
killed you traded with foreign 
people in distant lands and 

6103
05:19:07,000 --> 05:19:11,000
returned home to tell the tale. 
In a time when the majority of 

6104
05:19:11,000 --> 05:19:13,400
people rarely Venture more than 
a few miles from their 

6105
05:19:13,400 --> 05:19:17,000
birthplace, this accomplishment 
alone distinguishes you as a 

6106
05:19:17,008 --> 05:19:20,500
unique individual, someone who 
chose the extraordinary over the

6107
05:19:20,500 --> 05:19:22,400
ordinary and persevere to share 
the story. 

6108
05:19:27,200 --> 05:19:30,000
You get up early in your modest 
room of the olive oil business, 

6109
05:19:30,000 --> 05:19:33,500
not because you want to, but 
because your neighbor's donkey 

6110
05:19:33,500 --> 05:19:35,900
has decided that four in the 
morning, is the best time to 

6111
05:19:35,900 --> 05:19:39,400
practice his vocal scales, 
Alexandria sleeps, under a 

6112
05:19:39,400 --> 05:19:41,300
blanket of stars that come 
through the thin wooden 

6113
05:19:41,300 --> 05:19:43,300
shutters. 
But, you know, better than most 

6114
05:19:43,300 --> 05:19:44,900
that a good Merchant gets the 
worm. 

6115
05:19:44,900 --> 05:19:48,500
Or in your case the tastiest 
fish before anyone else, 

6116
05:19:48,500 --> 05:19:51,900
discovers their hungry, You 
stretch out like a cat that has 

6117
05:19:51,900 --> 05:19:54,500
been sleeping on bags of grain 
in stead of soft pillows. 

6118
05:19:54,500 --> 05:19:58,100
Your bare feet, touch the chili 
clay tiles, the smell of 

6119
05:19:58,100 --> 05:20:00,800
yesterday's bread, which was 
smells better in memory than it 

6120
05:20:00,800 --> 05:20:03,900
did when it was fresh is mixed 
with the smell of salt from the 

6121
05:20:03,900 --> 05:20:07,100
harbor and spices from a dozen 
of other locations. 

6122
05:20:07,100 --> 05:20:10,200
You've come to love these quiet 
hours before the city knows how 

6123
05:20:10,200 --> 05:20:13,900
to make noise. 
The bronze mirror shows a face 

6124
05:20:13,900 --> 05:20:18,300
that has been through 43 years 
of Mediterranean Sun wind, and 

6125
05:20:18,300 --> 05:20:21,500
the occasional fight with people
who think that negotiating means

6126
05:20:21,500 --> 05:20:24,500
starting at half, you're asking 
price and working your way down 

6127
05:20:24,500 --> 05:20:27,400
to Ridiculousness. 
Your hair used to be as black as

6128
05:20:27,400 --> 05:20:29,900
Egyptian eyeliner, but now it 
has enough. 

6129
05:20:29,900 --> 05:20:33,100
Silver strands to remind you 
that time is always moving, even

6130
05:20:33,100 --> 05:20:35,700
if you don't see it, but your 
hands stay stable. 

6131
05:20:35,700 --> 05:20:38,700
Your eyes are sharp enough to 
spot a false coin from a cross. 

6132
05:20:38,700 --> 05:20:41,700
The Market Square. 
And your smile is genuine enough

6133
05:20:41,700 --> 05:20:44,900
to greet even the grumpiest 
customer The coolness of the 

6134
05:20:44,900 --> 05:20:48,200
water when you on your face from
the ceramic base and wakes you 

6135
05:20:48,200 --> 05:20:51,800
up every day, the city changes 
from a peaceful sleeping giant 

6136
05:20:51,800 --> 05:20:55,300
to a busy place where people 
talk and do things a priest in 

6137
05:20:55,308 --> 05:20:58,000
the temple calls The Devout to 
morning prayers from a distance,

6138
05:20:58,000 --> 05:21:01,400
his voice drifts over the roof 
tops like incense on a light 

6139
05:21:01,408 --> 05:21:04,100
wind. 
Your tunic which is made of 

6140
05:21:04,100 --> 05:21:07,500
high-quality Egyptian in slips, 
over your shoulders, like 

6141
05:21:07,500 --> 05:21:10,800
something you wear every day. 
It's more useful than beautiful.

6142
05:21:10,800 --> 05:21:13,500
The leather belt, which has been
worn smooth. 

6143
05:21:13,500 --> 05:21:16,800
Over the years Falls around your
waist with the satisfying weight

6144
05:21:16,800 --> 05:21:19,200
of your coin purse. 
It's not heavy enough to make 

6145
05:21:19,200 --> 05:21:21,700
you worry about thieves, but 
it's heavy enough to make 

6146
05:21:21,700 --> 05:21:24,800
dealing to day worth your time. 
The leather straps, go back to 

6147
05:21:24,800 --> 05:21:26,400
where they belong. 
As soon as you put on your 

6148
05:21:26,400 --> 05:21:29,800
sandals like old friends, the 
wooden stepped grown their 

6149
05:21:29,800 --> 05:21:31,800
morning song as you go down to 
the shop below. 

6150
05:21:31,800 --> 05:21:35,300
You keep your real Treasures 
here, small jars of the greatest

6151
05:21:35,300 --> 05:21:38,900
oils flavored with herbs, that 
most Alexandria have never heard

6152
05:21:38,900 --> 05:21:43,000
of much less tasted their next 
to enormous clay and free full 

6153
05:21:43,000 --> 05:21:47,100
of olive oil from Sicily and 
Cyprus Anatolian Rosemary Greek 

6154
05:21:47,100 --> 05:21:50,900
island time and your secret 
weapon A special mix of herbs 

6155
05:21:50,900 --> 05:21:53,000
and spices that makes ordinary 
oil taste. 

6156
05:21:53,000 --> 05:21:54,600
So good. 
That even the most sophisticated

6157
05:21:54,600 --> 05:21:56,700
Roman matron would ask for the 
formula. 

6158
05:21:56,700 --> 05:22:00,600
You carefully wrap each of these
expensive containers and 

6159
05:22:00,600 --> 05:22:03,300
delicate fabric before putting 
them in a strong leather bag. 

6160
05:22:03,300 --> 05:22:06,000
To avoid the Calamity of broken 
pottery and squandered oil. 

6161
05:22:06,000 --> 05:22:08,700
You will walk like a drunk 
sailor before noon. 

6162
05:22:08,700 --> 05:22:10,500
If you carry too much weight on 
one side. 

6163
05:22:10,500 --> 05:22:13,600
It's too light and you don't 
have enough stuff to make money.

6164
05:22:13,600 --> 05:22:16,900
It's a fine line, like most 
things in the merchants life. 

6165
05:22:16,900 --> 05:22:20,100
If you push the street door 
gently, it will open and welcome

6166
05:22:20,100 --> 05:22:22,400
you into Alexandria's world 
before Daybreak. 

6167
05:22:22,400 --> 05:22:24,800
The stone streets are still 
called from the night. 

6168
05:22:24,800 --> 05:22:26,700
Are you can feel how solid they 
are. 

6169
05:22:26,708 --> 05:22:30,500
Other early risers are out and 
about in the dark Baker's 

6170
05:22:30,500 --> 05:22:32,100
heading to their ovens 
fishermen. 

6171
05:22:32,100 --> 05:22:34,500
Coming back from nocturnal, 
fishing trips with silver 

6172
05:22:34,500 --> 05:22:37,600
catches that gleam in the 
Moonlight and the odd City guard

6173
05:22:37,600 --> 05:22:40,400
trying to look alert, but 
clearly wanting to go back to 

6174
05:22:40,400 --> 05:22:43,200
sleep. 
As you walk near the harbor, the

6175
05:22:43,200 --> 05:22:45,300
fishing boats will soon. 
Come back with the day's, catch 

6176
05:22:45,300 --> 05:22:48,300
the sound of your breathing and 
the rhythm of your foot fall on 

6177
05:22:48,300 --> 05:22:51,100
the stone provide, a mild 
percussion, and you start to 

6178
05:22:51,100 --> 05:22:53,900
feel the meditative state that 
comes from completing familiar 

6179
05:22:53,900 --> 05:22:57,100
tasks in peace. 
The Satchel gently Taps your hip

6180
05:22:57,100 --> 05:23:00,000
with each step reminding you 
that you're ready to compete 

6181
05:23:00,000 --> 05:23:02,300
with clients win money from 
purses. 

6182
05:23:02,300 --> 05:23:06,100
And maybe if the gods are 
willing find something amazing 

6183
05:23:06,100 --> 05:23:09,000
and surprising and huge 
Marketplace of human trade just 

6184
05:23:09,000 --> 05:23:11,000
like you have for the last 20 
years. 

6185
05:23:11,000 --> 05:23:14,200
The port comes into view as you 
round the last Corner its 

6186
05:23:14,200 --> 05:23:16,100
Waters. 
Reflect the last stars like 

6187
05:23:16,100 --> 05:23:19,300
diamonds on Black Velvet. 
The sun will soon color. 

6188
05:23:19,300 --> 05:23:22,300
The sky pink and gold. 
The fishing boats will come 

6189
05:23:22,300 --> 05:23:23,700
back. 
Full of the work they did at 

6190
05:23:23,700 --> 05:23:27,200
night, and Alexandria will be 
awake and eager to buy sell 

6191
05:23:27,200 --> 05:23:30,700
trade and argue over everything 
from the price of grain to the 

6192
05:23:30,700 --> 05:23:34,200
quality of foreign. 
But just now the city is owned 

6193
05:23:34,200 --> 05:23:37,200
by dreamers and Merchants who 
know that the best transactions 

6194
05:23:37,200 --> 05:23:39,900
happen when the world is still 
soft around the edges. 

6195
05:23:39,900 --> 05:23:43,400
Like now when There are only a 
few minutes of silence left. 

6196
05:23:44,500 --> 05:23:47,700
The fishing boats appear on the 
horizon, like a fleet of moths 

6197
05:23:47,700 --> 05:23:51,300
drawn to the lighthouse is Blaze
their triangular sails catching 

6198
05:23:51,300 --> 05:23:54,700
the first faint signs of dawn. 
He said up by the Stone Key 

6199
05:23:54,700 --> 05:23:57,300
where Captain America's 
typically docks his ship because

6200
05:23:57,300 --> 05:24:00,000
his crew always brings in the 
biggest catches in Alexandria's 

6201
05:24:00,000 --> 05:24:02,000
Harbor. 
You don't like Marcus though 

6202
05:24:02,000 --> 05:24:04,900
because he tends to believe his 
own stories about the fish that 

6203
05:24:04,900 --> 05:24:07,700
got away. 
You can't help but sway a little

6204
05:24:07,708 --> 05:24:10,000
as you. 
Wait because the smooth waves 

6205
05:24:10,000 --> 05:24:13,200
breaking against the port wall, 
make a Cadence that calms your 

6206
05:24:13,208 --> 05:24:15,400
soul. 
As the other Merchants start to 

6207
05:24:15,400 --> 05:24:18,500
gather, you can hear the sounds 
of water and the distant screams

6208
05:24:18,500 --> 05:24:20,400
of Seagulls starting their own 
daily hunt. 

6209
05:24:20,400 --> 05:24:23,400
Everyone understands their place
in the pecking order because of 

6210
05:24:23,400 --> 05:24:26,500
years of successful deals failed
discussions. 

6211
05:24:26,500 --> 05:24:28,800
And the occasional huge fight 
over fish prices. 

6212
05:24:28,800 --> 05:24:31,600
There is also an Unwritten code 
of conduct for these morning 

6213
05:24:31,600 --> 05:24:34,500
meetings. 
As Marcus is boat Glides toward 

6214
05:24:34,500 --> 05:24:36,400
the pier with the comfort of 
countless mornings. 

6215
05:24:36,400 --> 05:24:40,300
The Silvery flash of fish in the
Nets, is already evident at the 

6216
05:24:40,300 --> 05:24:42,400
front of the boat. 
The captain stands with a grin 

6217
05:24:42,400 --> 05:24:46,400
that splits his weathered face. 
It's either a very good night of

6218
05:24:46,400 --> 05:24:48,700
fishing or a really creative way
to explain. 

6219
05:24:48,700 --> 05:24:50,200
Why the fish are smaller than 
usual. 

6220
05:24:50,200 --> 05:24:54,000
It's not always easy to discern.
The difference with Markus, the 

6221
05:24:54,000 --> 05:24:57,400
boat gently bumps against the 
pier, as you sail forward with 

6222
05:24:57,400 --> 05:24:59,600
the confidence, of someone who 
has been playing this game. 

6223
05:24:59,600 --> 05:25:02,800
Since Marcus was just a young 
fisherman with more, enthusiasm 

6224
05:25:02,800 --> 05:25:06,700
than Talent, as the crew begins 
to unload their haul, your 

6225
05:25:06,700 --> 05:25:09,000
experience die. 
Quickly makes a list of the 

6226
05:25:09,000 --> 05:25:11,600
options. 
Sea bass with bright. 

6227
05:25:11,600 --> 05:25:16,000
Clear eyes, red mullet that 
sparkle like rubies and a number

6228
05:25:16,008 --> 05:25:18,600
of fish species whose names. 
You haven't bothered to learn. 

6229
05:25:18,600 --> 05:25:22,500
But who's quality, you can tell 
with a single look, you easily. 

6230
05:25:22,500 --> 05:25:24,700
Pull the cork out of a tiny 
ceramic container. 

6231
05:25:24,700 --> 05:25:27,700
You take out of your bag, the 
smell of your special, Urban 

6232
05:25:27,700 --> 05:25:30,800
fused olive oil. 
Hints at what could be making 

6233
05:25:30,800 --> 05:25:33,800
the simple Act of picking out, 
fish a sign of the supper to 

6234
05:25:33,800 --> 05:25:36,500
come the smell that escapes, 
makes a lot of adjacent 

6235
05:25:36,500 --> 05:25:38,800
Merchants. 
Look up markers, raises an 

6236
05:25:38,800 --> 05:25:40,300
eyebrows. 
He sees the well known ritual. 

6237
05:25:41,100 --> 05:25:44,000
You gesture to a really nice sea
bass with two fingers and don't 

6238
05:25:44,000 --> 05:25:47,200
say anything. 
Marcus nods and begins to wrap 

6239
05:25:47,200 --> 05:25:50,400
the fish in wide seaweed leaves,
which is the old-fashioned way 

6240
05:25:50,400 --> 05:25:53,000
to package things. 
He likely sprays, the fish with 

6241
05:25:53,000 --> 05:25:54,800
the oil and then puts it back in
its container. 

6242
05:25:54,800 --> 05:25:57,400
When you give it to him, this is
a cooperation between 

6243
05:25:57,400 --> 05:26:00,100
Specialists to recognize that 
the best deals are good for 

6244
05:26:00,100 --> 05:26:04,100
everyone, not just one person. 
Years of practice of made it 

6245
05:26:04,100 --> 05:26:07,300
easy to trade coins, you both 
keep the Goodwill that will make

6246
05:26:07,300 --> 05:26:10,400
future business successful and 
fun, and Marcus gets paid 

6247
05:26:10,400 --> 05:26:13,700
properly for good fish. 
You get a product that will sell

6248
05:26:13,700 --> 05:26:15,800
for high prices to Quality 
conscious customers. 

6249
05:26:15,800 --> 05:26:18,900
No, thanks talks. 
No big gestures and no, trying 

6250
05:26:18,900 --> 05:26:20,800
to convince each other. 
That prices should go down 

6251
05:26:20,800 --> 05:26:23,600
because times are tough. 
It's just commerce between 

6252
05:26:23,600 --> 05:26:25,300
people who respect each other's 
knowledge. 

6253
05:26:26,000 --> 05:26:28,900
A young Egyptian quarter 
Merchant looks with interest as 

6254
05:26:28,900 --> 05:26:31,500
you weigh the wrapped, fish 
against the oil canisters in 

6255
05:26:31,500 --> 05:26:33,800
your backpack, his sandals are 
too fresh. 

6256
05:26:33,800 --> 05:26:37,100
His tunic is too clean. 
And his face is too eager. 

6257
05:26:37,100 --> 05:26:39,800
These are all signals that he 
hasn't yet, figured out that 

6258
05:26:39,800 --> 05:26:42,800
successful dealing is about 
building trust over time rather 

6259
05:26:42,800 --> 05:26:45,800
than making big deals. 
You look him in the eye and 

6260
05:26:45,808 --> 05:26:47,400
offer him a tiny knot of 
acknowledgment. 

6261
05:26:47,400 --> 05:26:50,400
You remember your own early 
days, when every deal felt like 

6262
05:26:50,400 --> 05:26:53,100
a test you may fail. 
You know that everyone has to 

6263
05:26:53,100 --> 05:26:55,800
start someplace. 
It's not the right time or place

6264
05:26:55,800 --> 05:26:58,300
for long chats but the young 
man's hopeful look. 

6265
05:26:58,300 --> 05:27:00,600
Makes it seem like he's hoping 
you'll share some advice. 

6266
05:27:00,600 --> 05:27:04,300
No matter how curious or 
well-meaning someone is the 

6267
05:27:04,300 --> 05:27:05,800
morning Market. 
Never waits for them. 

6268
05:27:05,800 --> 05:27:09,600
Fish will go rock and eventually
the hardest starts to fill up 

6269
05:27:09,600 --> 05:27:12,200
with activity as more boats, 
come back and more, Merchants 

6270
05:27:12,200 --> 05:27:15,500
set up, shop along the key. 
You reached your main goal, but 

6271
05:27:15,500 --> 05:27:18,400
the Serene morning on Beyonce is
slowly replaced by the ordered 

6272
05:27:18,400 --> 05:27:20,800
bustle of business. 
The fish in your, Satchel 

6273
05:27:20,800 --> 05:27:24,300
represents the key to your 
success today, new better 

6274
05:27:24,300 --> 05:27:27,100
products that will sustain The 
increased prices, your devoted 

6275
05:27:27,100 --> 05:27:29,800
clients expect to pay for the 
things you propose. 

6276
05:27:30,800 --> 05:27:34,100
You start heading back toward 
the middle of the city where the

6277
05:27:34,100 --> 05:27:36,300
huge Market Square. 
Would soon be full of people 

6278
05:27:36,300 --> 05:27:39,900
shopping merchants and The 
NeverEnding cycle of supply and 

6279
05:27:39,900 --> 05:27:43,000
demand, that made Alexandria, 
one of the most prosperous towns

6280
05:27:43,000 --> 05:27:45,900
in ancient times. 
The sun rising over the water, 

6281
05:27:45,900 --> 05:27:47,700
warms your shoulders and informs
you. 

6282
05:27:47,700 --> 05:27:50,000
That today is a great day to do 
business outside. 

6283
05:27:51,000 --> 05:27:53,500
The cobblestones Beneath Your 
Feet, tell the story of 

6284
05:27:53,500 --> 05:27:57,000
thousands of traders who have 
walked this same way with their 

6285
05:27:57,000 --> 05:27:59,300
products and dreams in quest of 
money. 

6286
05:27:59,300 --> 05:28:02,900
Every morning, you can count on 
the same thing that somewhere in

6287
05:28:02,908 --> 05:28:05,300
the huge Market. 
Someone needs what you have and 

6288
05:28:05,300 --> 05:28:08,200
is willing to pay a fair price 
to take it home some days, you 

6289
05:28:08,208 --> 05:28:10,600
are lucky and get a lot of money
while other days. 

6290
05:28:10,600 --> 05:28:13,900
You barely break even 
Alexandria's, huge Market 

6291
05:28:13,900 --> 05:28:15,800
Square. 
Is like a blank canvas in front 

6292
05:28:15,808 --> 05:28:19,500
of you, waiting for artists to 
paint it with colors music and 

6293
05:28:19,500 --> 05:28:21,700
the Beautiful chaos of people 
trading. 

6294
05:28:21,700 --> 05:28:24,600
You get there, early enough to 
obtain your preferred spot on 

6295
05:28:24,600 --> 05:28:27,100
the Eastern side. 
Where the morning sun will warm 

6296
05:28:27,100 --> 05:28:29,600
your consumers without making 
them squint at your goods. 

6297
05:28:29,600 --> 05:28:32,700
This is better than being in the
Middle where the crowds of 

6298
05:28:32,700 --> 05:28:34,600
biggest and the competition is 
strongest. 

6299
05:28:35,600 --> 05:28:38,200
You stretched your woven Reed 
mat on the Polish Stone. 

6300
05:28:38,200 --> 05:28:40,800
Sidewalk. 
It felt like a cherished blanket

6301
05:28:40,800 --> 05:28:42,500
and had the same weight and 
texture. 

6302
05:28:42,500 --> 05:28:45,700
This matter has been with you to
markets in three different 

6303
05:28:45,700 --> 05:28:48,000
cities. 
Seem countless transactions, 

6304
05:28:48,000 --> 05:28:52,000
soaked up wine and olive oil and
somehow stayed strong after 

6305
05:28:52,000 --> 05:28:56,100
years of being folded, unfolded,
and even used as a seat during 

6306
05:28:56,100 --> 05:28:59,400
long discussion. 
After 20 years of trying and 

6307
05:28:59,400 --> 05:29:02,200
failing, you have learned how to
arrange items in a way that 

6308
05:29:02,200 --> 05:29:05,500
makes them seem their best. 
The fish is the main thing, and 

6309
05:29:05,500 --> 05:29:08,400
it still smells like fresh water
and his seaweed. 

6310
05:29:09,000 --> 05:29:11,700
You put the olive oil containers
around it in a way that shows 

6311
05:29:11,700 --> 05:29:13,000
off a lot without making it 
look. 

6312
05:29:13,000 --> 05:29:16,000
Cluttered they are close enough 
to make a statement but far 

6313
05:29:16,000 --> 05:29:18,600
enough apart so that customers 
don't get hurt when they reach 

6314
05:29:18,600 --> 05:29:21,900
for a closer look. 
You're exceptional herb-infused 

6315
05:29:21,900 --> 05:29:25,400
oils require their own section. 
They should be on a tiny wooden 

6316
05:29:25,400 --> 05:29:28,600
platform that's a little higher 
up and catches the light to show

6317
05:29:28,600 --> 05:29:30,100
off their beautiful golden 
color. 

6318
05:29:30,100 --> 05:29:33,500
These little bottles of magic 
may turn ordinary veggies into a

6319
05:29:33,500 --> 05:29:36,800
meal suitable for a Senators 
table and plain bread into 

6320
05:29:36,800 --> 05:29:41,100
something extraordinary. they're
not just cooking ingredients as 

6321
05:29:41,100 --> 05:29:43,700
the morning sun shines, through 
the colored glass bottles of 

6322
05:29:43,700 --> 05:29:47,200
certain containers, tiny 
rainbows, dance over the mat 

6323
05:29:47,200 --> 05:29:51,000
like Promises of flavor You stop
for a moment to glance at your 

6324
05:29:51,000 --> 05:29:53,300
competitors. 
And the people who live near you

6325
05:29:53,300 --> 05:29:56,800
to your left, an old rural woman
carefully, lays bundles of fresh

6326
05:29:56,800 --> 05:29:59,000
herbs. 
She knows the health things. 

6327
05:29:59,000 --> 05:30:01,400
Look, might be the difference 
between carrying home wilted 

6328
05:30:01,400 --> 05:30:03,800
items by Twilight or selling out
by noon. 

6329
05:30:03,800 --> 05:30:07,400
You notice her and you not in 
admiration as her wrinkled 

6330
05:30:07,400 --> 05:30:10,200
hands, move with the confidence 
that comes from years of skill. 

6331
05:30:11,200 --> 05:30:13,800
To your right. 
A young guy is struggling with a

6332
05:30:13,800 --> 05:30:17,100
remarkable arrangement of copper
pots that are clearly heavier 

6333
05:30:17,100 --> 05:30:19,300
than he imagined. 
They would be when he loaded 

6334
05:30:19,300 --> 05:30:22,300
them onto his car, this morning,
his face shows the particular 

6335
05:30:22,300 --> 05:30:23,900
read that comes from physical 
exertion. 

6336
05:30:23,900 --> 05:30:26,900
And it also shows that he 
starting to think he may have 

6337
05:30:26,900 --> 05:30:29,600
missed judged how much he can 
take with such heavy products. 

6338
05:30:29,600 --> 05:30:32,800
You want to help, but you've 
learned from experience that 

6339
05:30:32,800 --> 05:30:35,900
sometimes people see help as 
criticism instead of Goodwill. 

6340
05:30:38,100 --> 05:30:41,500
The market is full of the first 
customers of the day who are 

6341
05:30:41,500 --> 05:30:43,800
moving slowly. 
And with interest, these early 

6342
05:30:43,800 --> 05:30:45,400
consumers are usually the 
pickiest. 

6343
05:30:45,400 --> 05:30:48,400
They know what quality is and 
are willing to pay a fair price 

6344
05:30:48,400 --> 05:30:50,500
for it. 
They examine swiftly, but 

6345
05:30:50,500 --> 05:30:53,700
carefully at the many options 
moving with the confidence of 

6346
05:30:53,700 --> 05:30:57,400
experienced buyers. 
A well-dressed woman is walking 

6347
05:30:57,400 --> 05:31:00,400
toward your display. 
Her gold, jewelry and linen 

6348
05:31:00,400 --> 05:31:02,800
outfit show that she is used to 
the better things in life. 

6349
05:31:02,800 --> 05:31:06,600
She stops when she sees your 
herb, infused oils picks up one 

6350
05:31:06,600 --> 05:31:08,600
of the containers and Pops, the 
cork to smell it. 

6351
05:31:08,600 --> 05:31:12,700
Her face goes from polite, 
curiosity to genuine or like 

6352
05:31:12,700 --> 05:31:14,900
someone who has just found 
something that blows their mind.

6353
05:31:15,800 --> 05:31:18,100
You stay at a respectful 
distance so she can look at your

6354
05:31:18,100 --> 05:31:19,600
things without feeling 
pressured. 

6355
05:31:19,600 --> 05:31:22,400
This client knows what she 
wants, and has the means to get 

6356
05:31:22,400 --> 05:31:24,700
it. 
Your duty is to be available to 

6357
05:31:24,700 --> 05:31:26,600
answer her questions. 
While respecting her 

6358
05:31:26,600 --> 05:31:29,800
independence, she carefully 
replaces the cork, as someone 

6359
05:31:29,800 --> 05:31:32,800
who has been let down by bad 
Goods in the past would, and 

6360
05:31:32,800 --> 05:31:36,500
then looks at the fish noting 
its firm flesh and Clear Eyes. 

6361
05:31:38,800 --> 05:31:41,900
The morning Market has its own 
Rhythm different from the busy 

6362
05:31:41,900 --> 05:31:44,200
midday Market or the nighttime 
Market. 

6363
05:31:44,200 --> 05:31:45,700
When people are looking for 
deals. 

6364
05:31:45,700 --> 05:31:49,000
People are more polite, when 
they negotiate and conversations

6365
05:31:49,000 --> 05:31:52,200
acquired her, it appears like 
both buyers and sellers are 

6366
05:31:52,200 --> 05:31:54,200
taking their time to make sure 
everyone is happy. 

6367
05:31:54,200 --> 05:31:57,700
The richest people shop at this 
time before the heat gets too 

6368
05:31:57,700 --> 05:32:00,100
hot and the crowd get too big to
shop comfortably. 

6369
05:32:00,800 --> 05:32:04,700
The sound of coins passing hands
is a gratifying metallic whisper

6370
05:32:04,700 --> 05:32:07,400
that marks, the official start 
of your business day. 

6371
05:32:07,400 --> 05:32:10,100
The well-dressed woman has 
picked out the best fish from 

6372
05:32:10,100 --> 05:32:12,700
your display and a jar of your 
special oil. 

6373
05:32:13,500 --> 05:32:16,700
She paid without complaint and 
thanked you sincerely, you might

6374
05:32:16,700 --> 05:32:19,200
feel the same happiness. 
You always do when you give a 

6375
05:32:19,200 --> 05:32:23,000
customer high quality Goods that
they really love as she leaves 

6376
05:32:23,000 --> 05:32:24,700
with her delivery safely 
wrapped. 

6377
05:32:25,300 --> 05:32:27,900
More customers are coming into 
the markets since there are more

6378
05:32:27,900 --> 05:32:31,300
things to choose from and trade 
is getting stronger as the sun 

6379
05:32:31,300 --> 05:32:33,500
rises in the morning. 
It warms the stones under your 

6380
05:32:33,508 --> 05:32:36,900
feet and signals that another 
successful day is coming in the 

6381
05:32:36,900 --> 05:32:40,000
biggest Marketplace of all time.
Your remaining Goods shine 

6382
05:32:40,000 --> 05:32:43,300
brightly on their read map 
waiting to be found by consumers

6383
05:32:43,300 --> 05:32:45,100
who know that some things are 
worth buying. 

6384
05:32:46,100 --> 05:32:47,900
By mid-morning, The Market 
Square. 

6385
05:32:47,900 --> 05:32:51,200
Is full of people trading doing 
business and having friendly 

6386
05:32:51,200 --> 05:32:54,000
arguments over prices that seem 
too good to be true. 

6387
05:32:54,000 --> 05:32:57,200
After years of practice, you've 
discovered a comfortable Pace 

6388
05:32:57,200 --> 05:32:59,800
that keeps you aware enough to 
see potential customers across 

6389
05:32:59,800 --> 05:33:03,100
the square and relaxed enough to
stay away from the Frantic 

6390
05:33:03,100 --> 05:33:06,400
energy that makes Shoppers 
uneasy and more likely to keep 

6391
05:33:06,400 --> 05:33:08,700
going. 
Middle-aged guy in a toga that 

6392
05:33:08,700 --> 05:33:11,300
has seen better days. 
Approaches carefully trying to 

6393
05:33:11,300 --> 05:33:13,100
look more successful than he 
really is? 

6394
05:33:13,100 --> 05:33:16,000
He looks at your things with the
kind of attention that only 

6395
05:33:16,000 --> 05:33:19,200
someone who cares about quality,
but has to make every dollar 

6396
05:33:19,200 --> 05:33:22,600
count can have. you can see 
immediately what kind of person 

6397
05:33:22,600 --> 05:33:26,500
they are not sloppy, but 
careful, they might be a 

6398
05:33:26,500 --> 05:33:28,600
mid-level manager or an Adept 
craftsmen, who knows the 

6399
05:33:28,600 --> 05:33:31,900
difference between cheap and 
affordable He grabs, one of your

6400
05:33:31,900 --> 05:33:35,100
normal, olive oil containers, 
weighs it and looks through the 

6401
05:33:35,108 --> 05:33:37,300
ceramic container to see how 
clear the oil is. 

6402
05:33:37,300 --> 05:33:40,300
You take note of this 
information for subsequent use 

6403
05:33:40,300 --> 05:33:42,600
in the debate because his manner
is knowledgeable enough to 

6404
05:33:42,600 --> 05:33:44,200
suggest that he knows how to 
cook. 

6405
05:33:44,200 --> 05:33:47,800
Good salespeople, don't try to 
make people buy things instead, 

6406
05:33:47,800 --> 05:33:50,400
they help the proper individuals
comprehend, why they should have

6407
05:33:50,400 --> 05:33:53,200
your products in their homes. 
You don't try to sell him 

6408
05:33:53,200 --> 05:33:56,000
anything right away. 
Instead you wait for him to 

6409
05:33:56,000 --> 05:33:59,700
finish his test a Merchant's 
best quality is patience which 

6410
05:33:59,700 --> 05:34:02,000
is more important than making 
big gestures or giving 

6411
05:34:02,000 --> 05:34:04,700
convincing speeches when he 
finally looks up. 

6412
05:34:04,700 --> 05:34:07,400
You smile and tell him that the 
oil originates from olives, 

6413
05:34:07,400 --> 05:34:10,700
grown on the hills of Cyprus, 
where the sea wind gives them a 

6414
05:34:10,700 --> 05:34:12,800
particular flavor that goes well
with anything. 

6415
05:34:12,800 --> 05:34:14,600
From simple bread to 
complicated. 

6416
05:34:14,600 --> 05:34:17,900
Stews. 
He clearly grows more intrigued 

6417
05:34:17,900 --> 05:34:21,300
and asks smart questions about 
how long this oil will last how 

6418
05:34:21,300 --> 05:34:23,800
to store it and what the 
greatest users for it. 

6419
05:34:23,800 --> 05:34:27,700
Are you provide an honest answer
saying that this oil is fine for

6420
05:34:27,700 --> 05:34:30,800
everyday cooking but your Urban 
fused versions are better for 

6421
05:34:31,000 --> 05:34:33,900
Special occasions, or when he 
wants to impress visitors at 

6422
05:34:33,900 --> 05:34:36,600
dinner, it's important to 
provide him options without 

6423
05:34:36,600 --> 05:34:38,900
making him feel bad for thinking
about the cheaper one. 

6424
05:34:38,900 --> 05:34:42,800
You can show the differences by 
giving people small samples of 

6425
05:34:42,800 --> 05:34:46,100
both oils on pieces of bread 
that you set aside just for this

6426
05:34:46,100 --> 05:34:48,300
purpose. 
The man's face shows that he's 

6427
05:34:48,300 --> 05:34:50,200
found something. 
He didn't realize he wanted as 

6428
05:34:50,200 --> 05:34:53,900
he tastes the herb infused oil. 
The fight between want and 

6429
05:34:53,900 --> 05:34:57,200
budget has begun, you've learned
how to let customers decide for 

6430
05:34:57,200 --> 05:35:00,000
themselves, what they need and 
how much it's worth without 

6431
05:35:00,000 --> 05:35:02,700
getting in the way. 
While he thinks about what to 

6432
05:35:02,700 --> 05:35:04,200
do. 
You hear a disturbance at the 

6433
05:35:04,208 --> 05:35:05,400
Copper Pot? 
Sellers stand. 

6434
05:35:05,400 --> 05:35:08,000
It sounds like thunder. 
As it rolls on the stone 

6435
05:35:08,000 --> 05:35:10,200
pavement. 
Like the young guy dropped, one 

6436
05:35:10,200 --> 05:35:13,200
of his heavy pots. 
You can't help but giggle at the

6437
05:35:13,200 --> 05:35:16,100
Young, Merchants embarrassed 
face as he runs after his 

6438
05:35:16,100 --> 05:35:19,200
missing products, other Sellers 
and customers run away to avoid 

6439
05:35:19,200 --> 05:35:22,400
the runaway kitchenware. 
This short break actually, helps

6440
05:35:22,400 --> 05:35:25,700
your buyer, make a decision. 
Sometimes people need to take a 

6441
05:35:25,708 --> 05:35:28,500
break from thinking too much and
simply go with their instincts. 

6442
05:35:28,500 --> 05:35:30,300
He has already reached for his 
coin. 

6443
05:35:30,300 --> 05:35:33,600
Purse and asked how to store the
urban fused oil so that it keeps

6444
05:35:33,600 --> 05:35:35,600
its flavor when he looks back at
your display. 

6445
05:35:35,600 --> 05:35:38,900
Now that the deal is almost 
done, all you have to do is give

6446
05:35:38,900 --> 05:35:41,300
him great customer service. 
So he will come back and tell 

6447
05:35:41,300 --> 05:35:44,100
others about you. 
You carefully wrap his purchase 

6448
05:35:44,100 --> 05:35:47,500
in a clean cloth and then take 
the time to explain how to store

6449
05:35:47,500 --> 05:35:51,000
it and suggest foods that will 
bring out its unique flavor, 

6450
05:35:51,000 --> 05:35:54,400
this extra knowledge, converts a
simple sail into an investment 

6451
05:35:54,400 --> 05:35:57,000
in client pleasure. 
And the only expense is your 

6452
05:35:57,000 --> 05:36:00,300
time customers who are happy 
with your service become, loyal 

6453
05:36:00,300 --> 05:36:03,900
customers and loyal customers 
become brand ambassadors, who 

6454
05:36:03,900 --> 05:36:05,400
tell their friends about your 
booth. 

6455
05:36:06,100 --> 05:36:08,700
You think about the psychology 
of successful selling as he 

6456
05:36:08,708 --> 05:36:11,300
leaves? 
Evidently happy holding his 

6457
05:36:11,300 --> 05:36:13,600
package. 
When a customer comes to your 

6458
05:36:13,608 --> 05:36:16,600
display, they each have their 
own demands budget, and 

6459
05:36:16,600 --> 05:36:19,000
knowledge of the products. 
You don't have to convince 

6460
05:36:19,000 --> 05:36:21,100
everyone to buy your most 
expensive things. 

6461
05:36:21,100 --> 05:36:24,500
Instead, you should help each 
person figure out, which of your

6462
05:36:24,500 --> 05:36:27,500
products will make a small but 
important difference in their 

6463
05:36:27,500 --> 05:36:30,000
lives. 
The morning goes on with a 

6464
05:36:30,000 --> 05:36:33,400
steady stream of browsers and 
customers each of whom helps. 

6465
05:36:33,400 --> 05:36:36,500
You understand people better and
the thin line that separates 

6466
05:36:36,500 --> 05:36:39,600
Commerce from actual service, 
some customers, buy things 

6467
05:36:39,600 --> 05:36:42,200
quickly and easily because they 
know exactly what they want. 

6468
05:36:43,000 --> 05:36:46,800
Some people need time to look 
into things ask questions and 

6469
05:36:46,800 --> 05:36:49,000
slowly build their confidence in
their choices. 

6470
05:36:49,000 --> 05:36:52,600
Some visitors, use your stand as
a stop on a leisurely tour of 

6471
05:36:52,608 --> 05:36:56,200
Alexandria's shops enjoying the 
social side of buying at the 

6472
05:36:56,208 --> 05:37:00,000
market You keep acting with the 
friendly professionalism, that 

6473
05:37:00,000 --> 05:37:02,300
has helped you build a good 
reputation over the years. 

6474
05:37:02,300 --> 05:37:06,000
Always honest about the pros and
cons of your products never 

6475
05:37:06,000 --> 05:37:10,300
pushy and always ready to help. 
In the long run this method 

6476
05:37:10,300 --> 05:37:13,800
builds trust contentment and the
kind of good word of mouth that 

6477
05:37:13,800 --> 05:37:16,700
drives new customers to your mat
week after week. 

6478
05:37:16,700 --> 05:37:19,200
This is better than the big 
sales that come from high 

6479
05:37:19,200 --> 05:37:22,100
pressure tactics. 
The Market Square becomes a 

6480
05:37:22,100 --> 05:37:25,000
sparkling seen as the sun rises 
to its highest point. 

6481
05:37:25,000 --> 05:37:29,100
Heat waves dance, like invisible
spirits of the stone pavement. 

6482
05:37:29,100 --> 05:37:32,800
Now tourists slaves, doing 
errands for their bosses and the

6483
05:37:32,800 --> 05:37:35,500
occasional local who can't wait 
until evening to shop or all in 

6484
05:37:35,500 --> 05:37:37,200
the market. 
Most of the mornings. 

6485
05:37:37,200 --> 05:37:39,300
Refined customers have gone home
to cool off. 

6486
05:37:40,000 --> 05:37:42,600
The neighboring collar, that 
gives a narrow strip of shade is

6487
05:37:42,600 --> 05:37:44,900
one of the numerous 
architectural features that make

6488
05:37:44,900 --> 05:37:48,000
Alexandria's, Marketplace, 
beautiful, and sometimes 

6489
05:37:48,000 --> 05:37:50,500
beneficial. 
You've used it to your advantage

6490
05:37:50,500 --> 05:37:54,000
by repositioning, your display. 
The heat from the stone is still

6491
05:37:54,000 --> 05:37:56,500
powerful enough to make you 
appreciate the wide brimmed 

6492
05:37:56,500 --> 05:37:57,800
hatch. 
You bought from a Craftsman in 

6493
05:37:57,800 --> 05:38:00,800
the Ethiopian quarter last 
summer even though your Reed 

6494
05:38:00,800 --> 05:38:03,200
matters. 
Now in a cooler place during 

6495
05:38:03,200 --> 05:38:06,900
these hot midday hours, Commerce
slows down but it doesn't halt 

6496
05:38:06,900 --> 05:38:09,900
completely as a party of Roman 
visitors, walk through the 

6497
05:38:09,900 --> 05:38:12,200
market. 
Their Fair complexion is already

6498
05:38:12,200 --> 05:38:14,700
becoming pink. 
They seem to have miscalculated,

6499
05:38:14,700 --> 05:38:17,200
the North African sun, no matter
what. 

6500
05:38:17,200 --> 05:38:20,300
The weather is, like they stroll
from stall to vendor the 

6501
05:38:20,300 --> 05:38:23,800
slightly overpowering excitement
of individuals who are Keen to 

6502
05:38:23,800 --> 05:38:26,100
experience everything Alexandra 
has to offer. 

6503
05:38:26,800 --> 05:38:29,700
A Roman woman with an expensive 
stroller. 

6504
05:38:29,700 --> 05:38:33,700
That shows she is used to luxury
stops by your display and looks 

6505
05:38:33,700 --> 05:38:36,900
at it with interest as someone 
who has access to the best items

6506
05:38:36,900 --> 05:38:39,600
from all over the Empire. 
She knows how to spot quality 

6507
05:38:39,600 --> 05:38:42,200
when she sees it. 
She carefully looks over your 

6508
05:38:42,200 --> 05:38:45,200
Urban fused oils. 
She says she's sorry, she 

6509
05:38:45,200 --> 05:38:48,400
doesn't speak the local dialect 
better but her Greek with a 

6510
05:38:48,400 --> 05:38:51,700
Latin accent is easy to 
understand your grammar isn't 

6511
05:38:51,700 --> 05:38:55,500
perfect but you answering your 
own careful Latin, which you've 

6512
05:38:55,500 --> 05:38:58,200
learned over the years of 
working with Roman clientele who

6513
05:38:58,200 --> 05:39:00,900
appreciate the effort, the 
discussion flows smoothly. 

6514
05:39:00,900 --> 05:39:04,100
As you talk about where your 
different oils come from and how

6515
05:39:04,100 --> 05:39:07,000
they can make the Italian meals.
She says, she misses from home 

6516
05:39:07,000 --> 05:39:09,400
taste better. 
Everyone likes the concept of 

6517
05:39:09,400 --> 05:39:11,600
adding unusual flavors to 
familiar items. 

6518
05:39:11,600 --> 05:39:15,500
And she buys several containers 
with the explicit purpose of 

6519
05:39:15,500 --> 05:39:17,900
revisiting her taste memory in a
unique area. 

6520
05:39:19,000 --> 05:39:21,700
You can see that the young 
Copper Pot seller has now fixed 

6521
05:39:21,700 --> 05:39:24,700
up his display and seems to have
learned from his mistake. 

6522
05:39:24,700 --> 05:39:27,400
In the morning, the Romans are 
still looking about the market. 

6523
05:39:27,400 --> 05:39:30,500
He has put himself in a good 
position to catch anything that 

6524
05:39:30,500 --> 05:39:33,500
could try to get away and his 
pots are now arranged in a way 

6525
05:39:33,500 --> 05:39:36,500
that makes them more stable. 
His serious look shows that he 

6526
05:39:36,500 --> 05:39:38,600
is taking his Merchant 
education, seriously. 

6527
05:39:39,800 --> 05:39:42,700
The heat of midday brings both 
chances and problems. 

6528
05:39:42,700 --> 05:39:45,500
Even while fewer people are 
walking about at these hours, 

6529
05:39:45,500 --> 05:39:48,500
the ones who do tend to have 
specific needs that make them 

6530
05:39:48,500 --> 05:39:51,400
less sensitive to pricing and 
more focused on obtaining 

6531
05:39:51,400 --> 05:39:54,300
exactly what they want. 
People who live, there are 

6532
05:39:54,300 --> 05:39:56,800
having cooking emergencies that 
can't wait for cooler weather. 

6533
05:39:57,500 --> 05:40:00,700
Travelers are stocking up before
they continue their trips and 

6534
05:40:00,700 --> 05:40:04,300
Rich families are sending slaves
to get certain items for fancy 

6535
05:40:04,300 --> 05:40:07,700
meals. 
A man who seems agitated and has

6536
05:40:07,700 --> 05:40:10,300
the energy of someone going 
through a family crisis, walks 

6537
05:40:10,300 --> 05:40:13,600
up to your stand is clever. 
Greek wife is making a special 

6538
05:40:13,600 --> 05:40:16,400
dinner for important guests 
today, but she can't find her 

6539
05:40:16,400 --> 05:40:18,700
good olive oil their teenage 
son. 

6540
05:40:18,700 --> 05:40:20,200
Who thinks that anything edible 
is. 

6541
05:40:20,200 --> 05:40:23,700
Fair game for experimenting. 
May have eaten it right now. 

6542
05:40:23,700 --> 05:40:26,600
The man needs oil and quality is
more vital than price. 

6543
05:40:27,300 --> 05:40:30,700
In times, like these experience,
pays off, it only takes a few 

6544
05:40:30,700 --> 05:40:32,700
seconds to figure out what a 
consumer really wants. 

6545
05:40:32,700 --> 05:40:36,200
And it's clear that this man 
needs more than details product,

6546
05:40:36,200 --> 05:40:39,900
descriptions to feel safe. 
You chose one container of urban

6547
05:40:39,900 --> 05:40:42,500
fused oil and one of your best 
regular oils. 

6548
05:40:42,500 --> 05:40:45,200
You say that the two together 
will provide you reliable 

6549
05:40:45,200 --> 05:40:48,400
cooking outcomes and the chance 
to make something special that 

6550
05:40:48,400 --> 05:40:50,000
will impress even the pickiest 
guests. 

6551
05:40:50,900 --> 05:40:53,800
He's obvious relief as he passes
over the money shows that you 

6552
05:40:53,800 --> 05:40:55,700
have correctly identified his 
problem. 

6553
05:40:55,700 --> 05:40:58,400
And priorities, you think his 
wife will be happy with the 

6554
05:40:58,408 --> 05:41:01,600
quality of her ingredients and 
the fact that her husband is 

6555
05:41:01,600 --> 05:41:03,800
taking charge of the situation 
as he rushes off. 

6556
05:41:03,800 --> 05:41:07,500
Holding his packages, like 
lifelines people, often come 

6557
05:41:07,500 --> 05:41:10,300
back to buy more after seeing 
the high quality ingredients can

6558
05:41:10,300 --> 05:41:13,800
make cooking more special. 
The heat keeps rising in the 

6559
05:41:13,800 --> 05:41:16,900
early afternoon making the 
Market Square feel strange. 

6560
05:41:16,900 --> 05:41:20,000
People generally think that once
the Sun starts to drop in the 

6561
05:41:20,000 --> 05:41:23,800
west everything will get serious
again and conversations will get

6562
05:41:23,800 --> 05:41:26,800
more tranquil and motions will 
become more systematic. 

6563
05:41:26,800 --> 05:41:29,800
This is the time for patient 
businesses, that know that not 

6564
05:41:29,800 --> 05:41:31,700
everyone has the same chance to 
make money. 

6565
05:41:32,700 --> 05:41:35,400
During this slow at time. 
You organize the rest of your 

6566
05:41:35,400 --> 05:41:39,100
stock, wrapping up things that 
could be damaged by the Heat and

6567
05:41:39,100 --> 05:41:41,900
putting others in places where 
they can get a little breeze 

6568
05:41:41,900 --> 05:41:44,800
that blows through the square, 
the stone column that Shields, 

6569
05:41:44,800 --> 05:41:47,500
you creates small air, currents 
that make your location a little

6570
05:41:47,508 --> 05:41:50,600
more comfortable than the open 
sections where some Merchants 

6571
05:41:50,600 --> 05:41:53,400
still have to deal with the full
force of the Mediterranean Sun, 

6572
05:41:54,400 --> 05:41:56,400
during the warmest part of the 
Earth Day. 

6573
05:41:56,400 --> 05:42:00,200
A few more people look around 
mostly tourists, who have not 

6574
05:42:00,200 --> 05:42:02,600
learned to respect local 
conventions about resting in the

6575
05:42:02,600 --> 05:42:05,600
afternoon or persons, with 
special needs, who put their 

6576
05:42:05,600 --> 05:42:08,400
requirements ahead of their 
comfort, customers that shot 

6577
05:42:08,400 --> 05:42:10,900
during these hours, are 
sometimes very happy to locate 

6578
05:42:10,900 --> 05:42:13,600
exactly what they need when 
there are many other 

6579
05:42:13,600 --> 05:42:16,700
possibilities, but each sale 
takes a little more patients 

6580
05:42:16,700 --> 05:42:19,700
than in the morning. 
The Market Square comes back to 

6581
05:42:19,700 --> 05:42:23,200
life as the afternoon Sun starts
to set in a beautiful way over 

6582
05:42:23,200 --> 05:42:25,900
the Western Horizon. 
It's like a sleeping giant 

6583
05:42:25,900 --> 05:42:27,400
waking up. 
And remembering what it was 

6584
05:42:27,408 --> 05:42:30,700
meant to do when everything is 
bathed in warm amber light, and 

6585
05:42:30,700 --> 05:42:33,700
the Shadows are soft and 
forgiving the heat that made the

6586
05:42:33,700 --> 05:42:35,800
middle of the day. 
So unbearable, gives way to the 

6587
05:42:35,800 --> 05:42:38,800
magical light that photographers
would later call Golden hour. 

6588
05:42:39,800 --> 05:42:43,900
As the sun moves, your shadowed 
spot becomes less significant. 

6589
05:42:43,900 --> 05:42:47,100
You move your display again to 
take advantage of the better 

6590
05:42:47,100 --> 05:42:49,000
lighting. 
Even though sales have been 

6591
05:42:49,008 --> 05:42:52,500
steady all day, there are still 
a lot of stuff left over and it 

6592
05:42:52,508 --> 05:42:54,900
should be displayed in a way 
that makes the most of the 

6593
05:42:54,900 --> 05:42:58,100
beautiful evening light. 
The urban fuse oils seem to hold

6594
05:42:58,100 --> 05:43:02,100
on to the Warm Glow, creating a 
show that looks like a jewel and

6595
05:43:02,100 --> 05:43:05,000
draws the attention of people 
from all parts of the square. 

6596
05:43:06,500 --> 05:43:09,600
People who shop in the morning 
and at noon, a considerably 

6597
05:43:09,600 --> 05:43:11,700
different from those who shot at
night. 

6598
05:43:11,700 --> 05:43:15,100
These customers walk at a 
leisurely Pace, like people who 

6599
05:43:15,100 --> 05:43:17,700
have finished their daily tasks 
and have time to look around 

6600
05:43:17,700 --> 05:43:21,300
investigate and maybe find 
something new people who work 

6601
05:43:21,300 --> 05:43:23,900
during the day can finally see 
their favorite vendors. 

6602
05:43:23,900 --> 05:43:27,300
Families can walk around the 
market together and servants can

6603
05:43:27,300 --> 05:43:29,400
perform last minute chores 
before going home. 

6604
05:43:30,200 --> 05:43:33,700
A retired scholar walks up to 
your stool with a serious look 

6605
05:43:33,700 --> 05:43:36,200
on his face. 
And a walking stick that softly 

6606
05:43:36,200 --> 05:43:39,300
Taps on the stone pavement, he 
looks over your products very 

6607
05:43:39,300 --> 05:43:41,600
thoroughly and asked questions 
that show. 

6608
05:43:41,600 --> 05:43:43,600
He knows a lot about 
Mediterranean cooking. 

6609
05:43:43,600 --> 05:43:46,700
It's clear that this person 
thinks cooking is both an art 

6610
05:43:46,700 --> 05:43:49,700
and a science and he's looking 
for items that will show off his

6611
05:43:49,700 --> 05:43:52,100
skills. 
You have the kind of deep 

6612
05:43:52,100 --> 05:43:53,700
conversations that make this 
job. 

6613
05:43:53,700 --> 05:43:57,400
So rewarding you wants to know 
where the herbs in your infused 

6614
05:43:57,400 --> 05:44:00,800
oils come from and how different
combinations can perform better 

6615
05:44:00,800 --> 05:44:03,300
with different cooking methods. 
The talk Goss. 

6616
05:44:03,300 --> 05:44:06,500
Everything from Greek techniques
to make veggies taste better to 

6617
05:44:06,500 --> 05:44:09,500
Roman ways to cook fish. 
You also find out that your 

6618
05:44:09,500 --> 05:44:12,300
customer has traveled a lot and 
collected recipes like some 

6619
05:44:12,300 --> 05:44:15,300
people collect coins. 
He finally buys a lot of things 

6620
05:44:15,300 --> 05:44:17,400
including many containers of 
different oils. 

6621
05:44:17,400 --> 05:44:21,100
Each chosen for a specific 
cooking purpose that he happily 

6622
05:44:21,100 --> 05:44:23,900
described. 
He tells you about uses for your

6623
05:44:23,900 --> 05:44:25,300
items that you hadn't thought 
of. 

6624
05:44:25,300 --> 05:44:28,600
And he promises to send other 
serious Cooks, he knows to your 

6625
05:44:28,600 --> 05:44:30,800
Stan. 
And this is worth more than the 

6626
05:44:30,800 --> 05:44:33,400
rapid sale. 
No amount of yelling or flashy 

6627
05:44:33,400 --> 05:44:36,200
sales, pitches can compare to 
the value of loyal, customers 

6628
05:44:36,200 --> 05:44:37,700
telling their friends about your
business. 

6629
05:44:38,600 --> 05:44:41,000
You can tell that the young 
Copper Pot seller had a tough 

6630
05:44:41,000 --> 05:44:43,400
morning. 
But as the day goes on, you can 

6631
05:44:43,400 --> 05:44:47,100
see that he has had a good day 
with the pleasure of someone who

6632
05:44:47,100 --> 05:44:49,100
has effectively. 
Applied important Lessons 

6633
05:44:49,100 --> 05:44:51,600
Learned. 
He has cut down on his display 

6634
05:44:51,600 --> 05:44:54,400
by a lot and is carefully 
wrapping up the rest of his 

6635
05:44:54,400 --> 05:44:56,700
stock. 
It's nice to see new people get 

6636
05:44:56,700 --> 05:44:58,500
settled into the traditional 
dance of business. 

6637
05:44:58,500 --> 05:45:01,600
The marketplace takes on a 
different identity as the day 

6638
05:45:01,600 --> 05:45:03,900
comes to an end. 
People seem to think that the 

6639
05:45:03,900 --> 05:45:06,600
serious business of buying and 
selling is giving way to the 

6640
05:45:06,600 --> 05:45:08,800
social side of Market life as 
talks. 

6641
05:45:08,800 --> 05:45:12,500
Get more casual and transactions
become less tense, regular 

6642
05:45:12,500 --> 05:45:14,800
customers and sellers, talk 
about neighborhood, gossip 

6643
05:45:14,800 --> 05:45:17,000
family news and what they expect
to sell tomorrow. 

6644
05:45:17,000 --> 05:45:20,000
Kids who have been stuck in 
doors because of the Heat come 

6645
05:45:20,000 --> 05:45:23,300
out with their parents and their
voices to the subtle murmur of 

6646
05:45:23,308 --> 05:45:26,200
evening Commerce. 
The well-dressed woman who was 

6647
05:45:26,200 --> 05:45:29,400
your first customer of the day 
comes back with two companions 

6648
05:45:29,400 --> 05:45:31,100
who are clearly from out of 
town. 

6649
05:45:31,100 --> 05:45:33,700
This leads to your last big 
transaction of the day. 

6650
05:45:33,700 --> 05:45:36,600
Something you didn't expect. 
She talks about your 

6651
05:45:36,600 --> 05:45:38,900
herb-infused oils. 
With the eagerness of someone 

6652
05:45:38,900 --> 05:45:42,100
who has already used the oil, 
she bought in the morning and is

6653
05:45:42,100 --> 05:45:44,600
happy with the results. 
You mentally, note your friends 

6654
05:45:44,600 --> 05:45:48,200
choices for later, use when they
buy in bulk as the sun sets 

6655
05:45:48,200 --> 05:45:51,700
painting, the Western sky with 
pink and gold colors, that would

6656
05:45:51,700 --> 05:45:53,400
make even the gods. 
Stop and stare. 

6657
05:45:53,408 --> 05:45:56,600
You begin, the process of 
closing down your stall for the 

6658
05:45:56,600 --> 05:46:00,500
day, your coin purse, which is 
substantially heavier now than 

6659
05:46:00,500 --> 05:46:04,600
it was at Daybreak represents 
both your financial success and 

6660
05:46:04,600 --> 05:46:07,800
the satisfaction that comes from
pairing high quality Goods with 

6661
05:46:07,800 --> 05:46:11,100
happy clients all day long. 
The last of the goods are 

6662
05:46:11,100 --> 05:46:14,200
carefully packaged for 
tomorrow's Market, each box is 

6663
05:46:14,200 --> 05:46:16,800
wrapped and secured so that they
will be in perfect shape for 

6664
05:46:16,800 --> 05:46:20,400
another day of probable sales. 
Your read map, which is been a 

6665
05:46:20,400 --> 05:46:23,500
loyal friend on many Market days
is folded with the respect that 

6666
05:46:23,500 --> 05:46:25,400
comes from a reliable business 
partner. 

6667
05:46:25,400 --> 05:46:28,000
You take apart the wooden 
platform that contained your 

6668
05:46:28,008 --> 05:46:30,100
special oils and store it with 
your other tools. 

6669
05:46:30,900 --> 05:46:33,900
The market square around you 
steadily empties out as other 

6670
05:46:33,900 --> 05:46:35,900
vendors conclude their own 
closing tasks. 

6671
05:46:35,900 --> 05:46:38,800
Some people are packing up empty
containers with happy 

6672
05:46:38,800 --> 05:46:42,800
Expressions, after selling out, 
Others who might not be as lucky

6673
05:46:42,800 --> 05:46:46,600
or experienced emerging their 
leftover goods and getting ready

6674
05:46:46,600 --> 05:46:49,100
for tomorrow's event. 
No matter what happens today, 

6675
05:46:49,100 --> 05:46:52,700
tomorrow brings new chances. 
This shows that the merchants 

6676
05:46:52,700 --> 05:46:54,200
are always hopeful in every 
face. 

6677
05:46:55,000 --> 05:46:57,300
Walking home through 
Alexandria's quiet evening. 

6678
05:46:57,300 --> 05:47:00,500
Streets is a nice break from The
Busy Market Commerce and the 

6679
05:47:00,500 --> 05:47:02,200
more subtle pleasures of daily 
life. 

6680
05:47:02,200 --> 05:47:05,800
Your leather bag, which now, 
houses currency and products 

6681
05:47:05,800 --> 05:47:07,900
pleasantly brushes against your 
hip. 

6682
05:47:07,900 --> 05:47:10,700
With each stride, reminding you 
of what you've done that day. 

6683
05:47:11,400 --> 05:47:13,800
The cobblestones under your 
sandals, feel nice and familiar.

6684
05:47:13,800 --> 05:47:17,200
They are still warm from the 
days heat but not too hot. 

6685
05:47:18,000 --> 05:47:20,400
As people in the city like their
oil lamps and the smell of 

6686
05:47:20,400 --> 05:47:23,500
dinner cooking wafted Through 
the Windows and Doors, the city,

6687
05:47:23,500 --> 05:47:25,400
relaxes in to its nightly 
Rhythm. 

6688
05:47:25,400 --> 05:47:28,400
You smile at the prospect that 
the money you made this morning.

6689
05:47:28,400 --> 05:47:30,100
Might go toward the family 
dinner tonight. 

6690
05:47:31,000 --> 05:47:33,100
Someone nearby is cooking fish 
with herbs. 

6691
05:47:33,100 --> 05:47:34,900
That smell a lot. 
Like the ones you use in your 

6692
05:47:34,900 --> 05:47:37,400
own personal blend. 
If it feels great to know that 

6693
05:47:37,400 --> 05:47:39,600
your work helps people get 
together over good food and 

6694
05:47:39,600 --> 05:47:42,000
meals. 
You buy a loaf of bread from the

6695
05:47:42,008 --> 05:47:44,700
bakery, where you've been a 
regular customer for 15 years. 

6696
05:47:44,700 --> 05:47:47,100
The bread is still warm from the
ovens. 

6697
05:47:47,100 --> 05:47:51,200
The heavy set, man, who works as
a baker and constantly has flour

6698
05:47:51,200 --> 05:47:54,600
on his apron, asks, about your 
day with the genuine interest of

6699
05:47:54,600 --> 05:47:58,600
a small company owner, inquiring
about another and not have 

6700
05:47:58,600 --> 05:48:00,600
approval and a loaf of bread 
that is a little bigger than 

6701
05:48:00,600 --> 05:48:02,500
what you paid for. 
Are the fruits of your short 

6702
05:48:02,500 --> 05:48:04,800
report of steady sales and happy
customers. 

6703
05:48:04,800 --> 05:48:08,000
This is the kind of small 
gesture of kindness, that makes 

6704
05:48:08,000 --> 05:48:11,300
a local business, feel like a 
community in stead of just a 

6705
05:48:11,300 --> 05:48:14,000
transaction. 
The Narrow Street that connects 

6706
05:48:14,000 --> 05:48:16,600
to your home and store feels 
like a safe place after the 

6707
05:48:16,600 --> 05:48:19,700
Market Square is so bustling. 
The voice is a softer. 

6708
05:48:19,700 --> 05:48:23,000
The tempo is slower and the 
problems are more personal than 

6709
05:48:23,000 --> 05:48:27,400
business-related kids play games
in small Courtyards and their 

6710
05:48:27,400 --> 05:48:29,300
laughter Echoes off the old 
stone walls. 

6711
05:48:29,300 --> 05:48:32,400
That have seen many nights like 
these elderly people sit at 

6712
05:48:32,400 --> 05:48:35,200
doorways and watch the world go 
by, with the patient attention 

6713
05:48:35,200 --> 05:48:37,900
of individuals who have learned 
to enjoy the drama of Every Day,

6714
05:48:37,900 --> 05:48:40,100
Life. 
As you walk in to your shop, 

6715
05:48:40,100 --> 05:48:43,100
which has been locked since 
Daybreak, The Familiar smell of 

6716
05:48:43,108 --> 05:48:46,200
olive oil and the faint floral 
notes, that fill the whole 

6717
05:48:46,200 --> 05:48:49,000
building Greek. 
You the huge storage and foreign

6718
05:48:49,000 --> 05:48:51,900
which stand, like motionless 
guards in the darkening Sky. 

6719
05:48:51,900 --> 05:48:54,900
Hold both the wealth of the 
present and the promise of the 

6720
05:48:54,900 --> 05:48:57,700
future tomorrow, you'll need to 
restart some items. 

6721
05:48:57,700 --> 05:49:00,500
Maybe test out a new herb 
combination that came to you 

6722
05:49:00,500 --> 05:49:02,900
while you were talking to 
clients today and definitely 

6723
05:49:02,900 --> 05:49:05,900
organized the best possible mix 
of products for another day in 

6724
05:49:05,900 --> 05:49:09,700
the market. 
The stairs to your living space 

6725
05:49:09,700 --> 05:49:12,300
Creek, their nightly greetings, 
as you climb to the chamber, 

6726
05:49:12,300 --> 05:49:14,700
that serves as both a bedroom 
and a quiet escape from the 

6727
05:49:14,708 --> 05:49:17,300
business World below. 
You may finally relax here 

6728
05:49:17,300 --> 05:49:20,600
surrounded by things that tell 
the story of your 20 years as a 

6729
05:49:20,600 --> 05:49:22,800
merchant. 
The bronze mirror shows a face 

6730
05:49:22,800 --> 05:49:25,900
that is pleasantly tired from 
both mental and physical effort,

6731
05:49:25,900 --> 05:49:28,200
which is different from just 
being tired. 

6732
05:49:29,000 --> 05:49:31,200
You count the money, you 
generate every day because you 

6733
05:49:31,200 --> 05:49:34,200
need to keep an eye on your 
business's health and prepare 

6734
05:49:34,200 --> 05:49:36,300
for future purchases and 
Investments. 

6735
05:49:36,300 --> 05:49:39,300
Not because you want to the 
coins are more than just money, 

6736
05:49:39,300 --> 05:49:41,700
they show that you have good 
relationships with your 

6737
05:49:41,700 --> 05:49:44,900
customers, that your pricing and
quality judgement are still good

6738
05:49:44,900 --> 05:49:47,600
and that you'll have enough 
resources for New Opportunities.

6739
05:49:47,600 --> 05:49:51,400
When the Market opens tomorrow, 
you make the evening meal with 

6740
05:49:51,400 --> 05:49:54,000
food, you bought on your way 
home and it becomes a private 

6741
05:49:54,008 --> 05:49:57,400
celebration of the day's work. 
A simple but full dinner made 

6742
05:49:57,400 --> 05:50:00,300
with bread from your local 
bakery cheese, from the seller 

6743
05:50:00,300 --> 05:50:02,400
to blocks away and a little bit 
of your own. 

6744
05:50:02,400 --> 05:50:05,100
Best olive oil connects you to 
the business and community that 

6745
05:50:05,100 --> 05:50:08,400
makes Alexandria such a terrific
place to live and work. 

6746
05:50:10,600 --> 05:50:15,200
As night sets and the sounds of 
the evening distant chatter, the

6747
05:50:15,200 --> 05:50:18,200
clip-clop of late Travelers 
donkeys, and the closing of 

6748
05:50:18,200 --> 05:50:21,100
shutters and doors. 
Create the sweet Lullaby of 

6749
05:50:21,100 --> 05:50:23,500
urban life. 
Winding down, you think about 

6750
05:50:23,500 --> 05:50:27,600
the routines and joys of the 
merchants existence each day 

6751
05:50:27,600 --> 05:50:30,600
brings new challenges and 
rewards the new group of people 

6752
05:50:30,600 --> 05:50:33,600
with different needs and 
personalities and opportunities,

6753
05:50:33,600 --> 05:50:36,500
to match products with clients 
who will really utilize them. 

6754
05:50:37,400 --> 05:50:40,400
As you get ready for bed, the 
lamp flame, flickers, softly 

6755
05:50:40,400 --> 05:50:43,400
making Shadows danced, on the 
walls that have kept. 

6756
05:50:43,400 --> 05:50:46,800
You safe during good times and 
bad when Alexandria was doing 

6757
05:50:46,800 --> 05:50:48,900
well. 
And when politics May trade 

6758
05:50:48,900 --> 05:50:51,800
harder, the basic appeal of 
being a merchant has never 

6759
05:50:51,800 --> 05:50:55,600
changed the satisfaction of 
delivering high-quality Goods to

6760
05:50:55,600 --> 05:50:58,100
happy customers. 
The intellectual challenge of 

6761
05:50:58,100 --> 05:51:01,400
understanding markets and people
equally well and the knowledge 

6762
05:51:01,400 --> 05:51:04,400
that your work is helping the 
great human effort to provide 

6763
05:51:04,400 --> 05:51:06,800
food shelter and care for one 
another. 

6764
05:51:07,600 --> 05:51:10,100
Tomorrow will bring a fresh 
opportunity to do business 

6765
05:51:10,100 --> 05:51:12,600
ethically, and one of the 
biggest markets on the globe, 

6766
05:51:12,600 --> 05:51:16,000
you'll meet new clientele with 
different needs and tastes, and 

6767
05:51:16,000 --> 05:51:17,900
you'll have new chance to do 
business ethically. 

6768
05:51:17,900 --> 05:51:20,900
You can rest easy tonight 
knowing that you did a good job 

6769
05:51:20,900 --> 05:51:24,200
kept your relationship strong 
and had another successful day 

6770
05:51:24,200 --> 05:51:27,100
in the endlessly, interesting, 
Business of Being Human where 

6771
05:51:27,100 --> 05:51:30,200
everyone needs something. 
And the wise Merchants Joy is in

6772
05:51:30,200 --> 05:51:33,300
helping find it. 
The donkey next door. 

6773
05:51:33,300 --> 05:51:35,700
Seems happy with how he sang 
this morning and goes to sleep 

6774
05:51:35,700 --> 05:51:38,100
peacefully while Alexandria 
sleeps. 

6775
05:51:38,100 --> 05:51:39,500
The merchants of tomorrow 
already. 

6776
05:51:39,500 --> 05:51:40,500
Dreaming of mourning.