Mental Floss: Instant Knowledge (14 page)

(according to Einstein)

USEFUL FOR:
cocktail parties, fashion shows, and justifying your dressed-down appearance anywhere

KEYWORDS:
the invitation did say black tie

THE FACT:
Albert Einstein wasn’t exactly the snazziest dresser of them all. But who knew he hated getting gussied up so much?

Sure, you know all about Uncle Albert’s famous equations, his knack for the violin, his love of sailing, or maybe even that he was offered the presidency of the newly created Israel in 1948. But did you know that he was a notoriously bad dresser? That’s right, unkempt hair and all, Albert Einstein was a poster boy for unruly appearances. In fact, he was so underdressed on one occasion (a reception with the emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire no less) that he was mistaken for an electrician because of his work shirt. Not surprisingly, Albert also disliked extravagance, claiming that luxuries were wasted on him. Despite his intellectual celebrity status, the Nobel Prize winner refused to travel in anything but third class.

USEFUL FOR:
Mummers parades, Shriners conventions, and whenever you spot a bizarre handshake

KEYWORDS:
The Craft, the Grand Geometrician, or Colonel Sanders

THE FACT:
The granddaddy of all not-so-secret secret societies, Freemasonry, or “The Craft,” as its members call it, actually has its roots in medieval stoneworkers’ guilds.

Mason lore, however, extends its origins back to biblical times, linking the society to the building of the Temple of Solomon. One thing’s for sure, though, freemasonry is split into numerous subgroups and orders, and all of them consider God the Grand Geometrician, or Grand Architect of the Universe. At their hearts, these groups are all means of exploring ethical and philosophical issues, and are famous (or infamous) for their rituals and symbols. Take, for instance, the use of secret handshakes and passwords, all collectively known as the modes of recognition. Not surprisingly, the list of famous masons is massive, explaining the many conspiracy theories regarding the Masons’ influence and intentions. Mozart, FDR, George Washington, Mark Twain, Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, John Wayne, Jesse Jackson, and Colonel Sanders were all Masons.

(that are sinfully delicious)

USEFUL FOR:
making small talk at morgues, wakes, and anytime you get a hankering for some evil

KEYWORDS:
sin, confession, or cake

THE FACT:
If you’re looking for a meal that’s sinfully delicious, you might want to head to Wales, where the ancient custom of “sin-eating” still takes place.

According to the practice, foods are waved over a loved one’s body so that they will “absorb” the deceased’s sins. Afterward, mourners chow down on the grub as a way of consuming any mischief done, ensuring that the body’s spirit can pass on to the next world squeaky-clean. On the other end of the spectrum, however, if you’re looking to pick up some new talents (like enough rhythm to dance in public), Bavaria might be your funeral destination of choice. According to ancient custom, unleavened cakes (later to be baked) are placed on a corpse. The sweets are supposed to soak up the loved one’s virtues, and distribute them to anyone feasting on the dessert.

(the most Nobel loser of them all)

USEFUL FOR:
impressing your history teacher or nerdy dates, or consoling anyone who wanted more than just the honor of being nominated

KEYWORDS:
Gandhi, Nobel Peace Prize, screwed

THE FACT:
The Susan Lucci of Nobel Peace Prize contenders, Mohandas “Mahatma” (Great Soul) Gandhi was nominated like crazy: 1937, 1938, 1939, 1947, and 1948, but never actually won!

Most people would agree that Gandhi certainly deserved the Peace Prize. After all, his name is basically synonymous with peace. Even more convincing, though, is the fact that his nonviolent methods helped kick the British out of India and became the model for future Peace laureates like Martin Luther King Jr. Actually, when Gandhi’s final nomination came in 1948, he was the odds-on favorite to win that year. However, the “Mahatma” was assassinated just a few days before the deadline. Since a Nobel Prize is never awarded posthumously, the prize for Peace went unawarded that year on the grounds that there was “no suitable living candidate.” The decision was also motivated by the fact that Gandhi left no heirs or foundations to which his prize money could go.

(and a good reason not to mourn him)

USEFUL FOR:
wakes, or impressing history professors, camel lovers, and Indiana Jones

KEYWORDS:
Genghis Khan, buried treasure, or dromedaries

THE FACT:
On August 18, 1227, Genghis Khan, the most feared leader of the 13th century, was buried along with a simple procession of 2,500 followers and a mounted bodyguard of 400 soldiers. Of course, no one lived to tell about it except a camel.

It’s true. Anyone unfortunate enough to happen upon the procession was immediately put to death by the soldiers. Upon arriving at a remote mountain location in Mongolia, 40 virgins were killed to provide Khan with the needed pleasures in the afterlife. Then, at the end of the funeral ceremony, the soldiers killed all 2,500 members of the procession. When the 400 soldiers returned to Khan’s capital city,
they
were immediately put to death by another group of soldiers so that no one could reveal where Khan’s final resting place was. So did anyone survive the onslaught? Well, yes—a camel. The creature was spared since she could find her way back to the site if Khan’s family wanted to visit.