Stuff You Should Know Selects: Nostradamus: Predictor of the future? Not so much.
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Dec 17, 2022 Delve into the myths surrounding Nostradamus and discover why he may not be the prophetic genius we once believed. The podcast humorously dissects his vague predictions and the mistranslations that have twisted meanings over time. Explore his tragic life shaped by personal loss during the plague and his medical innovations. As listeners navigate the cultural fascination with his work, the discussion reveals how easily misinformation can spread, especially regarding retroactive interpretations of his prophecies in relation to major events.
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The Centuries
- Nostradamus wrote quatrains, four-line verses, compiled in a book called "The Centuries."
- "The Centuries" was not organized chronologically and was initially titled "The Prophecies."
Prophecy Method
- Nostradamus supposedly used nutmeg, a hallucinogen, to help see the future.
- He claimed his prophecies, received from an angelic figure, were intentionally vague to avoid persecution.
Hitler Prediction
- Nostradamus's "Hister" prediction is often linked to Hitler, but skeptics note "Hister" refers to the Danube River.
- Nazis used this prediction to scare France, demonstrating the subjective interpretation of Nostradamus's work.