Stuff You Should Know The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles
Apr 12, 2022
Discover the bizarre world of Toynbee Tiles hidden in the streets of Philadelphia. These cryptic messages spark theories ranging from artistic expression to darker themes like resurrection. Delve into the elusive identity of their creator and the investigative journeys undertaken to uncover their origins. The discussion intertwines fascinating documentaries and personal stories, exploring the psychological motivations behind these urban enigmas. Join a journey filled with mystery, curiosity, and the intersections of art and storytelling.
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Toynbee Tiles Explained
- Toynbee Tiles are license-plate-sized messages embedded in asphalt, primarily in Philadelphia but also across the Northeast and even South America.
- The tiles contain bizarre messages, including references to Arnold Toynbee, Stanley Kubrick's 2001, resurrecting the dead, and planet Jupiter.
Toynbee's Ideas
- Arnold J. Toynbee was a popular historian who studied the rise and fall of civilizations.
- His theories involved creative problem-solving and the influence of religion, particularly Christianity.
Early Publicity Attempts
- Before the tiles, the tile maker placed posters with similar messages and called into radio shows.
- Playwright David Mamet's 1983 play 4AM features a caller echoing the tile maker's ideas, likely inspired by a call the tile maker made to Larry King's radio show in 1980.