Angelo Mariani, an obscure chemist from Corsica, created a coca leaf-infused wine in 1863 that would soon become a sensation. The beverage, named Vin Mariani, was enjoyed by royalty, including Queen Victoria, and was endorsed by Pope Leo XIII. Even more impressive, Vin Mariani was the inspiration for Coca-Cola, the world-famous soft drink. Today, coca wine lives on in Bolivia, albeit with some modifications, where energy drinks and remedies for altitude sickness are sold. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
