By ROSHAN THIRAN
Many people agree that reading is important. Yet, few people really read to learn. For me, every book I read, has some form of lesson to be learnt. I think the most interesting reason of why we need to learn from what we read is the true story below. As I read this story below, I started thinking “if only”. If only the builders and folks at the Titanic had read this novel written by Morgan Robertson in 1898 called “the Wreck of the Titan”.
This book was written about the sinking of the Titanic, 14 years before it actually sank. The novel written features the ocean liner Titan, which sinks in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg. The Titan and its sinking have been noted to be very similar to the real-life passenger ship RMS Titanic.
This might interest you: Why Reading Novels Is Good For Your Brain
Some bizarre coincidences between the fact and the fiction:
- Titanic was described in the newspapers as “designed to be unsinkable”, whereas the Titan was deemed “practically unsinkable” in the book.
- There were 16 lifeboats on the Titanic, less than half the number required for her passenger and crew capacity of 3,000. Whereas on the Titan there were 24 lifeboats, less than half needed for her 3,000 capacity.
- The Titanic struck an iceberg on the starboard side on the night of April 14, 1912, in the North Atlantic, 400 nautical miles (740 km; 460 mi) away from Newfoundland. The Titan also struck an iceberg on the starboard side on an April night in the North Atlantic, 400 nautical miles (740 km; 460 mi) from Newfoundland (Terranova).
- The unsinkable Titanic sank, and more than half of her 2,200 passengers and crew died. The indestructible Titan also sank, more than half of her 2,500 passengers drowning.
An amazing fact that once again reiterates to each of us to read more and more importantly, learn from what we read. Have a great day reading today!
Source: Futility, or the Wreck of the Titan
If you haven’t heard about the Titanic, watch this video below:
Roshan Thiran tries to read as much as he can and always keeps a pen and notebook around so that he can jot lessons to be learnt from whatever he is reading. Click here for more articles like this.
Roshan is the founder and CEO of the Leaderonomics Group. He believes that everyone can be a leader and make a dent in the universe, in their own special ways. Connect with Roshan on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter for more insights into business, personal development and leadership. You can also email him at roshan.thiran@leaderonomics.com.
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