But this morning we visited the Darwin's Big Idea exhibition at the Natural History Museum, which was fantastic (as was the behind the scenes tour of Darwin's fishes from Karen James: thanks!). And to see with one's own eyes the "I think" image from Darwin's notebook was amazing.
But remember my alter ego, grumpy old Victor Meldrew. Well, I got nearly to the end of the exhibition, before I experienced the "I don't believe it" moment!
But remember my alter ego, grumpy old Victor Meldrew. Well, I got nearly to the end of the exhibition, before I experienced the "I don't believe it" moment!
Randal Keynes misquotes his own great-great-grandfather!!! Instead of "There is grandeur in this view of life..." he says "There is a grandeur..."!
How can this be?
Well, I have a slightly silly explanation. Remember how Neil Armstrong fluffed his lines when stepping on to the moon: "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" instead of what he meant to say "one small step for a man". Well the missing "a" must have been cycling on in hyperspace for thirty or more years, before suddenly landing in Randal's mouth. How else could such an eloquent man make such a mistake.
Or alternatively, we could invoke a catch phrase of English comedian Al Murray, and playfully shout "shame on you Randal!"
I don't believe it!!
2 comments:
My wife says I was very mean to point out this mistake when Randal was so kind about my book last week. Randal, if you are reading, please accept all this as a playful tease rather than any earnest criticism. I have already found several typos in my book, despite all the proof-reading!
Heh, love the idea of the missing "a" flying through space and time from Neil Armstrong to Randal.
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