A Star is Born

Summary

Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: "A Star is Born" – Episode Summary

In the episode titled "A Star is Born," hosted by Aaron Mahnke and produced by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild, listeners are treated to a fascinating exploration of two distinct yet equally intriguing topics: the historical role of the Devil's Advocate in the Catholic Church's canonization process and the eccentric life of the Renaissance astronomer Tycho Brahe. This detailed summary delves into the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented throughout the episode.

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The Devil's Advocate: Guardians of Canonization

Introduction to the Devil's Advocate

Aaron Mahnke opens the episode by setting the stage for a deep dive into the origins and significance of the Devil's Advocate within the Catholic Church. He begins by explaining the modern usage of the term "devil's advocate" and traces its roots back to a formal role established in the 16th century.

Historical Context and Establishment

In 1587, amidst the rising tide of Protestantism and the subsequent schisms in countries like England and France, Pope Sixtus V introduced a more rigorous canonization process. Mahnke explains, "To prove a potential saint's holiness beyond a shadow of a doubt, they needed to treat the whole thing like a legal trial" (04:10). This led to the creation of the Devil's Advocate, officially known as the Promotore Fidei or "Promoter of the Faith."

Role and Responsibilities

The Devil's Advocate was tasked with critically examining the evidence for a candidate's sainthood. This included cross-examining witnesses and challenging reported miracles. For instance, if a miracle such as curing a disease was claimed, the Devil's Advocate would investigate alternative explanations like natural recovery or medical intervention (03:45). This rigorous scrutiny ensured that only those truly deserving were canonized.

Purpose and Impact

Mahnke elucidates the strategic intent behind this role: "If the Church was going to argue in favor of a saint, then the opposition needed counsel as well" (04:30). By presenting a balanced and thorough examination, the Church aimed to reinforce its authority and credibility, especially in the face of Protestant challenges. This method made the canonization decisions more robust against external criticism.

Modern Applications and Legacy

The practice of appointing a Devil's Advocate continued for nearly four centuries until Pope John Paul II reformed the process in 1983. However, Mahnke notes that the Church still values critical input, citing the 2003 instance where atheist Christopher Hitchens testified against the canonization of Mother Teresa (05:15). This enduring legacy highlights the effectiveness of incorporating diverse viewpoints to uphold the integrity of sacred recognitions.

Notable Quote

Reflecting on his role in the discussion, Mahnke humorously remarks, “After all, I'm just playing devil's advocate here” (05:31), underscoring the enduring relevance and metaphorical use of the term in contemporary discourse.

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Tycho Brahe: The Eccentric Renaissance Astronomer

Introduction to Tycho Brahe

Transitioning from ecclesiastical scrutiny to the realm of science, Mahnke introduces Tycho Brahe, a prominent figure of the Renaissance era. He paints a vivid picture of a time when public intellectuals like Tycho ruled the headlines without the technological advancements we rely on today.

Early Life and Education

Born into Danish nobility, Tycho Brahe possessed significant wealth, at one point owning 1% of Denmark's total wealth. His academic prowess was evident early on; Mahnke recounts how Tycho, more interested in math than typical youthful pursuits, engaged in intense intellectual debates, even resulting in a duel where Tycho lost the tip of his nose (08:15).

Personal Eccentricities

Tycho's flamboyant personality is a central theme of this segment. After his duel-induced facial injury, he began wearing a golden prosthetic nose, secured with a special adhesive (09:00). His unique appearance was complemented by his unusual companions: a dwarf named Yipe and a pet moose. Mahnke shares an amusing anecdote about a dinner party where Tycho's moose, having developed a taste for Danish beer, tragically fell down stairs, leading to the animal's untimely death (12:45).

Contributions to Astronomy

Despite his eccentricities, Tycho Brahe made significant contributions to astronomy. He was the first to correctly identify a supernova and meticulously observed celestial bodies, challenging the notion of fixed stars. Mahnke highlights Tycho's ability to calculate the size, distance, and speed of stars, demonstrating his genius in an era when astronomy was still in its infancy (10:30).

Later Life and Legacy

Tycho's adventures didn't end with his astronomical pursuits. He owned his own island and even had an affair with a queen. Mahnke speculates on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Tycho's death, suggesting possibilities like mercury poisoning (15:20). This blend of fact and folklore underscores the enigmatic nature of Tycho's legacy.

Notable Quote

Mahnke concludes this segment by reflecting on Tycho's enduring presence in history: “Tycho Brahe's flamboyant personality still calls attention to itself, flickering like a curious supernova from the deep, distant past” (16:50). This metaphor encapsulates the lasting fascination with Tycho's life and work.

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Conclusion

In "A Star is Born," Aaron Mahnke masterfully intertwines the historical intricacies of the Catholic Church's canonization process with the captivating life of Tycho Brahe. Through rich storytelling and insightful analysis, the episode offers listeners a journey through time, exploring how structured skepticism and individual eccentricity have shaped our understanding of holiness and the cosmos. Notable quotes punctuate the narrative, providing depth and engagement, while the clear sectional structure ensures a cohesive and comprehensive summary for both new listeners and seasoned fans alike.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “To prove a potential saint's holiness beyond a shadow of a doubt... they needed to treat the whole thing like a legal trial.” (04:10)
• “If the Church was going to argue in favor of a saint, then the opposition needed counsel as well.” (04:30)
• “After all, I'm just playing devil's advocate here.” (05:31)
• “Tycho Brahe's flamboyant personality still calls attention to itself, flickering like a curious supernova from the deep, distant past.” (16:50)

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For those intrigued by these stories and eager to uncover more bizarre and unsettling tales, "Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities" offers a treasure trove of curious narratives waiting to be explored.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Every day, our world gets a little more connected, but a little further apart. But then there are moments that remind us to be more human.

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[Aaron Manke]

Welcome to Erin Menke's Cabinet of Curiosities, a production of iHeartRadio and Grim and Mild. Our world is full of the unexplainable. And if history is an open book, all of these amazing tales are right there on display, just waiting for us to explore. Welcome to the Cabinet of Curiosities. Imagine having a debate about any topic in the universe, from politics or sports teams to which type of pizza is better, New York or New Haven. And then someone says those frustrating words. Hey, I'm just playing devil's advocate. With that your lighthearted jabs about the best pizza toppings and cheese to tomato sauce ratios, I'll die in your throat. You'll be here all night. And by the time you're done, you won't even be sure if you like pizza anymore. These days, the phrase devil's advocate refers to someone who will take a position they may not necessarily agree with just for the sake of argument. But the favorite phrase of the worst person in your debate club actually used to be a real job. You see, back in the 16th century, the advocates diaboli was the person who literally took the side of the devil or against the saints for over a thousand years. Becoming a saint in the Roman Catholic Church was kind of up to individual bishops. It wasn't until the 1100s that the process of becoming a saint, called canonization, was formalized by the Pope. To become a saint, someone would have to fit very specific parameters. First, the candidate would have to be dead for at least five years. Next, the Church would launch an investigation to ensure that they lived a holy life full of virtue. After that, the Church confirmed that people were drawn to prayer because of the candidate's actions. And finally, the Church needed to prove that the candidate performed two verified miracles, complete with witnesses and evidence. If all those points could be checked off the list, then the candidate could officially become a Saint. Well, in 1587, Pope Sixtus V decided the canonization process needed to be stricter. To prove a potential saint's holiness beyond a shadow of a doubt. They needed to treat the whole thing like a legal trial. They had to argue for and against canonization and present evidence to a jury on a saint's holiness. If the Church was going to argue in favor of a saint, then the opposition needed counsel as well. The devil would need an advocate, also called promotore fidei, which means promoter of the faith. It was the devil advocate's job to question the evidence supporting a saint's case. The devil's advocate would cross examine witnesses and call for expert testimony. They posited logical questions to the court. For example, if it was claimed that a candidate had cured a believer's disease, the devil's advocate would look for other explanations, like if the believer had taken medicine or if their condition had merely passed on its own. If the saint's claim stood up to the questioning, it would be allowed to be added as evidence. The saints in question also needed representation, which came in the form of a God's advocate. The God's advocate would defend their client and try to plead the case, proving their miracles. Now you might be questioning why the Church had a devil's advocate at all. Why wouldn't it just be simpler for the Pope to decide whether someone was a saint and call it a day? If only it were that easy. You see, in 1587, the Catholic Church was in a crisis. Protestantism was on the rise, and whole countries like England and France had broken with the Pope. In just two short decades, the Puritans would leave England to set up their own religious utopia in Massachusetts. The Vatican would no longer depend on its congregants to follow its decisions unquestioningly. Therefore, they wanted to present themselves as an authority who took opposing viewpoints into account by giving the space for the devil's advocate to argue against sainthood, the Church's decision to make someone a saint was that much stronger. If the Catholic Church had questioned the saints miracles but still found them credible, it was much harder for the Protestant faction to poke holes in the Church's integrity. The devil's advocate was part of the canonization process for nearly 400 years, until Pope John Paul II streamlined the process in 1983. However, the church still invites critics to weigh in on candidates for sainthood. In 2003, for example, they had atheist Christopher Hitchens testify against the canonization of Mother Teresa. The process certainly has its uses today, nearly 450 years after it was first introduced. But that's just my opinion. You can take it or leave it. After all, I'm just playing devil's advocate here.

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[Narrator]

FOREIGN.

[Aaron Manke]

DAY we're familiar with hotshot tech moguls, CEOs with backgrounds in STEM, known for having egos and personalities equal in size to their fortunes. But in 16th century Europe, when science itself was new, public intellectuals looked very different. They still had the wealth and they still had the egos. But there was no Internet, no computers, no cars or rocket ships for them to invent. That was all hundreds of years away. No, the thinkers of the Renaissance started with the most fundamental of innovations observing and mapping the stars. It was the astronomers who ruled the headlines in the 1500s, and among them there was one who was more curious than all the others. Tycho Brahe was born into Danish nobility, so from the start he had a fortune. In fact, at one point he owned 1% of all the wealth in Denmark. And he was a genius in college. While other boys fought over girls, he fought over math problems. Tiko and his cousin once got into such a heated mathematical debate that they settled it with a duel, and Tycho lost the tip of his nose to his cousin's sword. After that, our budding astronomer took to wearing a golden nose, which he would reapply with a special adhesive he kept in a pouch on his belt. And it was around this time that Tycho started to take an interest in astronomy. After witnessing a solar eclipse, the arrogant young man thought that perhaps he was the one to get to the bottom of such a cosmic phenomenon. His passion for math had made him a natural fit for astronomy, as he was able to accurately calculate the size, distance and speed of various heavenly bodies. He quickly came to the public's attention, as he was the first man to witness and correctly identify a supernova. He observed and measured as the star spent a whole year blinking out of existence. And thus he was able to put forth that stars are not permanently fixed in space, but celestial bodies with unique movements and lifespans. As he came into the public eye, Tycho's flamboyance kept up with his genius. If his golden nose wasn't enough to remember him by, his two lifelong companions definitely did the trick. The first was a dwarf named Yipe. How Yipe and Tiko met is a mystery lost to time, but they became inseparable. Tiko, despite being a man of science, believed that Yipe was psychic and always wanted him on hand to predict the future. His second strange companion was a moose that he kept as a pet. And you heard that right. He simply thought it was a more attractive and noble creature than any other animal he had encountered. And as with Yipei, he took the moose everywhere he went. It slept inside his house and followed his carriage as he traveled. But there was one infamous occasion where Tiko's love for his pet got them both into trouble. You see, he brought the moose with them to a dinner party where he wowed the guests with its size and friendliness. Even more interestingly, though, he showed the guests how the moose had a love for Danish beer. And the moose kept drinking throughout the night, either to amuse the guests or because it really did love beer. And while a moose may have a higher tolerance than a human, it can still succumb to intoxication. Such was the case at that fateful dinner party where, after a long night of imbibing, the moose tried to climb a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, that is one obstacle for which a moose is not well suited, let alone a drunk one. It slipped tumbling down the stairs in what must have been a one of a kind calamity. Tiko rushed to its side, horrified to find that his moose companion was injured. The exact nature of its injuries is lost to time. But soon the moose succumbed. Tiko's companion was dead. It's a strange chapter in a strange life. Tiko would go on to many adventures, including owning his own island and having an affair with a queen. Some even believe that he was ultimately murdered, potentially by mercury poisoning. While fact and fiction get harder to separate with the passage of time, Tycho Brahe's flamboyant personality still calls attention to itself, flickering like a curious supernova from the deep, distant past. I hope you've enjoyed today's guided tour of the Cabinet of Curiosities. Subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts or learn more about the show by visiting curiositiespodcast.com the show was created by me, Aaron Manke, in partnership with HowStuffWorks. I make another award winning show called Lore, which is a podcast, book series and television show and you can learn all about it [e-mail] and until next time, stay curious.