Cabinet of Curiosities: "Lesson Learned"

Air Date: November 11, 2025
Host: Aaron Mahnke
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts & Grim & Mild

Episode Overview

In this episode titled "Lesson Learned," Aaron Mahnke presents two fascinating historical tales that each reveal a pivotal—if unsettling—moment of realization. The first story delves into the personal regrets of Arthur Wellesley, later known as the Duke of Wellington, amid the ruthless expansion of British rule in India. The second tale recounts how a bundle of secret documents inadvertently propelled Benjamin Franklin toward radicalism and helped ignite the American Revolution. Both stories explore the complexity of learning from history and the sometimes-painful nature of wisdom gained too late.

Story One: Arthur Wellesley and the High Price of Victory

Timestamps: 00:38–06:17

Key Discussion Points

• British Conquest of India:
  The episode opens with a succinct summary of how the British waged a campaign of "ruthless subterfuge" to seize control of India, exploiting internal conflicts among Indian rulers and using "protection" as a pretext for intervention.

• The Battle of Assaye (1803):
  Major General Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington), driven by both personal ambition and family honor (his brother was the British governor), leads an aggressive campaign against Indian forces.

  • “He wanted to bring honor to his family name, not stopping to think what he was doing to the country. It just didn’t occur to him that he was bringing British oppression to these people in the same way that his own Irish ancestors had been colonized hundreds of years earlier.” (01:30)

• Tactical Maneuver and Countermove:
  Wellesley believes he’s outsmarting his opponent by using a forgotten river crossing to outflank the Indian army, only to have his force devastated by a well-prepared counterattack. Indian gunners feign death and surprise the British from behind—an early lesson in never underestimating the enemy.

• Aftermath & Ruthlessness:
  Wellesley’s army ultimately prevails but suffers “hundreds of dead and wounded.” His brutal policies in the years that follow include strict racial segregation and exploitation of the Indian populace.

  • “To them, the Indians were a resource for Britain to exploit.” (04:33)

• Transformation & Regret:
  While initially unsympathetic to both his enemies and his own men, years of warfare harden and eventually haunt Wellesley. After future campaigns—including the defeat of Napoleon—he becomes “violently pro-slavery” and opposes reforms to benefit the poor. Later, however, he is seen weeping over battlefield casualties and, when asked about regrets, admits:

  • “‘I should have given more praise,’ as if to say he should have better appreciated the sacrifice of his troops.” (05:45)

  Mahnke closes the story slyly:

  • “It was a curious way to admit that he had failed to learn the value of human life. Fortunately, most of us don’t have to fight three separate wars across two different continents just to learn an obvious lesson like that ourselves.” (06:05)

Story Two: The Anonymous Package that Sparked a Revolution

Timestamps: 08:26–13:44

Key Discussion Points

• Anonymous Tip and the Hutchinson Letters:
  Mahnke transitions from battlefield to cloak-and-dagger intrigue, describing how, in 1772, future Founding Father Benjamin Franklin receives 13 secret letters from an unknown informant.

• The Governor’s Candid Warnings:
  The letters, written by Thomas Hutchinson (Governor of Massachusetts) and his lieutenant, express anxiety over riotous colonial resistance to British taxes and advocate for harsh punitive measures, including more troops and greater gubernatorial authority.

  • “In these letters, Hutchinson vents his frustration over the growing political tension in the colonies... He encouraged Parliament to send more troops to Boston and to give them the freedom to enact harsher punishments on colonial protesters.” (09:43)

• Franklin’s Hope for Reconciliation:
  Initially neutral on independence, Franklin sees an opportunity for compromise if Hutchinson can be removed—thus, he secretly forwards the letters to a trusted Massachusetts assembly member, Thomas Cushing, with clear instructions they not be made public.

• The Leak and Its Consequences:
  Cushing leaks the letters, igniting public outrage. The letters are widely published, and effigies of the governor are burned in Boston Commons. British Parliament grows furious and launches an investigation, wrongly accusing three innocent men.

• Franklin’s Sacrifice:
  Taking responsibility, Franklin confesses. He is summoned, insulted, and dismissed by 35 members of the Privy Council in London.

  • “They called him a thief before dismissing him from his post. As Franklin turned to leave the chamber, he realized that Parliament would never compromise with the colonies, that revolution would be the only way forward.” (12:33)

• A Final, Chilling Promise:
  As Franklin exits, he quietly warns the Solicitor General:

  • “‘I will make your master a little king for this.’” (12:48)

• Broader Impact:
  The episode notes this was the moment Franklin committed himself to the cause of American independence, returning home to help draft the Declaration of Independence.

  • “That unmarked package added fuel to a growing fire, and it sparked a revolution that changed the course of history.” (13:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He wanted to bring honor to his family name, not stopping to think what he was doing to the country.” (Aaron Mahnke, 01:30)
• “To them, the Indians were a resource for Britain to exploit.” (Aaron Mahnke, 04:33)
• “‘I should have given more praise,’ as if to say he should have better appreciated the sacrifice of his troops.” (Aaron Mahnke quoting Wellington, 05:45)
• “‘I will make your master a little king for this.’” (Aaron Mahnke, quoting Franklin, 12:48)
• “That unmarked package added fuel to a growing fire, and it sparked a revolution that changed the course of history.” (Aaron Mahnke, 13:21)

Episode Tone & Style

Aaron Mahnke’s narration is thoughtful, dramatic, and imbued with an undercurrent of dark irony. He draws out the lessons behind these historical curiosities: one a cautionary tale of belated conscience, the other a reminder that the smallest acts—anonymous or otherwise—can change the world.

Key Takeaways

• Even the most celebrated leaders can regret their choices, learning too late the human cost of ambition and empire.
• Secrets and hidden actions, whether intended or accidental, have the power to topple governments and ignite revolutions.
• History’s lessons are often hard-won, and the value of human life is an obvious truth too frequently learned after the fact.

To learn more about the series or subscribe: visit curiositiespodcast.com
Host’s recommendation: “Until next time, stay curious.”