Podcast Summary: Something You Should Know
Episode: The Surprising History of the 7-Day Week & How and Why Cats Evolved into Pets - SYSK Choice
Host: Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media
Release Date: May 31, 2025
Introduction
In this intriguing episode of "Something You Should Know," host Mike Carruthers delves into two seemingly unrelated yet fascinating topics: the origins and persistence of the seven-day week and the evolutionary journey of cats from wild predators to beloved household pets. Through insightful conversations with experts David Henkin and Jonathan Lossis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of these subjects' historical and biological underpinnings.
Part 1: The Surprising History of the 7-Day Week
Guest: David Henkin, Professor of History at the University of California, Berkeley
Source: The Week: A History of the Unnatural Rhythms That Made Us Who We Are
Origins of the Seven-Day Week
The episode begins with Mike Carruthers posing the question, "Why the seven-day week?" Despite its arbitrary nature, the seven-day cycle has become a "global timekeeping system" that pervades nearly all major societies today.
David Henkin explains, “The week is a completely artificial unit of time. It's not really based on any natural, observable phenomenon, and it's a neat fraction of any other larger unit of time” (06:10). He attributes the week’s origins primarily to two sources:
- Jewish Sabbath Practice: The religious observance of rest every seventh day instilled a cyclical seven-day pattern.
- Roman Planetary Week: The Romans associated each day with celestial bodies, naming days like Sunday (Sun) and Monday (Moon).
Universal Adoption and Its Implications
Henkin emphasizes that while the seven-day week wasn’t always universal, it has become “attached to us” through historical imposition and habitual use. He notes, “The pandemic shutdown had unsettled our sense of our place in the weekly cycle” (21:16), highlighting how disruptions to the weekly rhythm can cause widespread disorientation.
Functionality and Social Integration
The seven-day week serves multiple societal functions:
- Scheduling: Enables consistent planning for work, leisure, and social activities.
- Cultural Rhythms: Assigns specific "feels" to each day, such as Monday’s association with the start of the workweek or Sunday with rest.
Henkin discusses the evolution of the weekend, noting that while Sunday was traditionally the sole day of rest in the United States, the concept of a two-day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) became widespread in the 20th century due to labor movements and economic changes (20:14).
Future of the Week
Addressing potential threats to the seven-day week, Henkin mentions modern shifts like telecommuting and asynchronous entertainment, which could "lessen the week’s power" as a scheduling tool. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about its longevity, stating, “The week is likely to survive... each time it has been attacked, it has survived unscathed” (23:12).
Notable Quote:
“The week is the thing that we're most attached to. We're most worried about losing it because it reflects all the social arrangements that shape our lives.” – David Henkin (22:46)
Part 2: How and Why Cats Evolved into Pets
Guest: Jonathan Lossis, Evolutionary Biologist at Washington University
Source: The Cat's Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savannah to Your Sofa
Ancestry and Domestication
Mike Carruthers transitions to the second segment by introducing Jonathan Lossis to discuss cats' evolution into domestic pets. Lossis outlines that the domestic cat, Felis catus, evolved from the African wildcat around 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the rise of agrarian societies in the Fertile Crescent.
Jonathan Lossis explains, “When people started living in villages and growing crops, rodents were attracted to stored food. Wildcats naturally preyed on these rodents, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship” (32:56). This proximity fostered domestication as bolder, more curious cats thrived near human settlements, gradually leading to traits favorable for cohabitation.
Behavioral Characteristics and Social Structures
Lossis contrasts cats with dogs, highlighting that while dogs are pack animals naturally inclined toward social hierarchies, cats are typically solitary. However, in environments with abundant resources, cats can form social groups reminiscent of lion prides, characterized by related females cooperating in raising offspring (39:23).
Modern Domestication and Kitty Litter
A pivotal advancement in cat domestication was the invention of kitty litter in the 1940s, which allowed cats to live indoors comfortably. Before this, cats were mainly outdoor animals, making them less integrated into family life. The availability of indoor sanitation solutions significantly increased cats' roles as intimate household pets.
Intelligence and Trainability
Addressing cats' intelligence, Lossis asserts that cats are “very smart” and can be trained similarly to dogs using food rewards. He notes, “Cats understand their names and can figure things out... they are very smart animals” (42:08). This intelligence facilitates their adaptability to domestic environments despite their independent nature.
Human-Animal Bond and Behavior
Lossis shares anecdotes illustrating cats' loyalty and intelligence, such as cats returning to their homes after years of absence. He also discusses how cats communicate differently from dogs, yet can coexist peacefully when properly introduced.
Notable Quote:
“Cats are very smart. They can figure things out and they understand their names and other signs...” – Jonathan Lossis (42:08)
Conclusion
Mike Carruthers wraps up the episode by emphasizing the enduring significance of both the seven-day week and domesticated cats in human society. The discussions shed light on how arbitrary constructs like the week and the biological evolution of cats have profound impacts on our daily lives and social structures.
Closing Thought: Understanding the artificiality of our time cycles and the biological integration of animals like cats enriches our appreciation of how human societies evolve and adapt over time.
References
- Book by David Henkin: The Week: A History of the Unnatural Rhythms That Made Us Who We Are
- Book by Jonathan Lossis: The Cat's Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savannah to Your Sofa
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