Podcast Summary: “Acontece que no es poco | Julio Verne, el nacimiento de un ser visionario”

Podcast: Todo Concostrina
Host: Nieves Concostrina (with Carlas Francino)
Publisher: SER Podcast
Date: February 8, 2024
Theme: The visionary legacy and life story of Jules Verne

Overview

In this episode, Nieves Concostrina pays homage to Jules Verne on the anniversary of his birth, exploring the author’s extraordinary imagination, his role as a precursor of science fiction, and the cultural context that shaped his work. With wit and characteristic irreverence, Nieves reflects on Verne’s impact on readers across generations, delving into both his personal story and the social influences behind his celebrated adventure novels.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Julio Verne’s Enduring Appeal

• Both Nieves and Carlas agree: Verne played a crucial role in turning countless people into enthusiastic readers.
  • “Si pudiéramos contar a todos y a todas los que nos convertimos en lectores gracias a Julio Verne, yo creo que no tenemos espacio.” (Carlas, 00:29)
  • “Totalmente, porque somos legión y porque sigue habiendo chavales que viven ese descubrimiento maravilloso.” (Nieves, 00:41)

2. A Softer, Brighter Topic Amidst Dark Stories

• The episode was chosen as a friendly finale for the week after covering more somber historical themes.
  • Nieves notes the importance of discussing gentler topics occasionally:
    “Vamos a rematar la semana con algo más amable ... con un visionario, con un hombre que parecía saber lo que iba a ocurrir 100 años después.” (Nieves, 01:37)

3. Jules Verne’s Origins & Circumstances

• Verne born in Nantes, France, into a well-off family (father: notary, lawyer; mother’s side: shipowners).
• Initially studied law, worked as a prosecutor and in the stock exchange, but eventually became a writer.
• Editor Pierre Jules Hetzel played a pivotal but demanding role, securing Verne’s fame but binding him to a 20-year, two-novels-a-year contract.
  • “Un tanto esclavista el editor, porque le hizo firmar un contrato para los siguientes 20 años en los que tenía que entregar dos novelas al año.” (Nieves, 02:21)
  • “El mundo se le quedó tan pequeño que ya tuvo que ingeniar aventuras que nos llevaran a la Luna, al centro de la Tierra y al fondo del océano.” (Nieves, 03:14)

4. The Making of an Imagination

• Early influence: an inspiring schoolteacher who told him stories about the sea and sailors.
• Family wealth partly derived from the slave trade (common for Nantes), but Verne felt revulsion towards slavery.
• Exposure to adventure literature and the busy port environment sparked imaginative growth.
  • “Un maestro que te marca. Qué importantes son los maestros.” (Nieves, 03:59)
  • “Aquello no le gustaba … en una de sus novelas, un capitán de 15 años, ahí condena y escribe el abominable tráfico de esclavos.” (Nieves, 05:04)

5. Struggles, Hunger, and Literary Beginnings

• Verne’s detour from law to literature caused a rupture with his father, leading to financial hardship.
• He survived by writing magazine articles, especially in scientific outreach, thus building up vast knowledge used in his later work.
  • “Empezó a morirse de hambre. De ahí vinieron los problemas estomacales. Sobrevivió malamente, muy malamente, a golpe de colaboración en revistas. Que bueno. Esto ya te digo yo, ¿A quién no le ha pasado?” (Nieves, 05:46)

6. The First Success and Editorial Guidance

• First major hit: Cinco semanas en globo (“Five Weeks in a Balloon”).
  • “El primer libro de éxito de Verne. Y el primer libro que yo leí …” (Nieves, 06:28)
• His depth of scientific detail came from relentless documentation for magazine work, having “no idea” of science beforehand.
  • “A base de documentarse acabó sabiendo un poquito de muchas cosas.” (Nieves, 07:09)
• Verne’s original manuscript, Un viaje aéreo, was rejected by one publisher for being too technical, but acclaimed by Hetzel who recognized the “novela científica” as a new genre.
• Hetzel’s progressive ideals pushed Verne toward educational, science-based adventure, not dystopian fiction.
  • “El editor vio algo más que una novela entretenida y bien escrita. El editor era ateo, era progresista, revolucionario, republicano.” (Nieves, 09:22)

7. Science, Positivism, and Political Backdrop

• Hetzel’s vision: science and rationality as engines of progress, especially crucial after religiously-motivated educational setbacks (Law Falloux, 1850).
  • “Cuando la religión entra por la puerta, el conocimiento y la verdad salen por la ventana.” (Nieves, 11:59)
  • “Pretendía resumir todos los conocimientos ... y rehacer así la historia del universo.” (Nieves, 11:14)

8. The ‘Lost’ Dystopian Novel and the Astronaut of the Armchair

• París en el siglo XX, Verne’s dark, dystopian novel, was shelved by Hetzel and only published by a great-grandson in 1994, decades after Verne’s death, revealing his prescient vision.
• Verne imagined extraordinary journeys mostly from his desk, traveling little in reality.
  • “Su biógrafo, Herbert Lothman, lo llama un astronauta de sofá.” (Nieves, 13:31)
  • “Le bastó una biblioteca para dar la vuelta al mundo desde su despacho.” (Nieves, 13:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Verne’s universal influence:
  “Si pudiéramos contar a todos y a todas los que nos convertimos en lectores gracias a julio Verne, yo creo que no tenemos espacio.” (Carlas, 00:29)
• On the importance of good teachers:
  “Un maestro que te marca. Qué importantes son los maestros. Por supuesto, los buenos maestros.” (Nieves, 03:59)
• On scientific education and societal progress:
  “Cuando la religión entra por la puerta, el conocimiento y la verdad salen por la ventana.” (Nieves, 11:59)
• On Verne’s method and limits:
  “No sé cómo pudo escribir Julio Verne 60 relatos de viajes extraordinarios casi sin salir de casa.” (Nieves, 13:19) “Esto es un astronauta de sofá.” (Nieves, 13:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:29 – Verne’s impact on turning readers into lifelong book lovers.
• 02:10 – Summary of Verne’s background, the role of editor Hetzel, and writing work ethic.
• 03:57 – Formative childhood in Nantes, family history, and influence of teachers.
• 05:46 – Hard times after leaving legal career, survival through literary journalism.
• 06:26 – Cinco semanas en globo becomes Verne’s and Nieves’ first big read.
• 08:44 – Verne’s near-turn toward dystopia and Hetzel’s redirection.
• 11:14 – The educational mission behind the “Viajes extraordinarios” series.
• 12:51 – The fate and eventual publication of París en el siglo XX.
• 13:31 – The myth of Verne the traveler versus his real, homebound writing practice.

Tone & Style

True to the spirit of the podcast, Nieves Concostrina’s narrative blends historical rigor with humor and a critical, secular perspective. Her colloquial, relatable style makes Jules Verne’s life and work both accessible and engaging—never shying away from highlighting the political, economic, and ideological forces behind the legend.

A must-listen for anyone curious about the birth of science fiction, the legacy of progressive thought, or the magic of imagination untethered by physical travel.