For the Grown-Ups

American "Discovery?" and Cheers to all the Ways We Discover Every Day

Some time between 17,000 and 40,000 years ago, the Lithic people discovered America. It is believed that they walked across a land bridge connecting Siberia with Alaska and proceeded to migrate further south into North and then South America.

In 1001 AD, the Viking Leif Erikson discovered North America (or Vinland as he called it) and delighted in an abundance of delicious berries and beautiful landscapes.

A few hundred years later in 1304, a few small ships of Polynesians discovered modern day Chile, bringing chickens with them and then returning to the islands with American sweet potatoes and bottle gourds.

There are also theories which conclude that Roman, Egyptian, African, and Chinese explorers, navies, or merchants may have “discovered” America thousands of years ago.

So what does this mean for Columbus Day? It means that Christopher Columbus’ achievement is certainly important and a major part of the story of America — but that “discovery” might not be the most accurate way to describe it.

And perhaps “discovery” isn’t ever a singular event anyway — at least not in the grand scheme. Don’t we discover America every day we live in it? Isn’t there something completely new and revelatory about this country every time we go for a walk, make a new acquaintance, or ask questions like, “What is this place?” “Who are these people?” “What does it mean to be American?”

So here’s to Columbus and his world-changing and accidental trip to the Caribbean islands (he never actually set foot on the mainland)! And while we are at it, here’s to my recent discovery that the “cortado” is the perfect coffee drink! And Lisabeth’s recent discovery of a new latin hip-hop dance teacher! And Mike’s discovery that he can bake his own sourdough bread! And Susan’s discovery of the world’s tiniest sweaters that are knit in Victoria!

Here’s to discoveries — big and small alike!

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