“On meurt deux Source fois, je le vois bien : > > Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable, > > C’est une mort insupportable : > > Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”
Tracing the Origins of “Tortoises All the Way Down”
The phrase “Tortoises all the way down” has become a popular metaphor in philosophical discussions. It illustrates infinite regress and the challenges of finding ultimate foundations for knowledge. The story typically involves a sequence of creatures supporting the Earth, leading to a humorous or bewildering punchline. Understanding this anecdote’s origins requires a look at its historical context and evolution.
Early Accounts and Interpretations
The first recorded instance of this cosmological concept dates back to 1599. Source A religious figure, Emmanuelis de Veiga, documented beliefs he encountered in Asia. He described various models of Earth’s support, including elephants standing on a tortoise. When questioned about what supported the tortoise, believers could not provide an answer . This early documentation highlights the logical problem faced by these cosmological beliefs.
In 1626, Samuel Purchas published a translation that included de Veiga’s observations. The story’s structure became clear: an Earth supported by elephants, which in turn stand on a tortoise. However, the ultimate support for the tortoise remained unknown. This narrative illustrates the issue of infinite regress, a key philosophical problem.
Philosophical Exploration and Adaptations
In 1690, philosopher John Source Locke included a version of this story in his work, “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.” Locke used it to highlight the limits of human understanding. His version involved an Indian explaining that the world rested on an elephant, which stood on a tortoise. Further questioning revealed an inability to explain what supported the tortoise, emphasizing the inadequacy of some explanations .
Throughout the 19th century, the story evolved with various adaptations. Writers like Hester Lynch Piozzi and publications like “The Asiatic Journal” introduced additional creatures and elements. Some versions replaced the infinite regress with a void or incorporated new creatures like rhinoceroses and crocodiles, each expanding the narrative’s complexity.
The Rocks Version and Popularization
A significant variation occurred in 1838 when “The New-Yorker” published a version using rocks instead of turtles. This adaptation explicitly articulated the infinite regress concept. The phrase “rocks all the way down” quickly gained popularity, appearing in numerous periodicals. William James later used this version in his philosophical discussions, further cementing its place in academic circles.
By the 20th century, the anecdote had become widely recognized. In 1927, philosopher Bertrand Russell included a version in his writings, adding humor by refusing to engage further with the question. The phrase “turtles all the way down” became more prevalent, with Carl Sagan’s 1979 book “Broca’s Brain” helping popularize it further. Sagan’s telling emphasized its relevance to scientific and philosophical discussions about causation and explanation.
Literary and Cultural Impact
Terry Pratchett’s 1983 novel “The Colour of Magic” creatively used the cosmological model to build his fictional universe, Discworld. In Pratchett’s world, a giant turtle named Great A’Tuin carries four elephants that support the world. This imaginative use transformed the anecdote from a philosophical illustration to a narrative foundation for a fantasy series, reaching millions of readers and introducing them to the concept in a new light.
Conclusion: An Enduring Metaphor
The “Tortoises all the way down” anecdote continues to captivate minds with its elegant encapsulation of philosophical challenges. Its journey from early Asian cosmological beliefs to a staple in philosophical and literary discussions highlights its adaptability. Despite variations in creatures and contexts, the story’s core message about the difficulty of finding ultimate foundations remains relevant. As it evolves, each generation finds new applications and meanings in this timeless metaphor.