Things You Thought You Knew - Metric system, acceleration, and heat shields with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Historical Context

The U.S. has had a long and complicated relationship with the metric system. Neil deGrasse Tyson recalls the 1970s attempt by President Jimmy Carter to convert the nation to metric, which ultimately failed due to cultural resistance 1. Despite this, Tyson notes that the U.S. is further along in adopting metric units than many realize, particularly in scientific fields where the metric system is standard 1. He humorously suggests that if drug lords had led the metric conversion, the U.S. might have adopted it more swiftly 1.

If we had put drug lords as head of the metric commission in the United States, we all would have been metric within months.

--- Neil deGrasse Tyson

Chuck Nice and Tyson also discuss the mishap of a Mars mission that failed due to a mix-up between metric and imperial units, highlighting the importance of a unified measurement system 2.

   

Current Usage

In everyday life, Americans use the metric system more than they might think. Neil deGrasse Tyson points out that medical dosing, nutrition labels, and even soft drink bottles have long been metric 3. He explains that while Americans may cling to Fahrenheit and inches, they are already accustomed to metric measurements in many areas 4. Tyson humorously notes that the U.S. has a mix of "metric envy and imperial pride," using both systems in daily life 4.

We're using Fahrenheit and inches and meters and cups and tablespoons, and we're damn proud of it.

--- Neil deGrasse Tyson

Chuck Nice adds that these metric uses are often tied to global commodities, reflecting the international nature of these products 3.

   

Global Influence

The global influence of the metric system is evident in industries like pharmaceuticals, where it is the standard due to international trade. Neil deGrasse Tyson highlights that medical dosing has always been metric, underscoring the system's global reach 3. He notes that nutrition labels and photography also adhere to metric standards, further illustrating its widespread use 3. This global standardization ensures consistency and safety in international markets.

Medical dosing has been metric, like, forever.

--- Neil deGrasse Tyson

Chuck Nice emphasizes that these metric applications are tied to global commodities, reinforcing the necessity of a universal measurement system 3.