Lessons from Kon-Tik, from Jan-Petter Jansen

2011-06-23 · Jan-Petter Jansen
Original source

Norwegian biologist Thor Heyerdahl suspected that the South Sea Islands had been settled by an ancient race. [He] knew that the trade winds and ocean currents off the South-American coastline bear in the direction of Polynesia. Ridiculed by the scientific establishment, […], he decided to prove the possibility of his theory by duplicating the legendary voyage.

Watch the full one hour documentary here.

Lessons from Kon-Tiki:

1. Ridiculed ideas pay the best when proven wrong.

2. Follow the drift.

3. When ancient methods and modern expertise contradict, chose the former.

4. "Don't resist nature, but yield to her commands and accommodate" (Golden rule among native tribes)

5. Technology complements #3 and #4. (Without a radio Kon-Tiki would've been a one way journey)

6. There will always be sharks following in one's wake.

7. Preparation puts the odds in one's favor.

8. No matter how well prepared, be prepared to improvise.

9. Befriend the locals.

10. Always bring a BBQ kit.