Sergio and Julia areshavingsa competition. They want to see who can surprise the other more with their knowledge of history.
Sergio: Christopher Columbus found America in 1492 when his three ships, Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria made the voyage across the Atlantic.
Julia: Everyone knows about his explorations. What about paper? Paper has been found in Chinese tombs dating to the 2nd century B.C.
Sergio: Wow, I didn't know that. It must be the earliest record of paper.
Julia: From there it spread to the Middle East and then to Europe.
Sergio: Speaking about paper, the best novel ever written was The Tale of Genji by the Lady Murasaki.
Julia: Women of history have accomplished many things. Think of Joan of Arc. She led and inspired 10,000 men to defeat the English on most of France. After her death, France regained its independence.
Sergio: Mozart also died young. He was only 35, but had composed some of the most beautiful music ever written.
Julia: Remember Thomas Edison?
Sergio: Of course, he once said, "Genius, is about 2% inspiration and 98% perspiration." He only had like 3 months of education and then taught himself everything.
Julia: That's right. But he invented the light bulb.
Sergio: My teacher told me that he also invented the movie camera. That's the best way to be remembered, I think.
Julia: Do you ever dream about inventing something that will irrevocably influence life and society?
Sergio: Everyday.
Julia: I think we are tied.
Sergio: I agree.
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