If I could travel back to Ancient Egypt and convince people that eels don’t come from mud, I would use a few key pieces of information that are easy to understand and compelling. Here’s how I might present my argument:
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Life Cycle of Eels: I would explain the life cycle of eels, focusing on how they actually start out as eggs in the ocean. I could share that eels hatch from these eggs in the sea, then travel to rivers and lakes as they grow. This would show that eels have a connection to the sea, not just mud.
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Scientific Observation: I might gather some local fishermen and observe where they catch eels. I could ask them to see where they find eel eggs or juvenile eels. If we could all watch together, it would be very convincing to see that they come from water, not mud.
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Comparison: I would compare eels to other animals. For instance, I could mention fish, which clearly come from water and lay eggs in rivers or seas, just like eels do. This comparison might help them see that just because something is found in mud doesn’t mean it comes from there.
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Local Knowledge: I would try to talk to knowledgeable locals, like fishermen or those who study animals. If they agree with my findings about eels coming from water, it could lend more credibility to my argument.
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Ask Questions: I would engage the Ancient Egyptians in a discussion. Asking questions like, “If they come from mud, then how do we always find them in the rivers?” would encourage them to think critically about their beliefs.
By using clear information and engaging their curiosity, I would try to convince the people of Ancient Egypt that eels come from the sea, not directly from mud.