Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day on December 21st pays tribute to a significant moment in literary history. In Jules Verne's classic novel, "Around the World in 80 Days," this date marks the deadline for the renowned protagonist Phileas Fogg to accomplish his challenge and secure a £20,000 wager.

History

• Literary Origins: "Around the World in Eighty Days" was published in 1872 and became one of Jules Verne's most famous works. The story follows Phileas Fogg and his servant, Passepartout, as they embark on a journey to win a £20,000 wager by circumnavigating the globe in 80 days.
• Cultural Impact: The novel has inspired numerous adaptations, including films, television series, and even real-life attempts to recreate Fogg's journey. The character of Phileas Fogg symbolizes determination, ingenuity, and the thrill of adventure.

Significance

Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

1. Celebrating Adventure: It encourages people to embrace their sense of adventure and explore new horizons, just as Fogg did.
2. Inspiring Perseverance: It highlights the importance of perseverance and problem-solving in overcoming challenges.
3. Honoring Literature: It pays tribute to Jules Verne's contribution to literature and the timeless appeal of his adventurous storytelling.

How to Celebrate

1. Read "Around the World in Eighty Days":

   • Book Club: Organize a book club meeting to read and discuss Jules Verne's novel. Explore its themes, characters, and the historical context in which it was written.
   • Family Reading: Read the book with your family and enjoy the thrilling adventures of Phileas Fogg together.

2. Watch Adaptations:

   • Film Night: Watch one of the many film adaptations of "Around the World in Eighty Days," such as the 1956 version starring David Niven or the 2004 version with Jackie Chan.
   • Television Series: Explore TV series adaptations, such as the 1989 animated series "Around the World with Willy Fog."

3. Plan an Adventure:

   • Travel Challenge: Plan a travel challenge inspired by Fogg's journey. It could be a weekend road trip, a hike to a new location, or exploring a nearby city you've never visited.
   • Adventure Goals: Set personal adventure goals for the coming year, whether it's trying a new outdoor activity, visiting a new country, or learning a new skill.

4. Make a Wager:

   • Friendly Bets: Make friendly wagers with friends or family on fun challenges, such as who can solve a puzzle the fastest, complete a fitness goal, or cook the best meal.
   • Office Fun: Organize a wager or challenge at work to boost team spirit and camaraderie.

5. Learn About Different Cultures:

   • Cultural Exploration: Use this day to learn about different cultures and countries. Try cooking a dish from a different country, learn a few phrases in a new language, or read about cultural traditions.
   • Virtual Tours: Take virtual tours of famous landmarks around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, Great Wall of China, or the Pyramids of Egypt.

6. Share on Social Media:

   • Travel Stories: Share your travel stories, adventures, and challenges on social media using hashtags like #PhileasFoggDay and #WinAWagerDay.
   • Book Quotes: Post your favorite quotes from "Around the World in Eighty Days" and discuss the impact of the novel.

Fun Facts About "Around the World in Eighty Days"

1. Historical Basis: While the novel is fictional, the concept of traveling around the world in 80 days was inspired by the advancements in transportation during the 19th century, including steamships and railways.
2. Real-Life Inspiration: In 1889, journalist Nellie Bly attempted to travel around the world in less than 80 days to emulate Fogg's journey. She completed her trip in 72 days, setting a world record.
3. Phileas Fogg's Name: The name Phileas is thought to be derived from the Greek word "philos," meaning "lover of." Fogg's character is a lover of adventure and challenge.

Inspirational Quotes from "Around the World in Eighty Days"

1. "Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real." – Jules Verne
2. "The unforeseen does not exist." – Phileas Fogg
3. "To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself." – Søren Kierkegaard (related to the adventurous spirit of Fogg)

Conclusion

Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day is a celebration of adventure, perseverance, and the timeless appeal of Jules Verne's classic novel. Whether reading the book, watching adaptations, planning an adventure, making a wager, learning about different cultures, or sharing on social media, there are many ways to observe this day. Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day encourages everyone to embrace their sense of adventure, take on challenges, and explore the world around them.