Author was miffed when editors didn't let him list cat as his co-author — but he found a clever loophole
Most people who own pets don't think twice before making them part of every milestone. And rightfully so, as for them, these incredible animals are just not their pets— they are family and soul companions. Yuri Knorozov is one prime example of a loving pet owner who did something truly special to honor his cat. Well, the Soviet-Russian linguist decided to name his beloved Siamese cat, Asya, as his co-author for the decipherment of the Maya script. Yes, that's right! Want to know the complete story? Keep reading!
While the story dates back to the 1950s, the incredible incident came to light when an individual who goes by u/scaulbylausis posted about it on Reddit. In the now-viral post, they explained how Knorozov, the famous linguist who decoded the Maya script, listed his cat as a co-author, often disappointing the editors. They wrote, "He listed his cat Asya as a co-author on his work, but the editors always removed her. He always used this photo with Asya as his author photo and got pissed whenever editors cropped her out." The post received an overwhelming response on the platform, with many appreciating the man's bond with his Siamese cat, Asya.
For instance, u/arootytoottoot wrote, "And I bet this love for cats he had wasn't the old aw so cute kind of love but more the love born of respect in a mutual relationship. I had this with my last cat, Kitty. We just were on the same wavelength, and I am sure that if I were working on deciphering a language, she would have helped. And I mean, really helped (Not just pawing at the materials and making cute noises)." u/nljfairytales69 commented, "I don’t need proof— I know the cat was the co-author! Have you ever listened to a Siamese?! Ours 'talks' all the time. I have spoken!" u/alaskafish said, "What’s funny is this dude translated a whole a** language. Like, if he wants his cat in the book, then let him. It’s not like he’s the author of some low-level college algebra textbook!"
On the other hand, u/ammutse commented, "Cats have functioned as 'dev ducks' for centuries, and I completely understand wanting to have your cat as a co-author. It can really help to have something or someone around to talk aloud to; it allows you to reflect on the things and concepts you're trying to internalize. Verbalizing allows you to hear the thought and see how it sounds out loud, which is all you need occasionally to see how dumb or wrong something can be. I have no doubt he talked to his cat throughout the whole process, and thanks to her, he was able to realize things he may have needed to do differently."
u/queenofquok pointed out, "He looks extremely determined in that photo. 'You assholes aren't going to crop my cat out THIS time.'" u/kflynn1337 wrote, "Under the circumstances he's every right to look that pissed off. I mean, I'd be pissed too if my best friend kept getting shafted like that." u/sherryleebee commented, "This would be me. My cats are a huge source of my comedic material. They deserve the credit."