Reddit's Mysterious Letter Writer: Matthew Thornton.
Education
Introduction
For years, people across the United States have been receiving mysterious letters from a man who identifies himself as Matthew Thornton. These letters encompass a wide-ranging array of topics, from conventional subjects like astronomy and geology to more esoteric themes. The unique and cryptic nature of these letters has piqued the interest of various communities on Reddit, where posts about Thornton's letters are frequently shared and discussed. Over the years, Matthew Thornton has become a peculiar curiosity on the platform, with some individuals attempting to decipher the meanings behind his letters while others seek to understand the enigma surrounding him, assuming he is a real person at all.
The earliest confirmed instance of a letter being posted to Reddit dates back to June 15, 2014. A user shared an image titled "Matthew Thornton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, sent a letter to the Penn Museum today" in the r/funny subreddit. This letter, dubbed "The Secret of America," is complex and filled with interconnected symbolism. It consists of three main elements:
- An image of George Washington surrounded by clouds, with the U.S. Capitol building depicted behind or possibly floating above him. The letter includes the phrase "49 degree line" prominently featured.
- A portion of a map of the Milky Way galaxy is highlighted within the collage.
- The centerpiece is known as the "Apotheosis of Washington," a depiction of George Washington ascending to heaven alongside deities and angels.
Thornton attempts to draw comparisons between the central painting and aspects of the highlighted galaxy map. The collage also includes a peculiar phrase in the top right corner that reads, “Nearest sun system acknowledged: Alpha Centauri USA.” Notably, it mentions the star Arcturus, accompanied by an image of a dog and the phrase “bring your boots,” combining a variety of themes and symbols.
The letter also references several significant concepts, including "Operation High Jump," an ill-fated U.S. Navy expedition to Antarctica in 1947 that has become a focal point of conspiracy theories, particularly concerning UFOs. Additionally, a quote attributed to Christian evangelist Billy Graham is incorporated, featuring slight variations from its original text.
Following the initial letter, there was a four-year gap before another letter surfaced online. On April 28, 2018, a Reddit user posted a new letter from Thornton, which introduced some recurring themes present in his style. The envelope bore the name “Matthew Thornton, Western United States, 120 degrees West,” along with a crude drawing of California.
Inside were three folded pieces of paper featuring bizarre phrases: “Summer light reaches a room,” “2017 we all go to half dome,” and simply “half dome.” The “half dome” letter presented another collage, this time comparing the famous Yosemite rock formation with an ancient relief from Guatemala.
Interest in these letters increased substantially by 2019, and the establishment of the Matthew Thornton subreddit further encouraged this trend. A particularly curious letter that grabbed attention was sent to a diner in Portland, Maine, which posits the idea that an Egyptian hieroglyph of a cow is actually a depiction of North America.
The name "Matthew Thornton" alludes to a signer of the Declaration of Independence, lending significance to the sentiment often reflected in his letters. Despite skepticism surrounding the authenticity of these letters, a user claiming to be Thornton's relative revealed insights into his peculiar thought processes. Thornton was described as having a hyper-focus on constellations and making unusual connections between seemingly unrelated objects.
Matthew Thornton even participated directly in discussions on Reddit, through an account named “minimum teaching,” where he addressed questions and clarified aspects of his letters, albeit in a cryptic manner.
Whether Thornton's letters are the work of a genius or the product of a troubled mind, they present an intriguing mystery. What remains particularly captivating is the intangibility of Thornton’s messages—recognizable components that elude comprehensive understanding. People often wonder whether these letters represent a hoax, an art project, or an elaborate narrative designed to make others contemplate hidden truths.
In conclusion, the phenomenon surrounding Matthew Thornton's letters has captured the fascination of many, creating an enigmatic space within the internet where people continuingly seek answers to an unsolvable puzzle.
Keywords
- Matthew Thornton
- Mysterious Letters
- Apotheosis of Washington
- Astronomy
- Conspiracy theories
- Operation High Jump
- Egyptian hieroglyphs
- Half Dome
FAQ
1. Who is Matthew Thornton?
Matthew Thornton is the pseudonymous author of numerous mysterious letters sent to various recipients across the United States, often containing cryptic messages about historical and scientific topics.
2. What are the themes of Matthew Thornton's letters?
The letters cover a range of subjects including astronomy, history, geography, and conspiracy theories, often filled with symbolism and connections only Thornton seems to comprehend.
3. How did Thornton's letters gain attention?
Interest in Thornton's letters grew primarily through Reddit, where users began posting images and discussions about the letters, leading to the establishment of a subreddit dedicated to his work.
4. Is there a connection between Matthew Thornton and the signer of the Declaration of Independence?
Yes, the name "Matthew Thornton" refers to a lesser-known signer of the Declaration of Independence, which some speculate adds additional significance to the messages he conveys.
5. Are Thornton's letters the work of an artist, a hoax, or someone disturbed?
The nature of Thornton's letters remains ambiguous. Some people view them as genuine expressions of insight, while others suggest they may be a product of mental illness or an elaborate hoax. The mystery continues to provoke curiosity and debate among readers.