The 'Origin of Everything' video, titled 'How Your Rubber Ducky Explains Colonialism,' explores the history and evolution of educational grading systems, focusing on why grades have become entrenched in modern education. The video discusses the origin of letter grades traced back to Yale in 1785, where President Ezra Stiles first recorded student performance. It navigates through various grading systems over centuries, such as Harvard's 100-point scale and Yale's 9-point scale. Another key point highlights how grades affect self-esteem and future success, referencing studies like Karen Arnold's research on valedictorians. It questions the efficacy of grades as true indicators of learning and creativity. The video is important for understanding the impact of grades on education and future career paths. Furthermore, it mentions critics like Alfie Kohn who advocate for alternative assessment methods. This topic is relevant for learners interested in education history and its impact on societal progress.