An Online Thread Reveals 24 Everyday Facts That People Learned Shamefully Late In Life

Life is truly the best teacher!

We are always learning in life. The day we stop learning new things is the day that life ends.

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The only trait that distinguishes humans from other animals is learning. Therefore, every human being must endure unthinkable sacrifices in order to gain new knowledge.

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We don't have to attend colleges and universities to learn, and we don't have to focus on a selected few academic or technical subjects. As we all know, the best teacher is life.

Nobody can replace such a great tutor. The common information listed below will make you rethink your belief that you know everything there is to know about life.

Redditors have learned those things far too late as well and it needs to be distributed to others. As a result, when a Redditor launched a thread asking for a common knowledge that people found out way too late, people promptly contributed the interesting information they had discovered.

Here are a few examples that you may not be familiar with. "Netflix and chill," for example, does not refer to passively relaxing while viewing something on Netflix.

And ponies are not young horses. In fact, keep scrolling to read the discussion and see more of the amusing yet all-too-true answers in the thread. 

1. The OP drops the question on the r/AskReddit subreddit page

1. The OP drops the question on the r/AskReddit subreddit pageBig_Piccolo_8369
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And redditors trooped in to drop their replies.

2. Never make an important decision if you are hungry or horny. – Both have a massive impact on your decision making abilities.

2. Never make an important decision if you are hungry or horny. – Both have a massive impact on your decision making abilities.Ill-Appointment6494
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3. There’s no rules to doing chores. You can make it more fun if you want to. For no reason I forgot that I could watch a tv show while I fold laundry and I didn’t have to just sit there and do it

3. There’s no rules to doing chores. You can make it more fun if you want to. For no reason I forgot that I could watch a tv show while I fold laundry and I didn’t have to just sit there and do itwhippedcreamcheese

The Role of Shame in Learning

Shame can be a powerful motivator, but it often leads to avoidance behaviors that hinder personal growth. Dr. Brené Brown, a leading researcher on shame and vulnerability, points out that shame is rooted in the fear of disconnection. According to her research, when individuals feel shame, they are less likely to engage in open learning experiences, which can prevent them from acquiring knowledge even in adulthood.

This avoidance is often exacerbated by societal pressures that equate intelligence with worth, leading people to internalize failures rather than view them as opportunities for growth. Therefore, fostering a culture of acceptance and learning from mistakes is crucial for personal development.

4. Percentages are reversible. So 8% of 25 is the same thing as 25% of 8 and sometimes the reverse is easier to calculate.

4. Percentages are reversible. So 8% of 25 is the same thing as 25% of 8 and sometimes the reverse is easier to calculate.CheekyOnion64

5. “Every action made in anger ends in sorrow.”

5. “Every action made in anger ends in sorrow.”yours121110

6. “Netflix and chill” does not mean watching something on Netflix and chilling

6. “Netflix and chill” does not mean watching something on Netflix and chillingAngelothegr8tst

Research indicates that the human brain is inherently designed for social connection, and feelings of shame can lead individuals to withdraw from social interactions, consequently hindering valuable learning opportunities. According to Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned character researcher, "Self-compassion allows us to acknowledge our mistakes without harsh self-judgment, fostering a mindset conducive to learning." This perspective aligns with findings that suggest cultivating self-compassion can alleviate the adverse effects of shame and promote lifelong learning.

7. Tell the police nothing. Tell the paramedic everything

7. Tell the police nothing. Tell the paramedic everythingAccurate_Leg_2447

8. That when people ask to borrow money especially if it’s a friend or family just expect to never see it again

8. That when people ask to borrow money especially if it’s a friend or family just expect to never see it againDifferent-Chest-5716

9. I thought islands were floating landmasses for way longer than I am proud to admit

9. I thought islands were floating landmasses for way longer than I am proud to admitdead_PROcrastinator

Practical Strategies for Learning and Growth

One effective strategy for overcoming the fear of shame is to adopt a growth mindset, a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. This mindset encourages individuals to view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than threats to their self-worth. Research shows that individuals with a growth mindset are more resilient and better at adapting to new information.

Implementing reflective practices, such as journaling about experiences and feelings, can also help individuals process shame and turn it into actionable insights. By acknowledging mistakes and viewing them as part of the learning process, people can foster a more positive attitude toward personal growth.

10. That you can get pregnant the very first time you have sex

10. That you can get pregnant the very first time you have sexhhairy

11. No one really cares about you. I don’t mean that in a bad way. But everyone is so busy thinking about themselves, you are always an after thought.The most embarrassing thing in your life, probably doesn’t matter than much to someone else.

11. No one really cares about you. I don’t mean that in a bad way. But everyone is so busy thinking about themselves, you are always an after thought.The most embarrassing thing in your life, probably doesn’t matter than much to someone else.yesIdofloss

12. A pony is not a baby horse

12. A pony is not a baby horseclumsyumbrella

Understanding how shame affects learning is essential for both personal and social development. A clinical psychologist notes that shame often leads to self-criticism, which can inhibit motivation. By recognizing this cycle, individuals can work to break it by practicing mindfulness and self-acceptance, allowing them to engage more fully in learning experiences.

Group activities that promote collaboration can also help individuals learn from each other in a supportive environment, reducing feelings of isolation associated with shame.

13. Not sure if common knowledge but win+left or right snaps window to half the screen. Handy when you are referring to 2 different documents or websites at the same time.

13. Not sure if common knowledge but win+left or right snaps window to half the screen. Handy when you are referring to 2 different documents or websites at the same time.quadruple_negative87

14. Windows Key + V opens your clipboard so you can paste more than just the last thing you copied

14. Windows Key + V opens your clipboard so you can paste more than just the last thing you copiedMack2690

15. On Wednesday I learned that pancakes are so called because they are a cake made in a pan. smhI’m 61yo

15. On Wednesday I learned that pancakes are so called because they are a cake made in a pan. smhI’m 61yoYsabo13

16. That gargling saltwater works way better than cough drops for colds and sore throats

16. That gargling saltwater works way better than cough drops for colds and sore throatsNimbousFlammable

17. Condoms are cheaper than diapers

17. Condoms are cheaper than diaperssparklingshanaya

18. Going too long without sleep can impair your ability to drive the same way as drinking too much alcohol

18. Going too long without sleep can impair your ability to drive the same way as drinking too much alcoholSuvenPan

19. You can’t get lazy with birth control just because you turn 40. Signed, Middle Aged Mom of a newborn

19. You can’t get lazy with birth control just because you turn 40. Signed, Middle Aged Mom of a newbornKayaXiali

20. Apparently you’re not supposed to rinse off your toothpaste

Edit: Just Google it. Apparently it’s better to leave the toothpaste residue in your mouth so the fluoride can work on your teeth.20. Apparently you’re not supposed to rinse off your toothpasteAlberwyne

21. Don’t let the in-laws move in 😣

21. Don’t let the in-laws move in 😣WebkinzCheekyFanatic

22. Life can literally change forever in the next second, hour or day and that when people say to enjoy every moment of life as if it’s your last, it’s actually good advice to maintain a positive attitude and feel like you have no regrets

22. Life can literally change forever in the next second, hour or day and that when people say to enjoy every moment of life as if it’s your last, it’s actually good advice to maintain a positive attitude and feel like you have no regretstinyant

23. Flushable wipes are not to be flushed ever.

23. Flushable wipes are not to be flushed ever.Mysterious_Valuable1

24. That you can actually say no to your parents.

24. That you can actually say no to your parents.EmperorZurg14

25. Always get it in writing

25. Always get it in writingGKnives

As pointed out earlier, life is truly the best teacher and we know that you've learned a thing or two from this thread. And even if it's late, it's better late than never, right?

Be sure to contribute your "late-learned facts" in the comments below and share this post to enlighten others as well.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects how societal expectations around knowledge can lead to feelings of inadequacy when individuals realize they’ve missed important lessons. Our understanding of shame's impact on motivation is critical here, as it often leads to avoidance rather than proactive learning. Encouraging open discussions about mistakes can create an environment where people feel safe to admit gaps in knowledge and learn from them.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, while shame can hinder learning, understanding its dynamics offers pathways to growth. The insights of Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, emphasize that “self-compassion is not a way of avoiding pain, but rather a way of embracing it.” By fostering self-compassion and a growth mindset, individuals can turn late realizations into valuable lessons for the future, as noted by James Clear, who states, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”

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