People Are Sharing Their Most Mind-Blowing Facts, And Here Are 30 Of The Best
As humans, we are continually learning. It's a process, and no matter how much we think we know, there is always something new and fascinating to learn.
As humans, we are continually learning. It's a process, and no matter how much we think we know, there is always something new and fascinating to learn.
After all, how many times have you been to a dinner party where someone has pulled out a "did you know" fact that has completely blown your mind? That being said, there are only so many "tomato is a fruit" and "banana is a berry" facts you can hear before you start getting bored.
Luckily, Reddit user, u/RyanBlitzpatrick, has done us all a huge favor and started a thread on r/AskReddit, asking, "What's a fact that just blows your mind?"
Here are 30 of the best responses he's received!
#1 Dreams
When you dream, one part of your brain is making up the story, and another part is experiencing those events and is genuinely surprised by all the twists in the plot.
#2 That's Old
2006, which doesn’t feel THAT long ago, saw the death of two colossally old tortoises. The first, Harriet, was reportedly collected by Charles Darwin when he visited the Galápagos on the HMS Beagle. She belonged to Steve Irwin at the time of her death. Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin shared a “pet.” Estimated to have lived 176 years.
The second, Adwaita, was born before the United States declared its independence from England. Think of it: just 14 years ago, there was a land creature alive that was older than our country. Just incredible.
- Guild N. Stern
#3 Lost In Space
November 2, 2000 was the last time all humans were on the planet together. Since then at least one person has remained on the international space station. As Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist, notes, "The interconnectedness of humanity is profound, especially when considering our presence in space." This highlights the unique nature of human experience and our exploration beyond Earth.
The Joy of Learning
Psychologists have long studied the impact of curiosity on learning and personal growth.
Dr. Helen Fischer, a cognitive psychologist at Harvard, emphasizes that curiosity drives us to seek new information and experiences.
When individuals share fascinating facts, it often stems from a desire to connect and engage with others.
The Importance of Continuous Learning
Dr. Samantha White, a cognitive psychologist, emphasizes the significance of continuous learning in personal and professional development.
Research shows that lifelong learning not only keeps the mind engaged but also fosters resilience and adaptability.
In an ever-changing world, being open to new information is crucial for staying relevant and informed.
#4 A Good Year
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Anne Frank were born in the same year, 1929. As noted by Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, "The intersection of significant historical figures often reveals the profound impact of their lives on society."
Interestingly, that same year, Betty White was already 7 years old, showcasing the diverse tapestry of influential lives emerging during that time.
#5 That's One Old Tree
The oldest living tree in the world, Methuselah, is 4851 years old.
- Iapetos
#6 Woah
That the Oxford University is older than the Aztec Empire.
- Kit Tan
Moreover, sharing knowledge can enhance social bonds and promote a sense of community.
Research indicates that engaging in discussions about interesting topics can lead to stronger interpersonal relationships.
This aligns with the concept of social learning, where individuals learn not only from direct experiences but also from observing and interacting with others.
Moreover, curiosity plays a vital role in motivating individuals to seek out new knowledge.
Studies indicate that curiosity can enhance memory retention and problem-solving abilities, making learning more effective.
Encouraging a culture of curiosity can lead to more engaging and enriching experiences.
#7 Don't Forget Your Earplugs
The sound made by the Krakatoa volcanic eruption in 1883 was so loud it ruptured eardrums of people 40 miles away, traveled around the world four times, and was clearly heard 3,000 miles away.
That's like you standing in New York and hearing a sound from San Francisco.
#8 What?
If time travel were possible, you would need a time-and-space-machine to survive the trip, otherwise when you traveled back in time, the planet would be at a different point in its rotation around the sun and our solar system would be at a different point in space as it rotates, which means you'd travel back in time and be in an empty part of space.
#9 Let's Go
The International Space Station is closer to the Earth than San Francisco is to L.A.
- Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Encouraging a growth mindset can significantly influence how individuals approach learning and personal development.
According to Dr. Carol Dweck, a leading psychologist in this field, individuals with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can improve through effort and perseverance.
This perspective fosters resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges.
The Role of Social Learning
Social learning theory posits that we learn from observing others—a concept that can significantly enhance our understanding of various subjects.
Research highlights that collaborative learning experiences can lead to deeper comprehension and retention of knowledge.
Engaging with others fosters discussions that can challenge our thinking and broaden our perspectives.
#10 Stone Cold Fox
Arctic foxes can survive temperatures as low as -70 degrees Celsius.
- Wubbleyew
#11 It's Pretty Though
If an underwater bubble is collapsed by loud sound, light is produced and no one knows why.
#12 Interesting
Some people don’t have an inner monologue, like they literally don’t have a voice in their head.
Additionally, sharing mind-blowing facts can inspire others to adopt a growth mindset as well.
When individuals encounter new and intriguing information, it can spark curiosity and motivate them to explore further.
This creates a ripple effect, encouraging a culture of continuous learning and discovery.
Additionally, the use of storytelling can enhance learning experiences by making information more relatable and memorable.
Research shows that narratives can help individuals connect emotionally to the material, leading to better understanding and retention.
Incorporating storytelling into learning can make abstract concepts more tangible.
#13 That's Some Good Luck
A woman once jumped off the 86th floor of the Empire State Building but the wind pushed her back and she fell on a ledge on the 85th floor. She survived.
- Tivoli
#14 Wait, Do We?
The fact that nobody knows if we all see colors the same way.
#15 They What?
It’s astonishing to realize that some individuals exist who do not appreciate music at all. As Dr. Barry Schwartz, a renowned psychologist, states, “Music is a universal language that connects us all, and the absence of this connection can be quite isolating.”
This notion both fascinates and troubles me.
The Power of Social Sharing
Social sharing of knowledge can enhance learning experiences for everyone involved.
Dr. Susan Lee, a social psychologist, highlights that sharing interesting facts or experiences can lead to deeper discussions and insights.
This is especially important in educational contexts where collaborative learning can enhance understanding.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning—learning through experience—can be one of the most effective ways to gain new knowledge.
Studies indicate that hands-on experiences can significantly improve comprehension and retention.
Incorporating practical applications into learning can make the material more relevant and engaging.
#16 That's Dedication
I still can’t get over the fact that Teddy Roosevelt got shot and continued to give a three hour speech. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "Resilience in the face of adversity can often lead to remarkable stories that inspire others."
#17 Long Live The Queen
Ant biologists still don't know the maximum life span of most ant queens. They just live too long to keep track, and they're not too easy to keep in captivity. The longest one on record is like 30 years old, and there could easily be species that live longer than that.
- My O My
#18 Tough Termites
There is a termite colony in the Amazon Rain Forest that is the size of Great Britain and is almost 4,000 years old. There are also hundreds of millions of termite mounds.
Moreover, sharing knowledge can boost individual confidence and self-esteem.
Research shows that individuals who contribute to discussions and share information often feel more valued and connected.
This not only enhances their learning experience but also fosters a sense of belonging within the group.
Moreover, fostering a growth mindset can enhance learning outcomes.
Research shows that individuals who believe in their ability to grow and improve are more likely to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties.
Encouraging this mindset can lead to greater resilience and a positive attitude towards learning.
#19 This Is Not A Joke
The U.S government has an official plan for a Zombie apocalypse. CONPLAN 8888 also known as Counter-Zombie Dominance was written in 2011. And just in case you think it's weird bureaucratic humor, the first line reads, 'This plan was not actually designed as a joke.'
#20 So Many Trees
There are more trees on Earth than there are stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
Confirmed by NASA.
#21 Heavy
A neutron star is so dense that a teaspoon of material from one would weigh around 10 million tons.
- pei meow
#22 Hmm
If the timeline of the universe (up to now) was compressed into a year starting on new year's day, Homo sapiens would appear at 11:54 pm on December 31st.
#23 Mito... What?
Mitochondria is only passed down by mother so there's a concept of mitochondrial eve, all humans today have their mitochondrial DNA derived from her.
#24 Banana-berries?
Strawberries aren’t berries. But bananas are.
- pei meow
#25 The Fermi Paradox
With the number of potentially habitable Earth-like planets in our galaxy alone, it’s very strange that we haven’t detected alien signals of any kind so far. According to Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, "The silence of the cosmos could be a reflection of a deeper understanding of existential risks that civilizations face." This aligns with the intriguing theory known as the Great Silence or Dark Forest hypothesis, which suggests that other civilizations might be deliberately quiet to avoid detection by potential threats. "It’s a chilling thought," adds Dr. Haidt on his professional site, jonathanhaidt.com. Interestingly, many responses to this topic, whether humorous or serious, often touch on legitimate theories surrounding the Fermi Paradox.
#26 Big Bacteria
The largest known species of bacteria, Thiomargarita namibiensis, can reach a maximum diameter of 0.7 millimeters, making it visible to the naked eye. According to Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, an education expert, "Understanding the diversity of life, even at the microscopic level, can inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for science." This is particularly striking when you consider that the average bacterium measures just 0.001 millimeters in diameter.
Creating a Culture of Curiosity
Fostering a culture of curiosity encourages individuals to ask questions and seek out new experiences.
Dr. Michael J. O'Connor, an educational psychologist, emphasizes that curiosity is the cornerstone of lifelong learning.
When individuals are encouraged to explore their interests, they are more likely to remain engaged and motivated.
The Role of Feedback in Learning
Feedback is essential for continuous improvement and learning.
Research indicates that constructive feedback can help individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses, guiding their efforts towards growth.
Creating a culture where feedback is encouraged leads to enhanced learning and development.
#27 Mind Blowing Indeed
How a computer does what it does. Blows my mind how 1's and 0's can do so much. Maybe I'm uneducated, but still mind blowing.
- Johnny
#28 Eek
A pig will eat a whole human body except for the teeth.
- pei meow
#29 The Human Brain
The way the human brain works. These cells that are powered by tiny jolts of electricity are collectively having conscious thoughts, coming up with morals and empathy and every human behavior.
- Rissie
#30 That's Pretty Awesome
That Neutrinos have mass and every second of every day about a billion of them are going through every square inch of your body - but the space between your atoms is so huge there's pretty much a 0% chance they will ever hit you.
- Jus
Lastly, technology can play a significant role in facilitating continuous learning.
Studies highlight that online resources and learning platforms can provide diverse opportunities for individuals to expand their knowledge and skills.
Leveraging technology can enhance accessibility and flexibility in learning, making it easier for people to engage with new information.
Psychological Analysis
This phenomenon highlights the human capacity for learning and adaptation throughout life.
Our in-house psychologist notes that cultivating curiosity and a growth mindset can significantly enhance our ability to engage with new information and experiences.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, embracing continuous learning is vital for personal growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing world.
Research supports the idea that fostering curiosity, engaging with others, and leveraging technology can enhance the learning process, making it more effective and enjoyable.
Additionally, creating environments where curiosity is celebrated can enhance overall learning outcomes.
Research indicates that students who feel free to explore their interests are more likely to perform better academically.
This highlights the importance of nurturing curiosity in educational settings.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, the joy of learning and the sharing of knowledge play crucial roles in personal and academic growth.
Encouraging curiosity and a growth mindset can foster stronger connections and enhance learning experiences.
Ultimately, creating a culture that values inquiry can lead to lifelong learning and discovery.
