41 New "TIL" Facts From Redditors That Will Spark Your Curiosity Today
"The Masai Tribe in Africa donated 14 cows to the United States after 9/11."
Reddit’s TIL community is back with another batch of facts that are weird, surprising, and hard to scroll past. From history and science to tiny details hiding in plain sight, these posts are the kind that make you stop and say, wait, really?
This roundup pulls together 41 fresh TIL moments shared by Redditors, and the mix is all over the map in the best way. Some are funny, some are sobering, and some are the kind of trivia that sticks with you long after you’ve moved on to the next post.
Keep going, because a few of these facts get stranger than you’d expect.
1. "The Masai Tribe in Africa donated 14 cows to the United States after 9/11."
reddit2. After 17 years, they finally discovered it.
"Scientists at the Parkes radio telescope in Australia spent 17 years trying to identify powerful but extremely short radio bursts that would appear at seemingly random intervals. In 2015 they finally identified the cause: a microwave oven at the facility being opened prematurely."
reddit3. "Bats eat enough insects to save the US over $1 Billion a year in crop damage and pesticide."
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The Masai Tribe's gesture of donating 14 cows to the United States after 9/11 is a poignant illustration of altruism and community solidarity. This act reflects what psychologists refer to as 'prosocial behavior'-actions intended to benefit others. Such behaviors can also serve as a coping mechanism, promoting psychological resilience in both the giver and the receiver. When communities rally together in times of need, it reinforces a collective identity and can significantly enhance well-being.
4. "TIL in 1999, Danish physicist Lene Hau was able to slow down light to 38 mph (61 kmph), and was later able to stop it completely, manipulate it, even move it to a different location."
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5. The first strike in history:
"TIL about Secessio Plebis which was a form of revolt first introduced in ancient Rome. When the ruling class of Rome would become too corrupt or unjust to the commoners, the commoners would band together, evacuate the entire city and leave the elites to fend for themselves."
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6. Never underestimate a professional opera singer:
"TIL that in the operatic song in The Fifth Element, composer Eric Sierra "purposely wrote un-singable things" so she’d sound like an alien. When opera singer Inva Muls came for the part, "she sang 85% of what [Eric] thought was technically impossible", the rest being assembled in the studio."
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Learning new facts and increasing knowledge can be a deeply rewarding experience, tapping into what psychologists describe as the 'reward system' of the brain. The release of dopamine during learning experiences not only enhances enjoyment but also reinforces the behavior, making individuals more likely to seek out and engage in learning opportunities.
Research published in the journal Science indicates that curiosity-an intrinsic motivator-plays a crucial role in learning. The study found that when individuals engage with new and interesting information, their brains create new neural connections, thus enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Moreover, fostering a habit of lifelong learning can improve not only intellectual engagement but also emotional health, as it encourages adaptability in an ever-changing world.
7. Soul Asylum's Runaway Train music video helped to find 26 of 36 missing children.
"TIL that 26 of the 36 missing children featured in the original music videos for Soul Asylum's Runaway Train have been found. Most recently, the remains of Aundria Bowman were identified in 2020, 31 years after she was reported missing."
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8. Crayola crayons
"TIL A Canadian makeup developer helped Crayola create "Colors of the World" crayons that are meant to accurately reflect human skin tones. He pared down the 40 shades he had created for Cover FX to 24 distinct colors that kids can use to draw themselves."
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9. A clever way to motivate people to file honest tax reports.
"TIL to collect taxes, Christian IV of Denmark asked captains of ships crossing the Øresund to estimate the value of their cargo, which was applied as the tax base without further audit. But the king also claimed the right to buy the entire cargo at exactly that price."
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The Importance of Curiosity
Curiosity is more than just a desire for knowledge; it’s a fundamental aspect of psychological well-being.
10. Einstein's reaction to paparazzi
"TIL the iconic Einstein-sticking-his-tongue-out photo was his annoyed reaction to paparazzi goading him to smile on his 72nd birthday. It achieved cult status mostly because Einstein himself asked for a cropped version, ordered many prints and proceeded to send them to friends."
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11. "TIL figure skating competitions in the 1800s involved the act of skating pictures into the ice. This required precision and wasn't as fast-paced as modern figure skating."
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12. "TIL Joseph Armand Bombardier invented the snowmobile after his son died of appendicitis when a blizzard prevented him from getting him to a hospital in time."
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In the digital age, the accessibility of information online can overwhelm individuals, leading to what some psychologists call 'information overload.' Research shows that excessive information can impair decision-making abilities and increase stress levels.
To counteract this, it's beneficial to adopt a more mindful approach to information consumption. Psychologists recommend strategies such as setting specific learning objectives and time limits for engaging with content to create a balanced and focused learning experience.
By filtering information intentionally, individuals can enhance retention and understanding, making the pursuit of knowledge both enjoyable and manageable.
13. When you achieve one world record and life gives you another one accidentally.
"TIL about Jean Boulet who in 1972 set the world record for the highest altitude reached in a helicopter, 40,280ft. During descent his engines failed, and he landed the helicopter without power, setting another record in the process for the highest unpowered helicopter landing."
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14. "TIL that on the entire 4300 mile length of the Amazon river there are no bridges"
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15. When you are compatible with everyone.
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Social Connection and Learning
Social learning theory highlights the importance of observational learning and imitation in acquiring new knowledge and skills. This principle is particularly relevant in communal settings, where individuals can learn from one another's experiences.
This dynamic can be seen in online learning communities or forums like Reddit, where shared experiences can spark curiosity and facilitate deeper understanding.
Encouraging collaboration and discussion around interesting facts not only enhances learning but also strengthens social bonds, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
16. Harm set, harm get
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17. "TIL the 7 year rule for dog aging is incorrect - compared to humans, dogs age faster when young and slower as they age"
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18. Looks like he doesn't like the popularity.
"TIL after the TV show Teletubbies ended, the owner of the land used had to dig out the hill and flood the field it was filmed in, due to the amount of people trespassing to see Teletubbieland"
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The act of sharing intriguing facts can also be seen as a form of social currency.
And if you like real-world twists, these 100 historical moments will hit just as hard.
19. One and only:
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20. And for good reason
"TIL that a suicidal teen from the UK used several fake online personas to convince his best mate to kill him, he survived the attack but became the first person in UK history to be charged with inciting their own murder"
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21. "TIL that the Feeling of "impending doom" is an official symptom of a Wrong blood type Transfusion. (ABO incompatibility)"
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Cognitive Flexibility and New Information
Cognitive flexibility refers to the mental ability to switch between thinking about different concepts or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously. This trait is crucial for adapting to new information and environments.
Research conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles highlights that individuals with high cognitive flexibility tend to approach problem-solving more creatively and effectively. They are more open to new experiences, which enhances their ability to learn from diverse perspectives.
Practically, enhancing cognitive flexibility can involve engaging with diverse viewpoints, practicing mindfulness, and challenging one’s own beliefs-activities that not only expand knowledge but also foster a more nuanced understanding of the world.
22. Thanks to the readers, at least 144 books were saved.
"TIL that a fire destroyed most of Harvard Library’s collection in 1764. Only a small number of books were spared, including 144 that were checked out at the time. One of these books was found and returned in 1997"
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23. "TIL that the first commercial airliner shot down by hostile forces was refurbished, returned to service, and later became the third commercial airliner to be shot down by hostile forces"
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24. "TIL The London Underground has its own subspecies of mosquito that lives exclusively in the stations and tunnels"
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The thrill of learning new facts often hinges on the element of surprise.
Surprise is a powerful motivator for learning, as it disrupts existing cognitive patterns and encourages individuals to seek explanations.
To leverage this in everyday life, individuals can seek out unusual or counterintuitive facts that challenge their existing knowledge, thus creating opportunities for deeper engagement and understanding.
25. If you dare, ask for your gold.
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26. "TIL there's a gene that controls how long you sleep. "Short sleepers" function the same off of 4-6 hours of sleep as a typical individual getting 8"
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27. "TIL the last king of Egypt, Faud II, is still alive and ascended to the throne when he was just 192 days old. He was deposed a year later after his father was exiled and Egypt declared a republic"
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Emotional Resonance in Learning
The emotional context in which learning occurs significantly influences information retention. Research in educational psychology shows that when individuals connect emotionally with material, they're more likely to remember it.
Conversely, negative emotions can narrow focus and hinder learning.
To enhance learning experiences, it’s advisable to create emotionally engaging contexts, whether through storytelling, personal connections, or interactive discussions, thus making the information more memorable and impactful.
28. 58 years in such a condition...
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29. Sorry for the disappointment
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30. Their lives were at stake, it had to be done.
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In a world teeming with information, our ability to discern valuable knowledge from noise becomes essential. Research published in the Journal of Educational Psychology emphasizes the importance of critical thinking skills in evaluating the credibility of information sources.
Practically, individuals can improve their critical thinking by questioning the validity of sources, seeking multiple viewpoints, and applying analytical frameworks to new information-skills that will serve them well in both personal and professional contexts.
31. And he proved his point, but the opposite one.
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32. A traitor of her kind.
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33. Fascinating human brain
"TIL that when deaf people experience stroke-related brain damage, they often lose the ability to sign in remarkably similar ways to the different forms of linguistic aphasia (difficulty speaking, forming words, sentences being nonsensical)"
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The Joy of Sharing Knowledge
Sharing knowledge can foster a sense of purpose and belonging, which are vital components of psychological well-being. Research from the University of Oxford found that individuals who regularly share knowledge and engage in teaching others report higher levels of happiness.
This phenomenon aligns with the concept of 'altruistic behavior,' where acts of kindness and generosity contribute positively to one’s mental health. By sharing interesting facts, individuals not only enhance their own knowledge but also create connections with others, reinforcing social ties.
To cultivate this practice, individuals can incorporate knowledge-sharing into their daily lives, whether through formal teaching, casual conversations, or online interactions, thereby enriching their own lives and the lives of others.
34. They are still useful for science.
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35. So, it all started in 1963.
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36. Impressive
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Lastly, the practice of curiosity in learning can be linked to resilience in the face of adversity.
37. Quite surprising
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38. Kriegspiel, a chess variant
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39. His frustration is justified.
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40. The orchestral compositions are considered one of the bests of the Baroque era.
"TIL Bach wrote the Brandenburg Concertos in 1721 as part of a job application to the Margrave, which he never received a reply. The concertos were unpublished until 1850 and almost lost again during WWII"
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41. Nature took care of everything
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Hopefully, this post helped you learn something new and interesting. But let us know if we have succeeded in our mission today.
We'd like to invite you to share some interesting facts with us in the comment section below. We also like to hear and learn new, unusual details, whether they are scientific or history related.
The journey through the 41 new "TIL" facts shared by Redditors is more than just a collection of trivia; it embodies the essence of curiosity that fuels our desire to learn. Each fact serves as a stepping stone toward a deeper understanding of the world, showcasing how new and engaging information can ignite our curiosity and expand our cognitive horizons.
As readers immerse themselves in these intriguing snippets of knowledge, they are not only enhancing their own understanding but also participating in a larger community of learners. This exchange of information fosters connections, allowing individuals to bond over shared insights and experiences. The act of learning becomes a shared joy, creating a sense of belonging among those who partake in this intellectual adventure.
Ultimately, the delight found in these facts is a reminder that knowledge-sharing enriches our lives and strengthens our social fabric, making the world a more interconnected and vibrant place.
Want more mind-blowing “how is this real?” stories, like the Masai Tribe donating 14 cows after 9/11? Check out 70 bizarre events that prove our planet is weirder than science fiction.
