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Article created by: Austėja Akavickaitė

When browsing the internet, not only do we rarely learn anything, but we often also forget things. Think of our long-gone attention spans that social media has cut to the brim, and ask yourself when was the last time you scrolled through something seriously beneficial.

While you wonder, let me tell you there’s the internet’s beloved corner of Reddit which makes karma, or rather our brain levels, even because it actually teaches us something. We’re talking about the 'Today I Learned' online group that celebrates curiosity by sharing some of the most interesting and lesser-known things, facts, and bits of knowledge we all appreciate.

Today is the day for the newest TIL batch, so pull your seat closer and enjoy the ride without guilt. When you’re done, be sure to check our previous TIL features here, here, and here and be sure to share them with your friends!

#1

Two monks meditating on a rock overlooking a forest, illustrating peace and focus in the art of learning new facts. TIL that when Yoshitaro Shibasaki and his team completed their 1907 ascent of Mount Tsurugi — thought to be the final unclimbed mountain remaining in the Japanese archipelago — they found an ancient sword at the summit that was later determined to have been left there more than 1000 years earlier.

murdered-by-swords , 唐山健志郎 Report

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    #2

    Sepia-toned vintage portrait of a woman wearing a bow tie, symbolizing timeless inspiration to learn something new. TIL: As far back as 1872, despite practically no women being allowed to vote, Victoria Woodhull of the Equal Rights Party became the first woman nominated for a US Presidential election. Frederick Douglass, a black abolitionist, was even chosen as her running mate

    That_Charming_Otter , Mathew Brady Report

    #3

    Characters in unique costumes from a sci-fi comedy film illustrating fun facts about learning new things. TIL George Lucas not only gave his blessing to make Spaceballs, he also handed the movie over to his effects company, Industrial Light and Magic, to provide the space effects and postproduction

    Bl4ckb100d , mgm Report

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    #4

    Two young children with curly hair holding toys, illustrating the concept of Today I Learned facts about learning at any age. TIL The only children to survive the Titanic without a parent were two brothers aged 2 and 4. Their father kidnapped them from his ex-wife and boarded the ship with a fake name. The father didn’t survive and for weeks the boys were known as the Titanic Orphans until their mother was found.

    triviafrenzy , poland posts english Report

    #5

    Close-up of vibrant yellow flowers in bloom, illustrating the concept that it's never too late to learn something new. TIL that a 2019 study showed that evening primrose plants can "hear" the sound of a buzzing bee nearby and produce sweeter nectar in response to it.

    godsenfrik , pxhere Report

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    #6

    Portrait of a woman in an elaborate hat showcasing timeless elegance, illustrating that it’s never too late to learn something new. TIL US President John Adam’s beloved daughter Nabby developed breast cancer and underwent a complete mastectomy without anesthesia while strapped to a chair.

    howsadley , Mather Brown Report

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    #7

    Stadium seating area with a name plaque showing Joe Delaney 1981-82, illustrating facts about learning new things. TIL in 1983, NFL Chiefs running back Joe Delaney sacrificed his life in an attempt to save three children from drowning. His number is unofficially retired by the team and a statue was put up in his hometown.

    solojones1138 , Conman33 Report

    #8

    NASA building under dark stormy clouds with parked cars along the road, symbolizing discovery and learning new facts today TIL the boy whose exorcism was the inspiration behind The Exorcist grew up to be a NASA engineer. His work contributed to the Apollo mission in the '60s.

    Adisaisa , NASA Report

    #9

    Round plate with the pi symbol in the center and digits of pi around the edge, representing facts and learning new things. TIL, despite its vastness, it only takes 39-40 digits of pi to calculate the size of the observable universe to an accuracy of 1 hydrogen atom. Because of this, NASA uses only 15 digits of pi in even their highest accuracy calculations.

    zyonker , dano272 Report

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    #10

    Assorted Hormel Compleats ready meals and pantry items organized in a drawer illustrating convenience and quick meal options. TIL that Hormel Foods keeps a file of hatemail they've received from American soldiers who had to eat the notorious food product while at war overseas

    BrokenEye3 , I am R. Report

    #11

    Sailing ship named Rainbow Warrior docked in harbor, illustrating facts that prove it’s never too late to learn something new. TIL French secret service agents bombed the Greenpeace ship "Rainbow Warrior in order to stop Greenpeace from disrupting underwater nuclear testing in 1985.

    treebob07 , greenpeace Report

    #12

    Blue ancient hippopotamus figurine with intricate patterns, symbolizing facts that prove it’s never too late to learn new. TIL that there are around 50-60 blue faience hippopotamus statuettes that survived from Ancient Egypt. Due to the danger hippos posed in the wild, they often snapped off the legs of hippopotamus statuettes before placing them in tombs, so the hippos wouldn’t be able to eat the soul of the deceased.

    AndiamoAllie , The Metropolitan Museum of Art Report

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    #13

    Black and white scene with Dalek robots and a humanoid figure from a vintage sci-fi show, representing learning and discovery. TIL Episodes Five and Ten of 1960s Doctor Who story The Daleks' Master Plan were long considered missing until they were found in the basement of a Mormon church in Wandsworth. Nobody has found out how they got there.

    MellotronSymphony , burrunjor Report

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    #14

    Declassified Simple Sabotage Field Manual from Strategic Services showing historical learning material for new skills. TIL that during World War II, the United States published a spy manual urging middle managers in enemy territory to sabotage their employers by bringing up irrelevant issues, promoting bad workers, haggling over petty details, and holding unnecessary meetings.

    PikesPique , Joe Loong Report

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    #15

    Close-up of green plants in a field, illustrating growth and the idea that it’s never too late to learn something new. TIL about corn sweat, where corn plants release water into the air. One acre of corn can release 3,000-4,000 gallons of water per day, and can raise the humidity level up to 10%.

    ClassyBroadMSP , Felix Report

    #16

    Close-up of a man wearing a hat outdoors with greenery in background, illustrating facts about learning something new. TIL that SNL called Phil Hartman "The Glue" because his professionalism and comedy skills held together so many sketches

    JeremyZenith , Paul Hartmann Report

    #17

    Two people having a conversation on stage in formal attire, illustrating 24 Today I Learned facts about learning. TIL in 2009 British people rebelled against the ongoing trend of X Factor victors winning Christmas number one by purchasing copies of Rage Against the Machine

    Eireconnection , Mary Hutchison Report

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    #18

    Man smiling holding a bright orange bowling ball, illustrating the concept of learning something new at any age. TIL The professional bowler Chris Barnes once beat a robot optimized to throw strikes

    Hrtzy , Vinod Divakaran Report

    #19

    Basket of fresh dandelion greens and yellow flowers on rustic wooden table showcasing learning new facts. TIL that dandelions are edible and are actually really nutritious and can be eaten raw

    Madarathequincy , health.clevelandclinic Report

    #20

    Victorian-era group playing tennis outdoors, showing historical perspective on learning new skills at any age. TIL traditional grass lawns originated as a status symbol for the wealthy. Neatly cut lawns used solely for aesthetics became a status symbol as it demonstrated that the owner could afford to maintain grass that didn’t serve purposes of food production.

    vinsclortho , planetnatural Report

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    #21

    Two men engaged in conversation outdoors at night, illustrating the concept of learning something new at any age. TIL Quentin Tarantino directed an episode of CSI in 2005 after word of him being a fan of the show got back to the show's producers.

    DjOverEZ Report

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    #22

    Black and white vintage photo of a man with a large mustache illustrating Today I Learned facts about learning new things. TIL that the surgeon August Bier tested on his own assistant a form of anesthesia consisting of injecting cocaine directly into the spine, and to check how effective it was, he stuck a needle in his leg, hit him in the shins with a hammer, ripped off his pubic hair and even squeezed his testicles.

    ShabtaiBenOron , Nicola Perscheid Report

    Stuart
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hopefully it was working while he did all that.

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    #23

    Portrait of an older man with a beard holding a cigar, symbolizing learning and wisdom in later life. TIL that Sigmund Freud was a Cocaine Addict, and he personally prescribed it to his wife and friends

    benp242 , Max Halberstadt Report

    #24

    Ancient Roman man in regal attire gazes over a landscape, illustrating the timeless value of learning something new. TIL When Emperor Nero got his mistress pregnant, he divorced and banished his wife Octavia. When this led to a public outcry, he instead had her executed.

    HeStoleMyBalloons , historynotes Report

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