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Not everything needs to be over the top to captivate our attention. Even the smallest of things to a wondering mind can turn out to be hiding a story behind them. That is why today, we have selected another list of mildly interesting photos for your forever curious minds.

Over 21 million members on this subreddit are proof that there is no shortage of observant people who are consistently ready to be surprised by, at first, seemingly ordinary things. With the help of these images, we can notice how different we all are, depending on where our attention is drawn, and appreciate all the randomness available all around us if we just keep looking.

So if you're feeling stuck in a rut, or just looking for a little inspiration, we invite you to dive into the complexity of the ordinary and discover something new to you. And for more on Bored Panda, visit our previous post here.

One of our characteristics that makes us especially interested in everything around us is curiosity. To learn more about that, Bored Panda got in touch with a brilliant astrophysicist, best-selling author, and popular speaker, Dr. Mario Livio. Read a full interview below.

More info: mario-livio.com | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter

#1

My Local Hospital Has Provided A House For A Cat That Frequently Visits

My Local Hospital Has Provided A House For A Cat That Frequently Visits

syncopant Report

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fanscious-c_a_t
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i miss my cats 😭 they rest in peace now, but they're still loved.❤ Edit: I'm sorry for everyone here who's loved companions who also passed or were lost. Lots of love, and we'll remember their memories, even if they're not here. Love to everyone, have a very good day/night❤

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    #3

    The Vegetable Shops Here Show A Pic Of The Farmer

    The Vegetable Shops Here Show A Pic Of The Farmer

    keebler980 Report

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    adamchang avatar
    Adam Chang
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sweden have a show called "bonde söker fru" = "farmer seeks wife"...farmer version of Bachelor

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    Curiosity is a fundamental human characteristic that drives us to explore and comprehend our surroundings. It is the spark that piques our interest in learning, discovering, and creating. That is how the book “Why: What Makes Us Curious” by Dr. Mario Livio was born.

    Dr. Mario shared what inspired him to write and research curiosity. “I am a very curious person, and at some point, I became curious about curiosity itself. While doing the research for the book 'WHY?' I was surprised by the fact that not very many researchers are studying curiosity.” It seems that everyone was asking questions but not the core of where those questions come from.

    #4

    The Ceiling Lights In This Medical Test Lab Are In The Form Of Electrocardiogram (Ecg)

    The Ceiling Lights In This Medical Test Lab Are In The Form Of Electrocardiogram (Ecg)

    thesahilpatel Report

    #5

    I Toasted Bread To Absolute Perfection

    I Toasted Bread To Absolute Perfection

    InFlames235 Report

    #6

    Someone Knitted A Sweater For Their Car's Emblem

    Someone Knitted A Sweater For Their Car's Emblem

    bluemoonlighter Report

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    Curiosity can manifest itself in a variety of ways. For some, it's a desire to understand how the world works that drives their interest in science and technology. Others are drawn to history, literature, or the arts because they are fascinated by the past and the stories that make up our collective human experience.

    When learning about curiosity itself, it turns out there are more layers to it. Dr. Mario shared: “There are a few types of curiosity. 'Perceptual' curiosity is the curiosity we feel when things are surprising or ambiguous. 'Epistemic' curiosity is the one that drives scientific research. 'Diversive' curiosity is what we do to avoid boredom, and 'Specific' curiosity is about specific questions. There are more types (e.g. 'Morbid' curiosity, when people gather around accident sites).”

    #7

    Toaster Bath Bomb I Found At The Mall

    Toaster Bath Bomb I Found At The Mall

    frogmug Report

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    loridae avatar
    Janis Wise
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know a lot of people I’ve been tempted to buy toasters for their bath that come with instructions to “make sure to plug in toaster first”.

    bored_18 avatar
    Rodney McKay
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If that price is for just one, then it's a very expensive joke.

    idrow avatar
    Id row
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the hell are those made out of that they're so expensive? I wouldn't spend more than 50 cents for something like that.

    sadielauren avatar
    DustTea
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i’d buy all of them. this is great. this is what i’m gonna think about for the rest of the day

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    skyrender avatar
    Sky Render
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For when you want to do your best impersonation of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.

    chris_hooley avatar
    Spannermonkey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oooh. Um. I appreciate the joke, but I'm not comfortable with it.

    fenjim_vnils avatar
    Neal fy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I saw it I thought I wouldn't buy it, then I saw the name and now I'd like to have one.

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    #8

    A Local Pizzeria Started Using A Dough Ball Instead Of The Plastic Thingies To Keep The Pizza Intact

    A Local Pizzeria Started Using A Dough Ball Instead Of The Plastic Thingies To Keep The Pizza Intact

    UnintentionalExpat Report

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    #9

    A Park In My City Was Adopted By The Satanic Temple

    A Park In My City Was Adopted By The Satanic Temple

    ShowerStew Report

    Each of these types of curiosity is responsible for different areas in that we, as humans, evolve and move forward. Dr. Livio shared that “perceptual curiosity is associated with an area in the brain that is related to conflict, or hunger, it represents an unpleasant state that we want to get out of. Epistemic curiosity is associated with an anticipation of reward (like when someone offers us a piece of chocolate.”

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    He added: “Epistemic curiosity has indeed led to progress in science. We are most curious when we already know something about a subject, but we know or feel that there is more to be known. Human curiosity has always surpassed the one needed for mere survival.”

    #10

    Took A Small Squirt Of My Shaving Gel, And Got A Little Chicken!

    Took A Small Squirt Of My Shaving Gel, And Got A Little Chicken!

    DetailFactory Report

    #11

    This 1969 Dollar Bill We Found In My Dad's Small Money Collection With A 00000001 Serial Number

    This 1969 Dollar Bill We Found In My Dad's Small Money Collection With A 00000001 Serial Number

    Miss_Behaves Report

    #12

    This Bottom Left Window Is Actually A Painting

    This Bottom Left Window Is Actually A Painting

    BannedFromEarth Report

    Curiosity is a driving force behind innovation and progress. Many of the inventions and discoveries that have shaped our world today would not have been possible without curiosity. Therefore, we wanted to know some practical strategies that individuals and organizations can use to cultivate and leverage curiosity in their daily lives and work.

    “Always start with something the person (or organization) is already curious about (and not with something you want them to be curious about) and then, find a way to connect what they are already curious about to what you think they should be curious about. Also, I coined the phrase, 'curiosity is the best remedy for fear.' If you are afraid of something, try to learn more about it,” shared Dr. Mario.

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    If you are interested in learning more about curiosity, there is no better way than reading Dr. Mario Livio’s book “Why: What Makes Us Curious”.

    #13

    The Bubbles At The Bottom Of My Water Glass Look Like A Script Of Some Kind

    The Bubbles At The Bottom Of My Water Glass Look Like A Script Of Some Kind

    Lilt34 Report

    #14

    This Company Ships Their Product In Boxes Marked As Plain Flour To Deter Porch Pirates

    This Company Ships Their Product In Boxes Marked As Plain Flour To Deter Porch Pirates

    CondeNastyDigital Report

    #15

    Tall Skinny Snowman Made With A Bucket

    Tall Skinny Snowman Made With A Bucket

    randalwon Report

    #16

    I Have An Uncanny Resemblance To The Freya Carving At Epcot’s Stave Church

    I Have An Uncanny Resemblance To The Freya Carving At Epcot’s Stave Church

    norskunna Report

    #17

    We Found Neighbouring Houses With The Same Colours As Our Jackets

    We Found Neighbouring Houses With The Same Colours As Our Jackets

    pantalooon Report

    #18

    Cat Bed Instructions: “Your Cat Will Figure It Out”

    Cat Bed Instructions: “Your Cat Will Figure It Out”

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    #19

    Our Garbagemen Left Us A Christmas Card In Our Mailbox

    Our Garbagemen Left Us A Christmas Card In Our Mailbox

    brandschain Report

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    Annik Perrot
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ours visit us in holiday season, "selling" calendars, in fact asking for "étrennes", à traditional holiday season tip. We are always generous. First it's a hard job... and also it doesn't do to be on your garbage man's sh*t list ;-))

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    #21

    This Snow Puppy My Wife Casually Threw Together

    This Snow Puppy My Wife Casually Threw Together

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    #22

    Batteries With “Bitter Coating” To Prevent Kids From Swallowing Them

    Batteries With “Bitter Coating” To Prevent Kids From Swallowing Them

    fernanaj Report

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    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a good idea. Children tend to put almost everything in their mouths.

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    #23

    My Local Five Guys Is Being Run By Five Girls Tonight

    My Local Five Guys Is Being Run By Five Girls Tonight

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    wendillon avatar
    Monday
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be disappointed if they didn't great me with "hi there and welcome to five gals" or something.

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    #24

    This 57-Year Old Telegram My Grandpa Sent My Grandma

    This 57-Year Old Telegram My Grandpa Sent My Grandma

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a postcard my grandfather sent to my grandmother during the war, it's in morse code. My nephew translated it for me, it said to my amazing sweetheart, love Bob.

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    #25

    This Puzzle Is Actually A Prank Puzzle

    This Puzzle Is Actually A Prank Puzzle

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    #26

    A Broken Tube TV In My Work Has "Game Over" Burnt Into The Screen

    A Broken Tube TV In My Work Has "Game Over" Burnt Into The Screen

    nordvplan Report

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    VonBlade
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not a TV, it's a monitor from an arcade game. Judging from the placement of the Speed in the top right, I think it's Pole Position. In fact let me quickly load it up. Tada, screenshot as proof. Screen-Sho...9594af.jpg Screen-Shot-03-07-23-at-1230-PM-64072e99594af.jpg

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    #27

    1956 Truck Looks Brand New

    1956 Truck Looks Brand New

    SubieYoshi Report

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    Peppy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is a thing of beauty and the colour is perfect 😍

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    #28

    This Pizza Shop Offers Two Types Of Straws, But Questions Your Reasoning

    This Pizza Shop Offers Two Types Of Straws, But Questions Your Reasoning

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    YourSecretSanta
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What I hate about the paper straw thing is that we were led to believe that we as individuals are the problem, when corporations cause more sea and air pollution than the population combined

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    #29

    My Takeout Rice Container Was 100% Filled

    My Takeout Rice Container Was 100% Filled

    SwashbucklingWeasels Report

    #30

    I Bought An Old Math Textbook And It Has The Original Pledge Of Allegiance In The Front Without "Under God"

    I Bought An Old Math Textbook And It Has The Original Pledge Of Allegiance In The Front Without "Under God"

    seditiouslizard Report

    #31

    Doll Came With A Tiny Phone That Has A Tiny Broken Screen

    Doll Came With A Tiny Phone That Has A Tiny Broken Screen

    cooliojames Report

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    #32

    The Result Of My Family Putting All Of Our Fruit Stickers On Our Fridge For The Past Several Years

    The Result Of My Family Putting All Of Our Fruit Stickers On Our Fridge For The Past Several Years

    Seaspooder Report

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    Liz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like that crochet blanket you’d find at your grandmother’s house.

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    #34

    This Enormous Mountain Of Saffron In A Bazar In Tehran

    This Enormous Mountain Of Saffron In A Bazar In Tehran

    Lucamadeus93 Report

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    Heather Resatz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only 3 pistils per crocus for saffron .. I'm sure those fields of flowers are gorgeous! But no wonder they're so expensive

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    #35

    This Restaurant In Monterrey, Ca Doesn’t Allow Children

    This Restaurant In Monterrey, Ca Doesn’t Allow Children

    rockmeamat3ur Report

    #36

    At My Job We Have 2 Of These Foam Things Hanging, Specifically For People To Poke, So That The Other Ones Don't Get Destroyed And We Don't Have To Throw Them Away

    At My Job We Have 2 Of These Foam Things Hanging, Specifically For People To Poke, So That The Other Ones Don't Get Destroyed And We Don't Have To Throw Them Away

    Jamie_logan Report

    #39

    Our Office Received A Pallet Jack On A Pallet Today

    Our Office Received A Pallet Jack On A Pallet Today

    efjer Report

    #40

    There's A Desserts-Only Mini Mcdonalds Outside My Hotel

    There's A Desserts-Only Mini Mcdonalds Outside My Hotel

    umichscoots Report

    #41

    The Prize Car At This Dying Mall Is An 18 Year Old Corvette

    The Prize Car At This Dying Mall Is An 18 Year Old Corvette

    EyeLike2Watch Report

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    #42

    Home Made Cheese Aging In One Of My Refrigerator "Cheese Caves"

    Home Made Cheese Aging In One Of My Refrigerator "Cheese Caves"

    5ittingduck Report

    #43

    The Top Of The Boston Skyline Is Just Barely Visible From Cape Cod

    The Top Of The Boston Skyline Is Just Barely Visible From Cape Cod

    WeaponizedFeline Report

    #44

    Waffle House Includes Sales Tax

    Waffle House Includes Sales Tax

    Jove108 Report

    #45

    My 1 Euro Coin Fell Apart

    My 1 Euro Coin Fell Apart

    AddAFucking Report

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    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it possible that it's a counterfeit coin? Years ago, Canadians were warned of counterfeit toonies (2 dollar coins). The bad quality of the coin was a clue.

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    #47

    This Building Im In Has Chairs And Desks Mounted On The Wall

    This Building Im In Has Chairs And Desks Mounted On The Wall

    WillyHeeler Report

    #48

    Opened A Clif Builder Bar To Find A Piece Taken Out

    Opened A Clif Builder Bar To Find A Piece Taken Out

    Snowedin-69 Report

    #49

    An Egg I Bought From A Farmer's Market (Bottom) Compared To A Store Bought One

    An Egg I Bought From A Farmer's Market (Bottom) Compared To A Store Bought One

    pls_dont_ban_mod Report

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    CV Vir
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It depends on the breed, and what they are fed. Not necessarily an indicator of quality.

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    #50

    This Public Restroom At A Hotel Has Black Toilet Paper

    This Public Restroom At A Hotel Has Black Toilet Paper

    nothochiminh Report

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    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's chic, but how are you supposed to know if you cleaned up properly?

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    Note: this post originally had 130 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.