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While some of the things we learn don't necessarily make us smarter, they can definitely arouse our desire to learn more. Or at least help us continue our stalling conversations. And Twitter account WTF Facts is dedicated to collecting and sharing these random tidbits of information. From celebrity lifestyle to international relations, the project covers a wide range of topics, which is probably the reason why its feed remains so fresh and interesting. Continue scrolling and check out some of the most popular tweets WTF Facts have ever released!

Knowing obscure facts isn't just fun. It's also good for our mental health. For example, experts say that playing trivia games can provide a dopamine rush much like gambling, but without the negative effects. 

Even if our trivia games differ, the benefits are there. Whether we're playing Trivial Pursuit at home or attending a pub trivia night, the basic premise remains the same: we experience the thrill of providing correct answers to questions about lesser-known facts.

"You get a rush or a neuroreward signal or a dopamine burst from winning,” John Kounios, Ph.D., professor of psychology and director of the doctoral program in applied cognitive and brain sciences at Drexel University in Pennsylvania, told Healthline. “I think whenever you’re challenged with a trivia question and you happen to know it, you get a rush. It’s sort of like gambling.”

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Kounios said the benefits can also be similar to those of playing a video game.

However, unlike gambling and even video games, Kounios said trivia is generally not a problematic habit.

“I don’t think there are any pitfalls,” he said. “Like anything else that’s fun, it takes up time.”

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A librarian from California, Sarah Kishler, loves trivia games and enjoys attending a monthly pub trivia night in which a team of librarians participates.

"Learning facts so that I can get better at trivia is definitely a passion of mine," she told Healthline. "Getting a question right is definitely very satisfying to me."

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guidopisano avatar
Guido Pisano
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in Italy... You're allowed to disobey an order that you think is illegal...

virgilblue avatar
Virgil Blue
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good call that. Blindly following orders has created so much tragedy.

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davenyc88 avatar
Dave P
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nearly every military in the world have this today, Geneva accords require militaries to allow it. After ww2 with all the German soldiers saying "Just following orders", they put this into international law. All signatories to the Geneva Accords have this

confred78 avatar
Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! But a lot of people don't know what the Geneva Convention even entails. Most think it's only about treating prisoners alright

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andreavilarmelego avatar
Ozacoter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is great. Following order blindly brings genocide, torture and other horrors.

didiri1337 avatar
Diana Eriksson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Sweden too, you're allowed to disobey orders that are illegal, too dangerous, or violates human rights.

danrider avatar
Son of Philosoraptor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also in America, soldiers are required to refuse an illegal order. Do they? But in theory, they can say "no I will not kill that civilian sir."

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Steffen Buchert
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As far as I know (from my time in the Bundeswehr) the rules are a bit more complicated: A soldier may refuse to obey an order if he thinks it violates human dignity. But if the order is repeated he has to obey. This covers the fact that sometimes crawling through garbage may be essential for completing yout mission even if it hurts your personal dignity.But if an order is violating the law a german soldier is required to disobey.

michellethezombey avatar
Michelle The Zombey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's even a bit more complicated than that; a German soldier is not only allowed to disobey orders, he is obligated to disobey any order that violate human dignity. It's a result from ww2, where many soldiers said they were just following orders. This has held up many times in civil court (Germany has no military court). Altho you can't if it just hurts your personal dignity like crawling through garbage to complete a mission, because that's another matter.

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Aamna Shah
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Laws do not matter when they're not enforced. Technically even the American military is supposed to refuse unlawful orders but they don't. Millions of innocent Iraqis, Afghans, Libyans and others are evidence of that but just like the Germans supported Nazism and their military committing war crimes, the Americans do as well albeit under the pretext of human rights.

markus_holstein90 avatar
Markus Holstein
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Grundgesetz, the German constitution, even grants every citizen the right to disobey anyone who attempts to overthrow the constitutional order: "Against anyone who undertakes to abolish this order, all Germans have the right to resistance, if another remedy is not possible"

michellethezombey avatar
Michelle The Zombey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not only that, but German soldiers are obligated to refuse an order if they think it violates human dignity.

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Alexander Bockstaller
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In fact, they are not only allowed but *obliged* to disobey if their obedience would mean committing a crime. The dignity of man is enshrined as inviolable by §1 of the German constitution. Thus anything that would violate it is a crime according to German law.

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Radek Suski
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am pretty sure it's not the Bundeswehr only. I assume almost every army in civilised countries can disobey orders on that premise

cosminz avatar
Cosmin Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also the romanian soldier has teh dame rights! Plus they can disobey any order that is against the law.

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CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile in the US soldiers are treated and see as dogs and are denied adequate mental healthcare after being forced to do God only knows what overseas.

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the Netherlands soldiers have the right to disobey orders that are illegal. People who give these orders are court-martialed.

jaynekyra avatar
Jayne Kyra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For all Americans going bonkers when they say "Germany", how about you read this first? I know you won´t, since you are too far up the @ss of your soldiers to see mistakes and BP loves to delete the truth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ghraib_torture_and_prisoner_abuse

zenseeds avatar
Paul Grant
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This condition should be also prescribed to the US military.

jessereed avatar
JESSE REED
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in America, you don't have to and shouldn't follow illegal orders. Nothing special here

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Arwen Gunter
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Brandi VanSteenwyk
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An edict no doubt born from the suffering of others. I fully agree with it.

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Roland Kreslin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are even more points a soldier don't have to fulfill the order... And in some cases it is also forbidden

jasminehammond avatar
J
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such a progressive army, I wish this was allowed worldwide.

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Wim Cossement
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Escaping prison is also legal in Germany because it's a natural thing to want when being incarcerated.

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M Kate McCulloch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that should be law around the world... so, when you are ordered to kill someone, knowing they will void their bowels after death, and that is very undignified, you can refuse.

dragonness37928 avatar
Satya Bain
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my customers actually told me about this. He said his father had orders to shoot on sight anyone violating human rights in any way.

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Bert van Aalsburg
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never again to use "I was just following orders" as a defense. Though I don't know if the same is codified in the U.S. military handbook, it could have precedent in the court martial of Lt. Calley who was convicted for his participation in the My Lai Massacre. His defense was "I was just following orders".

rhemore1 avatar
Suzanne Haigh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why so many down votes for Lydia? I can not see how this is offensive/incorrect

cyberchook avatar
Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting as service men and women are so brain washed to fight to protect. I wonder if that includes the rampant ( all countries) abusing verbally, raping and well known violations of fellow female service women who chose to also fight for their country?

fuggnuggins avatar
fuggnuggins
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Out of all the nations involved, which was the one that wasn't guilty of war crimes?

paige_garberding avatar
Paige Garberding
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A truly civilized rule. Wonder how many times, if ever, this rule has been invoked. An interesting Google search awaits ...

cruzarts avatar
Steve in Denver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This law was passed after so many defendents who participated in Nazi atrocities claimed they were just following orders.

mikerodrick avatar
Mike Rodrick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The same is true in our military. Orders can be ignored if considered illegal.

amandaxxj avatar
Jean Jacket
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least they learn from their mistakes unlike my ridiculous excuse for a country.

rangerkeim avatar
Ross Keim
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

US soldiers also have the right to refuse unlawful orders

damonrn avatar
Theoretical Empiricist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Germany demonstrates they can learn from their experiences with demagogues. Can we?

mjw0sysascend_com avatar
lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, they are required by law to disobey laws that are "illegal".

leviasher007 avatar
Chimmels
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m like 300% sure this goes for all ex facist countries

johnlm1981 avatar
John Montgomery
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is awesome, but is there something to have the person who gave the illegal order so they can pay the consequences?

generally_happy avatar
similarly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The U.S. Army is supposed to work the same way. A soldier should always refuse any order that conflicts with the Rules of Engagement or military code of conduct.

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Analyn Lahr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Other countries should have that. Germany learned from their mistakes.

markfuller avatar
Mark Fuller
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somewhat unfortunate that principle didn't apply a century ago. I mean, you could disagree... you just got lined up and shot. And the cynic in me thinks you'd still be punished for disobeying orders in this day and age.

el_dee_1 avatar
El Dee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes complete sense for the German Army and, in fact, should be in place throughout the world. We still witness war crimes on a regular basis and many are committed 'under orders'

lynmoffett avatar
Lyn Moffett
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shame that law wasn’t around when that maniac Hitler and his cohorts were alive!!!!!

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Hugh Walter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And they've replaced the goose-step with . . . err . . . the Robot-walk!

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Lyn Moffett
Community Member
3 years ago

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Too little too late for the millions who were tortured and murdered

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Aragorn II Elessar
Community Member
3 years ago

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In the US you can disobey an order that violates the law, from my understanding.

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The_tattered_hippie
Community Member
3 years ago

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That’s also true for American soldiers. As a matter of fact, there have been court martial convictions based on soldiers obeying illegal orders

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Kelzbelz79
Community Member
3 years ago

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Shame it came into play after the horrors of ww2 hey...

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Sasha Kuleshov
Community Member
3 years ago

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Great, now we only need to get rid of the guns :D

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kjorn
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3 years ago

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like any other soldiers in civilized world i guess. don't you think a american, british or canadian soldier would accept any orders who are against human dignity?

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Hans_not_the_real_Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

unfortunately there are a few who commits war crimes. Even from the civilised countries. It is very important here that these few guys are not covered up or even get a appeal for clemency although they were proven convicted.

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Yoga Kitty
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Easy mistake - in German, for example, it is indeed spelled "Irak" with a "k" at the end.

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Mike Ieva
Community Member
3 years ago

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Soldiers... Yeah sure... Like they did in irak?????

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Anni
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Taking this question seriously: Yes, it was. Under Hitler you would have been killed for disobedience. A lot was learnt since/because of those horrible times... E.g. also death penalty was abolished in such a way that it cannot be reintroduced.

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Over the past decade or so, pub trivia nights that are popular in the United Kingdom appear to have grown in other parts of Europe and the United States.

Enthusiasts like Kishler enjoy getting to interact with people at these events, especially compared to electronic trivia games.

She has learned that doing well at these social trivia games gives her "a feeling of validation" and increases her self-esteem.

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River Webb
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah Disney often adapts its stories to be appropriate for children, eventually leading everybody to only remember the Disney version and not the original

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"I love general knowledge, geography, literature, music, science trivia," Kishler explained. "I just love to accumulate knowledge. I like the exercise that it gives my brain and memory."

She doesn't think of herself as a competitive person but nevertheless enjoys getting a bit amped up at trivia games.

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“People really like to have some expertise on something and the brain is very good at focusing on things that you’re interested in,” Deborah Stokes, Ph.D., L.P.C., B.C.N., a psychologist in Virginia, who focuses on neurotherapy, told Healthline.

According to Stokes, learning large bodies of knowledge can often start with trivia. And people who are interested in trivia can be brainy, have a high IQ, and be smart on a lot of levels.

However, Kounios said that people aren’t necessarily better at trivia games just because they’re more educated.

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Láďa Durchánek
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can barely draw a stick figure and if instructions have more than one step it is safer to write them down.

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"Some people soak up facts,” Kounios added. "Plenty of people with a lot more education may not remember what they had for breakfast yesterday morning."

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"In typical people, my observation, not backed up by any research, is that their interest in trivia is confined to topics that they are generally interested in. So if a person is very interested in history, then they may either seek out history trivia, or they might just naturally pick it up in the course of learning about nontrivial aspects of history."

Stokes pointed out that trying to retain information about things we're interested in can be like a good exercise for the frontal cortex as the brain ages.

"That’s the first thing to go with injury or with age if we don’t use it," she said.

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Of course, it's completely understandable if the pandemic has drained your brain of the desire to learn and flooded it with boredom and tiredness instead. In an earlier Bored Panda interview, Lenore Skenazy, the president of Let Grow and the founder of the Free-Range-Kids movement, said that before we can become curious again, we have to do the hard part: get off the couch. Force yourself out the door. Why? Because beyond your four walls, things are never exactly the same. Weather, animals, people, sounds, smells, clouds—they’re all swirling about."

Lenore continued: "Ask yourself to start noticing new things. I did that this morning with a friend. We took a walk around our neighborhood and started looking for interesting details in the homes and buildings we passed. It went from a walk down streets we’d seen a million times to a sort of treasure hunt. And the big thing we were really hunting for? Curiosity! When you’re curious you’re alive again—noticing, thinking, making connections. You can’t do that if there’s no new information coming in. So your first step is to force yourself out of a rut by leaving the house (harder during the pandemic, but not impossible)."

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Michelle M
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's another fact. Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth were born in the same year.

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Bill
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except 21 payouts and Non Disclosure agreements. No innocent person would pay out that many times

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QuokkaVibes
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an Italian (but this is my personal belief, everyone is entitled to it's own) this is exactly something Mafia would do. It's something I know occurs in Italy on a daily basis. You see a quite common modus operandi is mobster would do something nice for the community or for specific people, so that the community in the area feels dependable. One well known method of recruiting in the mafia is: you have a problem, we send to you someone you know (and you don't know he works for us). Maybe a friend of a friend. He'll fix your problem for you. After time is passed this person asks for a little innocent thing like let's say "I'm sick can you bring this box to this adress? I can't move". After that he asks for more pressuring you on the favor he did awhile back and tells you that box you delivered was full of drugs/handguns so you're an accomplice. And that's it you're in a system you can't escape without hurting family and friends.

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Mary Rose Kent
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I assume that this photo is all of the lazy culprits and, of course, the one who actually did the deed

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Note: this post originally had 122 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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