Successfully combining principles of science and mathematics—as well as creativity, among other things—to solve certain problems is not something every one of us can do. But engineers have pushed their limits of greatness time and again by completing even the most complex of tasks.
Not only are these great minds capable of doing wonderful things at work, they use brain power elsewhere as well; coming up with science-based jokes, for instance, which, thanks to the internet, we all get to enjoy. Today we’ve listed some great examples of that, shared by the ‘Wonderful Engineering’ Facebook page, so scroll down to find them and enjoy the hearty giggle.
In order to better understand what determines people’s inclination towards a certain type of humor, Bored Panda has reached out to psychologist and former lecturer at the University of New South Wales, Bruce Wilson, Ph.D., who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions. Scroll down to find his thoughts in the text below.
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I have the same problem, I guess my social skills just can't be found
With over 4.2 million likes and even more followers, the ‘Wonderful Engineering’ Facebook page was started back in 2012. Since then—for over a decade now—it has been presenting its fans with everything from the latest news in the realm of engineering to sources of inspiration.
In their own words, “‘Wonderful Engineering’ is a platform for engineers where they learn about innovative design and smart engineering happening around the world.” However, there’s plenty of entertaining (yet often educational nevertheless) material as well; and this list is excellent proof of that.
Even though you don’t necessarily have to be an engineer to get a kick out of engineering-based memes, one of the reasons they might find them particularly amusing is because they can relate to the situations such memes depict.
When discussing what affects our preference for a certain type of humor, psychologist and former lecturer at the University of New South Wales, Bruce Wilson, Ph.D., suggested that such inclination is usually determined by identification.
“When we can identify with a particular type of humor it becomes personalized and makes perfect sense to us. This is why most comedians self-deprecate during their stand-up routines; they realize the value of identifying with the humor of the moment.”
“Humor also demonstrates awareness,” Wilson added. “When we understand the hidden message we demonstrate our intelligence and our emotional diversity.”
He suggested that jokes make us more psychodiverse, which is healthier than being stuck in a constant state of seriousness. “Life has become very serious and we need the release of humor to balance our lives.”
Make it, like, more, like make it pop. But subtle. Also add puppies.
But it’s not only complex, multilayered humor that can help ease the state of seriousness we live in; some straightforward jokes can be equally—if not more—amusing as well (including all sorts of engineering-based puns).
“The fusion of opposites attracts people to the funny side of anything. We seem as a species to enjoy the idea that nonsense is funny. Even slapstick humor of the last century is a form of the same idea, a fusion of opposites,” the psychologist explained.
In a piece for Psychology Today, Bruce Wilson pointed out that, “the human brain is believed to have intrinsic constraints as part of a general intelligence of context. This allows the brain to filter through all the possibilities and make connections through a synthesis of analyses, a cognitive synergy.”
He added that human cognitive synergy stands alone when it comes to creating humor out of nonsense, and suggested that a sense of humor is based on perception of what people find funny, which differs with each individual.
Despite humor perception differing from person to person, it is arguably safe to assume that people who have a lot in common—who work in the same field, for instance, or receive similar education—might enjoy similar jokes as well. That could explain why quite a few engineers often appreciate humor of the same kind.
Zippia revealed that there are nearly 230 thousand engineers employed in the US alone. In the meantime, the ‘Wonderful Engineering’ Facebook group has amassed over 4.3 million followers globally, from experts in the field to non-professionals interested in all-things-engineering.
If you need more proof that engineers and humor can go hand-in-hand or if you simply want to have a hearty laugh, make sure to browse Bored Panda’s list of the best engineer jokes next. And if you feel like delving deeper into what exactly it is that they work on, marvel at some pretty impressive wonders of engineering here.
But...heh...they obviously haven't taken into account the chaos that would ensue from shoving a steel rod up a cat's butt. That condition notwithstanding, wouldn't the cat just spin and not turn the shaft? OK I need to EtchASketch my brain from this now...
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Although it might be a lo less noisy to just use two buttered bread pieces back to back...
We object to this! *washes her murder mittens* *pounces Bouche's murder tail*
as soon as you attach cat-bread to the rod, they technically no longer falling, thus no free energy. Back to the drawing board!
Wrap cat-bread in copper wire and replace the rotor of the generator with the copper wire-cat-bread contraption.
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This is funny, though I hate it when people say cats always land on their feet yet that’s obviously not true
I remember the buttered cat theory doing the rounds on email, in the early 90s.
It's great to have a hearty laugh again! Thinks for some super-sillyness!
Mythbusters tested the 'butter side down' myth and it does not always land that way. It worked out to be 7/10 butter side up.
The shaft attached to the cat would stop all falling for the cat and the bread, not giving either one the ability to show it's attributes. Unless the generator is also falling, which is why we don't have this power source. Plus it's old as the frigging hills.
This would be a paradox, and the Universe doesn't tolerate a paradox. If you try this the Universe will take measures to avoid it, like disappearing...
Whole theory is wrong. Cats are also liquids. They will soak the bread and flop out of the tie.
Now, put it in a box with a radioactive isotope and a vial of poison to add a quantum state of improbability and viola! A quantum improbability drive!
Except if the cat is attached to a generator, it is no longer falling, therefore it won't rotate. CLEARLY this is a poorly conceived device. ;)
I can't remember where I saw a video of that very situation, but I remember laughing until I couldn't breathe!
Can you advise how the cat is attached to the generator in the last two pictures...........!
I propose that the official term for that hidden end of a roll of tape be "Waldo"!
The powers of an analytical mind - at least he only went 1 less than 3
My favourite that after talking with my boyfriend he gets tampon adverts 😂 during those days for him earplugs would be more appropriate 😉
Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
Good for you, switching to the egg. Kids are really high in cholesterol. Plus they're always sticky.
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half of these don't have to do with engineering like the one with the turtle drawing
I have been entertained and will find something else to do now. Like find a cat and tie a price of buttered bread to it……
Good for you, switching to the egg. Kids are really high in cholesterol. Plus they're always sticky.
Load More Replies... half of these don't have to do with engineering like the one with the turtle drawing
I have been entertained and will find something else to do now. Like find a cat and tie a price of buttered bread to it……
