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TIL the platypus was initially believed to be a hoax by European scientists who discovered it. The platypus is a unique mammal that lays eggs, has a duck-like bill, a beaver-like tail, otter-like feet. However, indigenous Aboriginal people were already aware of the creature's existence.

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E1Rww TIL that Thomas Young proved that light is a wave, described elasticity, capillary action, explained how our eyes focus and see color, compared the grammar and vocabulary of 400 languages, deciphered hieroglyphs and contributed to music theory. He is called "The Last Man Who Knew Everything".
rLDe TIL the book ‘Walden’ by Henry David Thoreau is often seen as a 'bible’ for self-sufficiency enthusiasts. However, while many picture Thoreau as a hermit in the woods, his cabin on the lake was about a mile from town, where he would often go to visit his mother, who did his laundry for him.
GYgkE TIL that deaf people who speak ASL (???????? Sign Language) are unable to understand those who speak BANZSL (???????? + ???????? + ????????). There is only a 31% overlap between the two languages, meaning that even though their respective countries speak English, their deaf communities are unable to communicate.
mQQE TIL Afghanistan has been invaded by Greek, Arab, Mongol, Mughal, Persian, British, Sikh and USSR empires. They all failed to capture Afghanistan completely.
vpN4 TIL that in 1978, Charlie Chaplin’s body was stolen and held for ransom. His widow refused to pay ransom demands of £400,000 because “Charlie would have thought it ridiculous.” The body was found 11 weeks later.