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TIL that in ancient Japan, buddhist monks mummified themselves by following a strict diet and drinking poisonous tea over a 10 year period. This was seen as the ultimate act of self denial.

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k0nm TIL iconic Motown bassist James Jamerson recorded the bass line to Marvin Gaye’s “Whats Going On?” while lying on his back because he was too drunk to stand.
x94b TIL that 15 year old John Gurdon’s teacher wrote that teaching him biology would be “a sheer waste of time, both on his part and of those who would have to teach him.” In 2012 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his pioneering work in developmental biology.
BrBdK TIL that there was a Roman Emporer named Elagabalus, who would dress as a woman before prostituting himself in taverns, brothels, and the imperial palace. He took his charioteer, Hierocles, as his lover and wanted to be called a mistress, wife, and queen.
rNdn0 TIL in 1912 Teddy Roosevelt was shot on his way to his presidential campaign. Instead of seeking medical attention he continued on to give his speech, starting by saying ““Friends, I shall ask you to be as quiet as possible. I don’t know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot.”
yQl6w TIL in Italy, blasphemous profanity is considered especially taboo, with some considering blaspheming vulgar whilst finding casual swears relatively acceptable.