› added 11 years ago

98

TIL that in the ancient Persian Empire, men used to debate ideas twice, once sober and once drunk, because the idea had to sound good in both states in order to be considered a good idea

Read more fordham.edu

via reddit.com

oRNl8 TIL of the Soka Hoax. A group is given a nonsensical academic paper to judge. All but one in the group are hired to give mostly glowing reviews, persuading the unwitting participant to also give a glow review despite disagreeing. One shill gives a negative review, which everyone also condemns.
EgVQW TIL that the every Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux indian receives a payout of around $1 million per year from casino profits.
W4Jd TIL that rats feel empathy to such a degree that they will ignore a lever that releases a tempting chocolate treat in favor of one that saves a drowning friend
QJ5aM TIL Anglo-saxon king "Æthelred the Unready" is a pun. His epithet is derived from "unræd", which means "poorly-advised", while Æthelred's name means "well-advised". He was therefore "Well-advised The Poorly-advised".
wLW4E TIL At the battle of Concord a 78 year old man took up arms against the British. He ambushed a regiment from a stone wall, killing a soldier. He drew his pistols killing two more. By the time he fired his third shot soldiers reached him. He was shot in the face & bayoneted. He made a full recovery.