Nate
In an AskReddit thread started by u/Big_Piccolo_8369, hundreds of people shared “common knowledge” revelations they had just discovered later in life.
From everyday tasks to obscure facts, the thread highlighted the vast range of what individuals consider “common knowledge“. Many participants confessed they found out about such facts much later in life, while others expressed surprise and appreciation.
With over 35 standout revelations, the discussion underscored the idea that there’s always something new to learn, no matter how foundational it might seem and how late you are to this knowledge.
What is common knowledge that you found out way too late?
#1
Being well-educated in one area doesn’t mean that a person can’t be a total idiot in other areas.
#2
You can’t get lazy with birth control just because you turn 40.
Signed, Middle Aged Mom of a newborn
#4
Don’t ignore bullies. That’s terrible advice.
The only way they will leave you alone is through the sight of their own blood.
#5
Percentages are reversible. So 8% of 25 is the same thing as 25% of 8 and sometimes the reverse is easier to calculate.
#6
No one really cares about you. I don’t mean that in a bad way. But everyone is so busy thinking about themselves, you are always an after thought.
The most embarrassing thing in your life, probably doesn’t matter than much to someone else.
#7
Taking medication for mental illness actually helps
#8
#9
Simply asking “How are you” once in a while is all it takes to not fall apart from old friends.
#11
Just because I hold an opinion on something doesn’t mean that I need to share it. I spent WAY too much of my early adulthood inserting my viewpoint into discussions that I wasn’t really a part of.
#12
It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life.
#13
Always eat before shopping at Costco.
#14
Just because they’re older than you, doesn’t make them more mature. Would’ve saved me from an entire marriage
#15
“This little piggy went to market”…….the pig was not shopping.
#16
Never make an important decision if you are hungry or horny.
Both have a massive impact on your decision-making abilities.
#17
Your oral health is just as important as your general health.
#18
If you press Windows Key + V you can see a list of all the things you’ve copied
#19
Saving money early in life is a really good idea.
#21
That common sense is not that common
#22
Your brain isn’t trying to make you happy or your life easier.
It’s trying to keep you alive. Everything else is secondary.
#24
That gargling saltwater works way better than cough drops for colds and sore throats.
#25
Do all the crazy stuff when you are Young. By the time you can afford it, you no longer have the stamina to.
#26
Apparently, you’re not supposed to rinse off your toothpaste.
Edit: Just Google it. Apparently, it’s better to leave the toothpaste residue in your mouth so the fluoride can work on your teeth.
#27
That kitten’s baby teeth also fall out. Found out when playing with my cat he was young.
The rollercoaster of emotions between it happening and me googling while holding a little ~~canine~~ fang in my hand.
#28
Hard work isn’t always the answer.
When I worked a minimum wage job, I would work hard and not take breaks, so a great job, and always finish early. I just then got told to pick up the slack for the employees who spent their time goofing off. Never got a promotion, raise, or even a “Hey, good job”
#29
Basic living skills
My parents were hoarders and neglected me growing up, we lived in filth and wore dirty clothes, rarely bathed etc. So I never learned what goes into keeping a house clean, or good hygiene practices, or the basic skills needed for normal life.
I know “in theory” how to do those things now, but the underlying core organizational, management, etc skills still aren’t there. It’s kinda hard to explain but it just feels like there will always be a gap for me.
#30
Life can literally change forever in the next second, hour or day and that when people say to enjoy every moment of life as if it’s your last, it’s actually good advice to maintain a positive attitude and feel like you have no regrets.
I’m speaking from personal experience – my SO has been diagnosed with a major issue and the good days are limited, so we are living our best life, just enjoying the simple things.
#31
“Every action made in anger ends in sorrow.”
An attorney, when I was 24
#32
That when people ask to borrow money especially if it’s a friend or family just expect to never see it again.
#33
If you’re a parent of a child who has had psych evaluations done by their school district you need to read each and every single thing that’s documented in those papers. Then ask yourself if your child may not have the correct diagnosis after all.
I went 32 years without knowing I was Autistic. I just found out last year. Who I’d be today if I had only known… I’m traumatized as hell from this.
The documents from my schools psych evals had loads of evidence to support this, but no one ever said a word to me! No one!
Take matters into your own hands and never EVER rely on the system.
#34
That after high school it’s incredibly hard to find real friends.
