In a world filled with endless information, certain facts stand out for their sheer ability to surprise and amaze us. Whether it’s the astonishing mysteries of science, the hidden stories of history, or the quirky twists of pop culture, these nuggets of knowledge can leave us marveling at the complexity and wonder of the world around us. From the bizarre behavior of black holes to the unexpected origins of everyday phrases, and the strange coincidences that have shaped history, these seriously interesting facts will challenge your understanding and spark your curiosity. Get ready to have your mind blown as we dive into a fascinating blend of science, history, and pop culture that will leave you seeing the world in a whole new light.
—
1. Albert Einstein’s eyes are currently in New York City.
They were given to Henry Abrams and are now kept in a safe deposit box. Einstein’s eye doctor was Abrams. He obtained the eyeballs from Thomas Harvey, the man who performed Einstein’s autopsy and illegally took the scientist’s brain.
2. In public speaking, Martin Luther King Jr. received a C.
The world remembers Dr. King as a Civil Rights Movement leader and his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech is frequently quoted. Yet, more than a decade before that famous speech, he received a C in public speaking during his first and second terms at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania.
3. Brad Pitt was injured on the set of a movie.
Pitt plays the valiant (and buff) Greek hero Achilles in Troy, based on Homer’s Illiad. According to legend, Achilles could not be defeated unless he was struck in the heel. (From this comes the term “Achilles’ heel,” which refers to a weak point.) Pitt injured his Achilles tendon while filming an epic battle scene, delaying the film’s production by two months.
4. Thomas Edison is the reason you enjoy watching cat videos.
Edison was able to record and watch moving images for the first time after inventing the kinematograph in 1892. In his studio, he shot short clips of celebrities such as Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill. The Boxing Cats, however, are the real stars of these early videos—adorable cats that he recorded in a boxing ring circa 1894.
5. Nikola Tesla despised pearls.
The electrical engineer paved the way for current system generators and motors; his inventions are responsible for how electricity is transmitted and converted to mechanical power. Despite his tolerance for scientific experimentation, he apparently did not tolerate pearls. He sent his secretary home one day because she was wearing pearl jewelry.
6. Neil Armstrong’s hair was sold for $3,000 in 2004.
According to NBC, the lucky buyer, John Reznikoff, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of hair from historical celebrities. However, Armstrong’s lawyers threatened to sue Marx Sizemore, the unlucky barber who cut the former astronaut’s hair, claiming that he violated an Ohio law that protects the rights of celebrities. Sizemore refused to pay, and Reznikoff stated that he would not return the hair but would instead donate $3,000 to charity.
7. The tricycle’s inventor personally delivered two to Queen Victoria.
Queen Victoria was on a tour of the Isle of Wight in 1881 when her horse and carriage were unable to keep up with a woman riding a tricycle. The queen was so taken with the bike that she ordered two. She also requested that the inventor, James Starley, make the delivery. Though tricycles are often associated with toddlers, Queen Victoria made them fashionable among the upper crust at the time.
8. On April Fools’ Day, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne founded Apple Inc.
On April 1, 1976, three technology pioneers signed documents to establish the Apple Computer Company. However, the company did not become fully incorporated until January 3, 1977. The company was renamed Apple Inc. thirty years later and is no joke. Apple became the country’s first trillion-dollar company in 2018.
9. Beethoven had no concept of multiplication or division.
The renowned pianist attended Tirocinium, a Latin school where he was taught some math but never learned multiplication or division—only addition. When he needed to multiply 62 by 50, he wrote it down 50 times on a line and added it all up.
10. Abraham Lincoln once worked as a bartender.
You may know that the 16th President of the United States fought for slave freedom and the Union, but you may not know that he was also a licensed bartender. Lincoln’s liquor license was discovered in 1930 and displayed in a liquor store in Springfield. According to Lincoln expert Wayne C. Temple, Congress wanted to fire Ulysses S. Grant in 1863 because he drank too much, and Lincoln’s response was to send Grant a supply of whiskey.
11. Theodore Roosevelt had a hyena as a pet.
It was called Bill, and it was a gift from the Ethiopian emperor. Roosevelt was well-known for his numerous pets, which included a one-legged rooster, a badger, a pony, and a small bear.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings