Sometimes learning about us humans is downright scary.
The things we're capable of... or the things we're too stupid not to be aware of, is mind-boggling.
And the more we know, the better we can cope and maneuver.
Redditor rui_xox33 wanted to discuss some of the darker aspects about this mortal coil, so they asked:
"What are some creepy facts about human nature?"
Get Naked
csi miami GIFGiphy"On a recent date with a CSI agent I learned that a lot of people die naked on or near the toilet. Apparently people get very hot and try to strip down when close to death."
KingPnutticua
Like a Starfish
"We possess the genes for regeneration similar to starfish and salamanders. They are on the same chromosome as the genes for scar tissue formation. However they are not turned on whereas the scar tissue genes are."
"So technically, we could pull a Piccolo and regenerate limbs like a starfish."
"But we don't because it's waaay too metabolically demanding on energy. If we could do it, you'd likely shave years off of your life in exchange. Instead we make scar tissue to reinforce the injured area."
StopFool
Moving Parts
"After a back surgery, your organs might have been moved to perform certain parts of the surgery. The doctors don't move your organs back to their original place. This funny feeling you get after the surgery is your organs moving themselves back to their original place. Yes, they are capable of that."
VetreeleekYT
Separate Systems
"The eyes have a separate immune system than the rest of the body. If your body's immune system realizes your eyes exist, it'll attack the eyes and reject them from the body as it would a virus."
berripluscream
"I also have a fun (?) fact about the eyes: The retina isn’t really fixed in the eyes."
"The part where the nerves leave them is quite inflexible but towards the outside/lens the retina is staying because of osmotic pressure. I know because I had a blood vessel that somehow leaked and a couple of months later the retina in that eye detached in a big way. It’s not so funny when several doctors say something like, 'that doesn’t look good' when examining your eye."
Awkward_Volume5134
Object Around You...
drumming sub pop GIF by Sub Pop RecordsGiphy"If you happen to have brain injury, there is a condition that makes you unable to recognize objects around you. Like, you will see a fork, the colors and the shape of it, but you can’t know how to use it, if it’s edible or not, etc. Pretty scary thing to imagine."
Big-Bridge-6142
Brains and forks, not always a great combo.
From the Top
Fail Long Jump GIFGiphy"The call of the void. This occurs when humans are on high places, like rooftops or cliffs, and get the urge to jump. It’s actually pretty common."
jstclair08
'Clearly Remember'
"Learned memories, i.e. people 100% sure they remember things which actually never happened but were told many times by media/memes/others. I observed this for certain episode which happened less than 10 years ago and which everyone whom I asked witnessed themselves personally, but they all 'clearly remember' it in a way it was presented in memes and jokes and not how they actually saw it happen."
p17s82
Head Issues
"Risks during birth are abnormally high compared to other species. Because of our upright gait (mother's narrow pelvis) and big heads, fetuses cannot 'fully' gestate until being born. Humans have to be born prematurely while the head is still tiny and squishy. Otherwise, childbirth would not be survivable at all."
deepestfish
"Gives Out"
"Most people that die due to hypothermia get naked before dying."
"This is because, blood stops flowing to your extremities, so you don't lose body heat. Just before death, the brain kinda 'gives out' and allows blood flow to return to normal. This sends warm blood to your cold limbs, making you feel very hot and sweaty, so you strip."
diamondhound2509
Evil
Season 9 Phoebe GIF by FriendsGiphy"That pretty much everyone has the capacity for extreme evil given the right circumstances."
Affectionate-Goat896
Humans are weird. I wanna be a spider.
How about you? Do you have anything to add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
Humans are a mess. That is the first life truth we should all accept and embrace. Insects shake their heads at us in disbelief. 2020 has proven we are in need of some restructuring and life assistance. And all of that knowledge can leave a harsh taste in our mouths. But we have to drink the kool-aid -the good kind- and listen. To be human is to be in a constant state turmoil, it's just how we deal with that turmoil is what matters.
Redditor u/Quotestrav wanted us all to take a seat and let's sip some scolding hot chamomile about the facts of life by asking.... What are some bitter truths about human nature?The Cover
jean claude van damme rage GIF by hero0fwarGiphyWe often use anger as a cover for everything from sadness to fear because we feel more in control with that emotion.... and that normally makes the situation worse.
Justified
We often justify things that are clearly wrong.
Sometimes that's the only way we can deal with it. Some things are too big for any one person to take down. When a bunch of us get together, we can yell really loud to make change happen. But for any one person, it tends to be easier and safer to believe that the bad thing isn't so bad. It's one of the reasons change is hard.
The Battles
"I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world because they'd never expect it."
-- Jack Handey
Did you know that monkeys actually wage "war" and have some leaders in their groups? I forget which type, probably a chimp, but the researcher who studied that ended up getting depressed for a while. The chimps would even selectively target and kill each other somewhat strategically.
Truth Hurts
point lol GIF by Shalita GrantGiphyThere's always going to be someone who will try to take advantage of you or ruin your life no matter what.
Betrayal....
Most humans will betray their values to satisfy a basic need. If you understand how to meet someone's highest need, you can easily influence that individual's behavior. Unless your basic needs are met, it's impossible to pursue a higher level of consciousness. But if I have the luxury of contemplation without worrying about a need for safety, food, etc., what excuse do I have but to lead a life based on values and principles, rather than solely in pursuit of a selfish need?
Don't be Miserable....
Everyone can be toxic, if you allow them to be. Best thing to do is know who's right for you and who's not. Fix your life and choose the right people.
My wife can't seem to understand this, there are a number of people I have said I want nothing to do with because they are not right for me. Life is short and I don't want to spend it with people that are not right for me.
Apparently I'm miserable and intolerant.
Doing the Work
Relationships (all relationships) require investment.
It's easy when you're friends at school or work. The second it becomes inconvenient though things start fizzling out. Why? Because no one makes an effort. If you really care about someone - say it or show them. Even if its just a random text once in awhile, it's those little investments that continue to nurture the connection.
There are so many friendships I used to have that I just let dwindle to nothing. It's no one's fault, but our own - both sides play a role, but at the end of the day you can only control your own actions.
Bye
cardi b ok GIF by PepsiGiphyOut of sight, out of mind. Friends drift apart.
I am learning this hard among the pandemic. Especially when people have their own families to take care of. Enjoy your friends when you have them because they don't last forever.
You have no idea....
That we are, all of us, under the right circumstances, capable of murder.
When I was in an abusive relationship I was extremely close to this point. I was in a foreign country, no friends, no family, nobody I could run to. I had nothing left. Every time he hurt me I often considered stabbing him to death so I could be free. The only reason I didn't was because he was a foot taller and 200lbs heavier than me.
He could've easily killed me, dumped my body somewhere, and gotten away with it. Obviously I eventually got out of there and that country, but sometimes I still think about how close I was to being ok with the idea of killing someone to save myself.
Fool
Yes Please Smile GIF by DreamWorks AnimationGiphyIt is human nature to think wisely and act foolishly.
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