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Daily Trivia

What's so special about Buridan's ass?

on Apr 18, 2024

The theory referred to as `Buridan`s Ass` states that an ass, faced with two equally attractive bales of hay, will starve to death because he has no rational basis for choosing between them. This allegory which illustrates the dilemma of a particular kind of moral choice between two evidently identical items, was presented by French philosopher Jean Buridan (1300-58) (though the animal mentioned in his commentary is actually a dog, not an ass).

More Daily Trivia

How many cans of Spam have been sold?

Daily Trivia / December 13, 2025

One billion cans of Spam had been sold by 1959. The two billion mark was hit in 1970, followed by three billion in 1980, four billion in 1986, and five billion cans in 1993.

What do Hawaiians call newcomers?

Daily Trivia / December 13, 2025

Native Hawaiians call a newcomer to Hawaii a "malihini".

Why would a plastic surgeon send you to a shrink?

Daily Trivia / December 13, 2025

Per "Longevity" magazine, a number of plastic surgeons now require their prospective patients to undergo a series of psychological tests to determine if they will become emotionally unstable, excessively anxious, or ...Read More

Would Kermit the Lizard be as popular?

Daily Trivia / December 13, 2025

Muppets creator Jim Henson first created Kermit in 1955 -- as a lizard. He was made from Henson's mother's coat and two halfs of a Ping-Pong ball (no flipper feet or eleven-point collar). He didn't become a frog until 1968.

Why is there no gallium jewelry?

Daily Trivia / December 12, 2025

The rare metal gallium melts at 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It is safe to touch; if you hold a piece of it in your hand and wait, it will melt.

How long would a 19th century Londoner live?

Daily Trivia / December 12, 2025

The average life span of London residents in the middle of the 19th century was 27 years. For members of the working class, that number dropped to 22 years.