While common sense often gets mocked (perhaps, unjustly) as not being common enough, as every now and then, we have encounters where someone has made a decision so astoundingly strange that you almost feel like taking them aside and learning exactly what makes them tick.
Someone asked “What do you consider to be basic knowledge everyone should know (but they don't)?” and netizens listed all the things some folks are simply ignorant of. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own examples in the comments below.
#1
When you're about to enter an elevator, WAIT FOR THE PEOPLE IN IT TO GET OUT!!!!!!!!!!
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139points
#3
If somebody is helping you, even if it's their job to, say thank you, you p***k!
125points
#5
Africa is not a country.
You get better customer service if you're polite.
The sun is a star.
Saltwater fish go in saltwater.
You get better customer service if you're polite.
The sun is a star.
Saltwater fish go in saltwater.
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110points
#6
That to one degree or another, evolution exists.
Edit: Just thought I'd add... I'm a Christian, and I know this to be true. There's a difference in faith and ignorance.
Edit: Just thought I'd add... I'm a Christian, and I know this to be true. There's a difference in faith and ignorance.
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106points
#8
If you're married/in a relationship, don't have affairs/cheat on them. No matter what the situation is, don't do it.
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96points
#9
Don't randomly stop walking when you're in front of someone.
MOVE when you're in someones way (like while shopping, or in public in general).
MOVE when you're in someones way (like while shopping, or in public in general).
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92points
#11
Eat with you mouth closed and breathe through your nose whilst chewing. Seriously.
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89points
#12
In almost 99.9% of the situations you're in, the person you are yelling at isn't to blame. I see it happen on tech support phone calls, restaurants, shops, towards police, teachers, etc.
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83points
#13
An understanding of economics. You would think that most people (in the US anyway) vote with their pocketbooks. But at least half of the people consistently vote against their own self-interest because they apparently do not understand economics.
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83points
#14
The amount of wasted gasoline caused by people who are constantly braking and accelerating as opposed to coasting as much as possible. If there is a red light/wall of traffic 50 yards ahead, what's the point in accelerating when you know you're just going to brake immediately after? Such a waste of expensive energy.
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73points
#15
Common courtesy in public areas. How to be considerate in navigating through a store. Being mindful of your place in an aisle and trying to least obstruct others' way.
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73points
#16
Current and past political events in your country. So many politicians would not get elected if people knew what they have done and what they are planning on doing.
69points
#17
Just because you can't disprove it, that does not mean it is true.
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68points
#18
How to sew a button back on. It often seems like almost no one still has this skill.
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68points
#19
F*****g let me off the bus before you try to get on. God d**n it.
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63points
#20
Basic math skills. I'm constantly shocked when people can't understand simple mathematics. For example, I used to work at a restaurant that often had X% off your next meal coupons. So many times I had people complain because the percentage was taken off the total "and all the items should have X% off". It's the same f*****g thing. This should not be a new concept.
61points