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50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
CuriositiesJUN 20, 2024

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier

Ilona Baliūnaitė
Kornelija Viečaitė
Ilona Baliūnaitė and Kornelija Viečaitė
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There are a lot of things they don't teach us in school. Like how to do taxes, care for our mental health, and basic first aid. These are all very important and necessary skills, but there are also some facts about life that would make it a lot easier if we had known them from the time we start adulting.
One netizen was curious to know what some of these facts are, so she asked: "What is a hard truth that you believe should be taught early on in life?" And people came armed with all kinds of wisdom. From quoting fictional characters to sharing their own experiences, people didn't shy away from sharing insights they have learned throughout their lives.
Bored Panda reached out to the author of this thread, u/Flufferfluff. She kindly agreed to tell us more about why she decided to start this discussion. We also chatted with her about whether we can be taught hard truths or we must experience them to know them. Read our conversation below!

#1

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
What freedom of speech really means.
Just because you *can* say it, doesn't mean you're free from the repercussions of it.
thewritingbaker, 祝 鹤槐/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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139points

#2

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
You can think someone is strange without being rude or violent to them. Some people are unusual and that's okay.
FlowerInAHorrorNovel, Chu Chup Hinh/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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122points

#3

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
You can be the kindest person ever & people will still hate you.
Doll49, Ervick/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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114points

Redditor u/Flufferfluff was bitten by the curiosity bug one day, that's why she decided to ask other netizens about life's hard truths. "I wanted to see what others thought the next generations should be taught during the course of their lives to make life just a bit easier for them," she told us.

"I asked this question in particular because I wanted the opportunity to gather everyone together to see what they think younger people could be taught early on in life." The Redditor's mother also is a big influence on her. She's a mindful living and contentment coach, and owner of Insightful Connections. "She's amazing, seriously," the Redditor gushes.

#4

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
Bad things happen to good people.
Good things happen to bad people.
ParapluieGris, Lucas Pezeta/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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108points

#5

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
“It is possible to make no mistakes and still lose.” Jean-Luc Picard.
Ryukotaicho, LML 6768/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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107points

#6

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
People will judge you based on your looks.
Comprehensive-End388, freestocks.org/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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103points

We asked u/Flufferfluff what her answer in this thread would be. "The hardest truth I believe should be taught early on in life is that you are your own hero," she told us. "I believe young people should be taught this because we are in control of our futures and what we can do with it."

"Life isn't a Disney movie (I wish it was though) so you can't sing a ballad and bam! Your dreams are a reality. You have to work for them," the netizen adds. Although she's still young, she says she's learned a hard truth or two already. "A hard truth I had to learn the hard way was that not every friend you make has good intentions. It was a tough one!"

#7

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
No one will care more about you than you. Know thyself and start advocating for yourself early on. Watch after your health, the people you surround yourself with, your job, it’s all going to affect you so much. Also, don’t try to find happiness through your partner. Have your own hobbies and joy, add them to your party. Don’t make them responsible for it ❤️.
StarryEyes007, Khoa Võ Khoa Võ/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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97points

#8

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
You will be lied to, and you will believe it. It happens to everyone.
But the most insidious liar in your life will likely be you. You will lie to yourself, and you'll believe it, because you know exactly what kind of b******t you will believe, and you *want to* believe it.
Just one cookie.
He'd never cheat.
I'm sober enough to drive.
My boss can't do without me.
I'll be fine on 2 hours sleep
12 cookies, he might, no you're not, he'll still fire you, and no you won't.
Nobody can lie to you like you can. Be wary.
King0Horse, Pixabay/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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97points

#9

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
That you will one day die and that's the end of your consciousness, so you should make the most of the time you have. So many people waste their lives on religious nonsense when they could be happy instead.
EDIT: The fact that religious people downvote this while providing NO rebuttal just proves me right.
EDIT 2: Again, see how this is getting downvoted with no logical argument that I'm wrong? This proves my point.
Puzzleheaded-Ear858w, Simon Robben/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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96points

People say that wisdom comes with experience. So do we learn about life's truths from hearing about them, or is going through them actually the best way to learn? The Redditor thinks it's probably the latter. "While I believe it is possible to teach someone that 'Bad things happen to good people,' I believe we can best learn through experience. Experience can be learned from and eventually taught, too," she adds.

#10

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
The HR department at any company is not on your side.
myronsnila, cottonbro studio/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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94points

#11

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
Adults aren't always right, and they're often as confused and clueless as you are.
This includes your parents, so seek second and third opinions when planning any significant life choices.
Older doesn't automatically mean wiser.
Grouchy-Reflection97, Hasan Albari/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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87points

#12

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
That you can’t actually be whatever you want in life.
chickentender666627, Rachel Claire/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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74points

Despite this thread's pretty heavy subject matter, u/Flufferfluff is very optimistic. "I think that, despite the hard truths we all have to learn in our lives, it's important to encourage and inspire the younger generations that they can get through any and all hard times, as long as they put in the work!"

#13

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
You are no more special than the billions of other people in the world. They all have their own stories just like you do.
nkfish11, DSD/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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73points

#14

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
The basics of money management. Because throughout your life, money matters. It influences every aspect of your life. MONEY MANAGEMENT! if you do not have much, you should be able to manage it! If you have a lot, you should be able to manage it.
pickedwisely, maitree rimthong/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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70points

#15

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
Life is mostly about picking up least worst options rather than picking the best option.
Impossible-Win-8495, JESSICA TICOZZELLI/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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69points

#16

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
Your teachers at school are paid to tolerate and humour you.
In the real world, people will not be.
SnooPeripherals1914, fauxels/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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67points

#17

If you wouldn’t take someone’s advice, why take their criticism?
Edit to clarify: I mean this in reference to a specific individual. For example, bullying. I mean this to say you wouldn’t go to the bully for advice, their words don’t hold value, they aren’t trustworthy. So if you wouldn’t take their advice, why internalize their criticism?
Same could be said for a hyper-critical parent or family member.
photobomber612
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66points

#18

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
Wear a helmet.
If there are helmets made for what your going to do , there is a very good reason.
So use that knowledge to your advantage and wear one.
Oceandog2019, MIXU/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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66points

#19

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Keep your word.Your word is your law. If you don't have integrity, you are nothing,.
ansibley, cottonbro studio/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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64points

#20

50 Hard Truths People Learned Later In Life That They Believe They Should've Been Told About Earlier
There is always, always something you don't know.
About people, about situations, about everything.
If you knew that thing, it might make all the difference in your opinions.
Also, don't trust your snap judgements.
synesthesiatic, RDNE Stock project/Pexels (not the actual photo)
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61points
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