What have you learned from the SDMB?

Rebo · January 21, 2004, 4:01pm

I was thinking about this on my way to work. So many smart people on this board! Recently I learned what [sic] means. (Basically, that what you have read is exactly how the writer wrote it, errors and all.) I also asked a question once upon a time about how to get a motorcycle out of gear, that had both a broken clutch AND a broken gear shift. (Vise-grips and rock it back and forth while trying to shift with the vise-grips.)

I also have learned a bit more tolerance, and my eyes have been opened in a number of ways about people, and different cultures. This community has enriched my life in countless ways.

What have you learned?

Chastain86 · January 21, 2004, 4:16pm

I’ve learned quite a bit about topics wide and far-reaching. Stuff, it should be said, I would never have learned had I not read them here.

I’ve also learned that asking if Ed Zotti and Cecil are the same person will get you yelled at in several different languages.

FairyChatMom · January 21, 2004, 4:26pm

This pretty much sums it up for me. I’ve been exposed to points of view that I hadn’t encountered elsewhere in my face-to-face dealings with people. I’ve learned to look at people and situations with a more critical eye - that is, I’m more likely to try to understand and ask questions rather than fly on my first impression.

I find it interesting that things that I knew were true maybe aren’t necessarily true after all. What a concept!

I’ve also learned that there are some very neat people out there!

Missy2U · January 21, 2004, 4:55pm

Well, I was in the midst of typing up a very long missive, but then, upon preview, read FairyChatMom’s post so I’ll rewrite mine.

What she said.

saramamalana · January 21, 2004, 5:46pm

That squids have beaks. Or something like that.

BJMoose · January 21, 2004, 5:47pm

I’ve learned to never, never, ever get into arguments with mathematicians.

Lord_Ashtar · January 21, 2004, 6:03pm

You know that whole Creationism vs. Evolution thing?

I learned that I no longer care. It can be fun to debate, but I now know that it has no bearing on my faith and is largely irrelevant.

Lord_Ashtar · January 21, 2004, 6:03pm

You know that whole Creationism vs. Evolution thing?

I learned that I no longer care. It can be fun to debate, but I now know that it has no bearing on my faith and is largely irrelevant.

Lord_Ashtar · January 21, 2004, 6:09pm

I wish I could also say that I learned how to not double post.

Oy.

silenus · January 21, 2004, 6:16pm

I have learned That The Truth Is Out There…you just have to ask. With this group, you will very quickly get every available flavor of the Truth you can handle, and then some, all from very well-informed and very articulate people. And that the most-informed and articulate people are those who disagree with you very strongly!

ccwaterback · January 21, 2004, 7:21pm

This thread reminds me of this gem:

I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.

I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.

I’ve learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.

I’ve learned that wherever I go, the world’s worst drivers have followed me there.

I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.

I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it.

I’ve learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his need to cast blame on others.

I’ve learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

lieu · January 21, 2004, 7:55pm

I’m often blown away by the degree to which some Dopers understand a science, concept, historical event, etc. that I’d previously considered myself fairly cognizant of. Sometimes their depth of understanding is nothing short of amazing.

With that in mind, I’ve learned to listen (or at least try).

AskNott · January 21, 2004, 8:14pm

I’ve learned not to believe every plausible story that come down the pike, even if the teller has never lied to me before.

I learned that some folks don’t get sarcasm, when it’s aimed at their favorite god/politician.

Everybody is wrong sometimes, even Snopes, and even (gasp!) Cecil Adams.

There are many phrases that can be abbreviated “WMD.”

dwc1970 · January 21, 2004, 9:14pm

I’ve learned many things about the variances between English as it is spoken and written here in the U.S. and how it is written in Britain and in other English-speaking countries.

I’ve learned that in some cases many people agree with me on some of my opinions, and in other cases I’ve learned that many people would not agree with me.

I’ve picked up many useful and colorful phrases to use in everyday life, many of these coming from the Pit.

I’ve picked up lots of little trivial tidbits from GQ and CS.

Perhaps the most I have learned is not to believe everything I see or hear, be it on the Internet, the newspaper, TV, etc. Many people here have helped me to not just accept everything I come across at face value.

Shirley_Ujest · January 21, 2004, 9:20pm

I’m a better person because of this place.

DeVena · January 21, 2004, 9:42pm

I learned that blimps are evil and are not to be trusted.

That, as dumb as I am, I can answer questions and help other people.

That you can have friends that you’ve never seen.

Mirror_Image_egamI_rorriM · January 22, 2004, 1:22am

I learned that if someone says, “Hey, I can fit my wedding ring up my nose!” then everyone who reads it will immediately try it.