What's a traditional / archaic concept that actually happens to be right, just not for the reason originally thought? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 week ago by Apytele@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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I've been looking into feng shui lately, specifically the concepts about what makes a person feel more safe or at ease in a space, such as relaxing or sleeping facing the entrance / exit.

While reading, I came across the guidance that you should always shut your toilet seat to prevent your good fortune from being flushed. The real reason you should keep it shut is so it can't mist shit-water all over your toothbrush every time you flush. Also so your pets don't drink out of it.

What other things did humans throughout history accidentally get right?

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[-] jordanlund@lemmy.world 51 points 1 week ago

Back in the day, without proper health guidelines, banning the eating of pork was a really good idea.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichinosis

[-] Cheradenine@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

~~While true from a health standpoint, isn't the idea of religious food prohibitons being based on health somewhat contentious~~?

~~I thought that Jews didn't eat them because they have cloven hooves and they don't chew their cud~~.~~

Edit: I read the question, then still went on my own tangent because I find the origin of religious taboos interesting. Apologies

[-] frosty99c@midwest.social 8 points 1 week ago

Right, isn't that the point of the question? What old time things did we do for one reason (cloven hooves) that turned out to be right for completely different reasons (health and safety)

[-] Cheradenine@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 week ago

Yes, you are correct. I apparently went on a tangent of my own.

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this post was submitted on 04 Jul 2024

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