How many grains of sand in a cubic inch? What is the capital of Slovenia? Which country won the most gold medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics?
We love trivia! The more esoteric the subject, the more we like it. It's not unexpected that one of the most popular board games on the market is Trivial Pursuit, a game created in Montreal in 1979. It has spread around the world to 26 countries and 17 languages. On a regular basis, new versions are issued, aimed at younger, older, or more defined audiences.
And it's not a surprise that Jeopardy, a fact-based television quiz show, has long outlasted other game shows, gaining over the years a new generation of fact-seekers.
Quiz nights at local pubs draw in spectators and contestants, often in highly charged competitive surroundings.
What is the appeal of trivia? Maybe it's just that—it's trivial. Knowing the answers to the questions won't find a cure for cancer, bring back lost youth, or install world peace. It will give us a chance to hone our talents, knowledge and memory against others, it's great fun, and ends with a feeling of accomplishment. It even expands our knowledge of the world around us. And unlike everyday life the questions do have answers that are verifiable. What's not to love?
A fondness for trivia is why I'm including a quiz in each of my newsletters. Some are based on books and authors, some on more widespread topics. But I hope you love trivia as much as I do and that you'll join me. My first newsletter will be out on Sunday. To join my mailing list (and you can unsubscribe any time) just put your e-mail address in the form at the right side and click Submit.
I hope to see you all soon.
We love trivia! The more esoteric the subject, the more we like it. It's not unexpected that one of the most popular board games on the market is Trivial Pursuit, a game created in Montreal in 1979. It has spread around the world to 26 countries and 17 languages. On a regular basis, new versions are issued, aimed at younger, older, or more defined audiences.
And it's not a surprise that Jeopardy, a fact-based television quiz show, has long outlasted other game shows, gaining over the years a new generation of fact-seekers.
Quiz nights at local pubs draw in spectators and contestants, often in highly charged competitive surroundings.
What is the appeal of trivia? Maybe it's just that—it's trivial. Knowing the answers to the questions won't find a cure for cancer, bring back lost youth, or install world peace. It will give us a chance to hone our talents, knowledge and memory against others, it's great fun, and ends with a feeling of accomplishment. It even expands our knowledge of the world around us. And unlike everyday life the questions do have answers that are verifiable. What's not to love?
A fondness for trivia is why I'm including a quiz in each of my newsletters. Some are based on books and authors, some on more widespread topics. But I hope you love trivia as much as I do and that you'll join me. My first newsletter will be out on Sunday. To join my mailing list (and you can unsubscribe any time) just put your e-mail address in the form at the right side and click Submit.
I hope to see you all soon.
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