Eastern and Western philosophies developed largely independently yet address the same fundamental questions.

More people in the world have access to a mobile phone than to a toilet.

Impressionism, initially mocked as unfinished and messy, transformed into one of the most celebrated art movements in history.

Extreme sports athlete Travis Pastrana became the first person to land a double backflip on a motorcycle at X Games 2006.

The most translated book in the world is the Bible, available in over 700 languages.

More people die taking selfies than from shark attacks in some recent years.

Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves were once more valuable than gold by weight.

The Japanese concept of 'Bushido' (way of the warrior) was largely codified in the early 20th century, not feudal Japan.

The world's largest drum, Tridandi, is over 13 feet in diameter and weighs 2,000 kg.