Please turn JavaScript on
Futility Closet icon

Futility Closet

Following Futility Closet's news feed is very easy. Subscribe using the "follow" button on the top right and if you want to, choose the updates by topic or tag.

We will deliver them to your inbox, your phone, or you can use follow.it like your own online RSS reader. You can unsubscribe whenever you want with one click.

Keep up to date with Futility Closet!

Futility Closet: Futility Closet

Is this your feed? Claim it!

Publisher:  Unclaimed!
Message frequency:  1.62 / day

Message History

“When asked by a disciple if there were one single word which could serve as a principle of conduct for life, Confucius replied, ‘Perhaps the word reciprocity will do. Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.'” — Analects


Read full story
In a Word

balneal
adj. pertaining to a warm bath


Read full story

Annie, Betty, Carrie, Darla, and Eve all have the same birthday, but all are different ages. On their shared birthday:

Darla said to Betty: “I’m 9 years older than Eve.” Eve said to Betty: “I’m 7 years older than Annie.” Annie said to Betty: “Your age is exactly 70 percent greater than mine.” Betty said to Carrie: “Eve is younger than you.” Carrie said to Darla: “The dif...

Read full story

When Whistler’s Mother’s Picture’s frame
Split, that sad morn, in two,
Your tense words scorched me like a flame —
You shrieked, “Ah, glue! Get glue!”

O Glue! O God! there was not glue
Enough in all the feet
Of all the kine the wide world through
To hold you to me, Sweet!


Read full story

This baffling message illustrates a cipher adopted by the Union Army in 1862:

TO GEORGE C. MAYNARD, Washington

Regulars ordered of my to public out suspending received 1862 spoiled thirty I dispatch command of continue of best otherwise worst Arabia my command discharge duty of my last for Lincoln September period your from sense shall duties the until Seward a...


Read full story