Do you ever wonder whether we are getting smarter as a species or the exact opposite is happening? Well, you’re not the only one. While we’ve achieved great progress in the last couple of centuries there are some worrying signs that the trend may be reversing.
The evidence for that is the signs we can see everywhere around us. Sometimes these signs are telling something that should be obvious to everyone but the trouble is, people can do some really dumb things so they need equally dumb signs you won’t believe exist.
You’re about to see 75 signs which demonstrate that we’re not as smart as we think we are.
1. Peanut in a shell
In case you didn’t figure it out on your own, peanut butter is actually made of… peanuts. The same goes for the product on the picture. Peanut allergy is no joke so we understand why they needed to put a sign to warn their customers, if their own eyes failed to do the trick.
2. Read the sign
Some people may be tempted to break into a library during the night, which is why every library needs a sign to disssuade them from attempting something stupid. Next time you plan on paying a visit to the library, keep in mind that it’s closed until it’s opened.
3. No giant hot dogs
You probably find it annoying and unfair when you buy a product and find out that it isn’t quite the same as what the image on the package showed. This sign has been posted for a reason – to avoid confusion.
4. It’s hot
Would you put your hand in the fire for someone? If you ever consider it, be sure to remember that the fire is hot.
5. This will only hurt a little…
People who don’t bother to read danger signs may often find themselves in real danger. Just in case you forget: flames are not good for your skin.
6. Slippery ‘floor’
Watch your step or you might slip. You can’t say you haven’t been warned.
7. Greetings earthlings
No matter what city, state or country we’re from, we’re all from Earth. This sign reminds us of that simple fact.
8. Push, don’t knock
When God closes a door he opens a window and vice versa. You won’t need a window if you simply try the alternative entrance.
9. A picture is worth a thousand words
We love the drawing. When words aren’t enough, the drawing is there to remove any doubt in respect to the harmful impact of swallowing a hanger.
10. No, cats don’t give milk
Cat food manufacturers obviously didn’t consider the possibility that their product name might be confusing for some customers. If they did, this sign wouldn’t have been necessary.
11. Under the sea
If you ever succumb to a reflex to breathe under water, remember this sign and let it serve as a warning. Unless you have gills, then this warning doesn’t apply to you.
12. The Devil’s Pitchfork
Teens and adolescents have a habit to sit on the nearest fence they find to spend their leisure time. It really pays to be careful on what kind of fence do you sit on to avoid accidents.
13. Don’t overstep your boundaries
When you’re attending a party it’s easy to get carried away chatting with your friends. One step too far while standing on a balcony can prove fatal, unless there’s a sign like this one warning you that you’re not on the ground level.
14. The spirit of exploration
The first explorers didn’t need signs to guide them while they were discovering the Americas. If Columbus could do it, why shouldn’t you be able to do the same?
15. No, that’s not an exit
We can only wonder what’s the story behind this sign. It has to be a good one.
16. Who doesn’t want a lollipop
Too often we focus too much on the form and forget about the substance. It’s all nice to enjoy your lollipop when you’re getting a shot but don’t forget what it’s all about.
17. Single use only
The best way to know what you’re buying is to try on the product before you actually pay for it. Sometimes that’s impossible, however, so we have to trust the manufacturer.
18. No diving in shallow water
Think of all the underwater wonders just waiting to be discovered in a public toilet. Unfortunately, the risk of getting injured while attempting to dive in a toilet is too high.
19. It’s not a toy
Some things are just not meant to be used for hitting each other. If you really want to smack someone – use a pillow.
20. It’s only a game
Nasty things can happen when we take sports too seriously. More sports facillities should have signs like this one.
21. Ghostbusters
Every home for sale should a have a sign ‘no ghosts on the premises’. Nobody wants to repeat the mistake that couple from the Amityville made.
22. No selfies with crocodiles
Tourists can be a troublesome bunch, especially when they want to take selfies with crocodiles. Don’t ever attempt it yourself.
23. Enter the sea here
One can’t just walk into the ocean from a random point. Who knows what could be lurking in the depths. That’s why it’s always safe to enter the sea through the entrance.
24. Kids play should be voluntary
Parents need to realize that their kids have limits. Signs like these are necessary to avoid heartbreaking scenes of weeping kids who are forced by their parents to ride the mechanical bull.
25. Remember to wash your clothes
If only more manufacturers put tags such as this on their products, there would be less dirty t-shirts in the world. The only problem with that is that people who need to be reminded to wash their clothes may also need to be reminded how to wash them as well.
26. Out of service
When you really need to go you hardly pay attention to what urinal you’re using. Even if it’s a hole in the wall.
27. Rain makes the road wet
Traffic safety is important and everyone needs to know all the regulations right down to the last detail. Better safe than sorry, right?
28. So that’s why we had problems with slippery walls
People who watched too many Jim Carrey movies might get some strange ideas from time to time. Licking the bathroom walls sounds disturbing enough to warrant a response from the staff.
29. The door’s locked for a reason
Keys exist for a purpose. If you don’t have have one and door is locked it’s better you go back the way you came.
30. Organic food
You need the best ingredients to prepare healthy and nutritious food. Doesn’t matter which ingredients, just make sure they’re organic.
31. Watch your steps
Stepping into an empty elevator shaft is everyone’s nightmare. These folks were smart enough to put a sign to avoid unfortunate accidents from occurring.
32. Swimmers only
This sign is very unfair to non-swimmers. You don’t have to be a swimmer to enjoy water sports like everyone else. Stop discrimination against non-swimmers!
33. The end of the road
Every sidewalk has to end somewhere. What’s problematic is what happens after you reach the end of the sidewalk.
34. Don’t cup your hands underneath the vending machine
There comes a time when you need coffee so badly you’d do just about anything to get your hands on that cup. If there’s no cup available, your hands will do just fine.
35. Pay attention to stop signs
Stop signs are everywhere so we take them for granted and often forget about their existence. This sign is here to remind us of their existence.
36. Language issues
Ordering a coffee should be a fairly straightforward task, no need to complicate things by speaking Klingon. Unless you’re at spaceship bar, that is.
37. Unmovable trees
Experienced skiers know that moving trees are just an illusion. We don’t live in Middle Earth and Treebeard is not real.
38. Have some decency
Showing in your underwear in public may be considered fashionable in come circles but most of us old-fashioned folks still see it as rude. The people who run this establishment have had enough.
39. Traffic lesson
You don’t have to be a first time driver to be reminded of some of the basics of road etiquette. If there were more signs like this one there would be less traffic accidents.
40. You’ll be redirected to the nearest functioning toilet
It must be a bad feeling to enter the toilet and unzip your pants just to find out that the toilet is actually a fake. Here’s another reason not to like IKEA.