alt.hn

2/24/2026 at 3:16:08 PM

The history of knocking on wood

https://resobscura.substack.com/p/neolithic-habits-machine-age-tools

by benbreen

2/25/2026 at 1:18:34 AM

As someone who was around in the 90ies, I think I would have found a way to work in the Bosstones, but it's pretty interesting just the same. I'll also have to look up what people write about "tocca ferro" in Italian.

by davidw

2/25/2026 at 2:24:21 PM

The same expression "tocar ferro" was used traditionally in Catalan instead of knock on wood. Ferro translates as iron. Iron in this expression refers to a sword. More than trusting in good luck or some sort of supra natural protection, the expression "tocar ferro" conveys a sense of self reliance, of being prepared and confident.

by aregue

2/25/2026 at 11:27:19 AM

> Most of human nature is never written down — and machines can't learn it from text

Well, the conclusion of the article is that humans cannot either, it's not like humans have some magical conduit towards truth.

by bananaflag

2/25/2026 at 9:53:37 AM

Not uncommon that people will knock on their heads if nothing wooden is in arm‘s reach. (Which - head of wood - which I always see as a nice little act of humility)

by datawars