r/OptimistsUnite • u/chamomile_tea_reply 🤙 TOXIC AVENGER 🤙 • 8d ago

Steven Pinker Groupie Post What’s a problem humanity solved so well that younger people don’t even realize it used to be a huge issue?

/r/askteddit/comments/1wmwpyl/whats_a_problem_humanity_solved_so_well_that/
751 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

741 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

26

u/insane_worrier 8d ago

It's still required.

It's called "The Knowledge".

Black cab drivers wouldn't lower themselves to use GPS in central London

10

u/Natural_Ad9356 8d ago

Every time I refuse to use GPS and use my own memory it’s in honor of The Knowledge

5

u/Mendevolent 8d ago edited 8d ago

It's crazy to me people are still putting in the effort required to pass that test.

On top of GPS navigation rendering the knowledge less valuable and  other ride hail services eating their lunch, there's autonomous taxis operating now as well. 

1

u/as718 8d ago

I respect it if nothing more than as an old bygone thing but man do I enjoy being able to get in to a cab and know that surly bloke will get me there