14 Common Beliefs That Are Total Myths (But Still Taught Today)
Uncover 14 widely believed myths that continue to be taught, despite being debunked by science and history.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Many of us carry beliefs from our school days that have since been proven false. From misconceptions about human senses to historical inaccuracies, these myths persist in educational materials and popular culture. This listicle explores 14 such myths, shedding light on the truth behind each and encouraging a more informed understanding of the world.
1. Einstein Failed Math
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Contrary to popular belief, Albert Einstein did not fail math as a student. In fact, he excelled in the subject from a young age. The myth likely stems from misunderstandings or misquotations over time.
2. A Penny Dropped from a Skyscraper Can Kill
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The idea that a penny dropped from a tall building can kill someone is a myth. Due to air resistance, a penny reaches a terminal velocity that is not lethal. It’s more likely to sting than to cause serious harm.
3. Toilets Flush Differently in the Southern Hemisphere
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It’s commonly believed that toilets flush in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect. However, the Coriolis effect doesn’t influence small bodies of water like those in toilets; the direction is determined by the design of the toilet itself.
4. Chameleons Change Color to Blend In The Independent
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While chameleons can change color, it’s not primarily for camouflage. They change color to regulate body temperature and communicate with other chameleons. Camouflage is just one of several reasons for their color changes.
5. Napoleon Was Extremely Short
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Napoleon Bonaparte is often thought to have been very short, but he was actually of average height for his time. The myth may have originated from British propaganda and differences in French and British measurement systems.
6. Touching a Baby Bird Causes Rejection by Its Mother
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Many believe that if you touch a baby bird, its mother will abandon it due to human scent. In reality, most birds have a limited sense of smell and will not reject their chicks if touched by humans.
7. Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker
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Shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker. The blunt tip of regrown hair may make it appear more coarse, but the shaving process doesn’t affect the hair’s thickness or color.
8. We Only Use 10% of Our Brains
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The claim that humans only use 10% of their brains is a myth. Neuroimaging shows that we use virtually every part of the brain, and most of the brain is active almost all the time.
9. Bulls Are Enraged by the Color Red
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Bulls are color-blind to red. The movement of the matador’s cape, not its color, provokes the bull. The red color is traditionally used to mask bloodstains.
10. Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
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Lightning can and often does strike the same place multiple times, especially tall, pointed, and isolated structures. For example, the Empire State Building is struck by lightning about 20-25 times a year.
11. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
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The image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is a myth popularized by 19th-century artists. There is no historical evidence that Viking warriors wore horned helmets in battle.
12. The Tongue Taste Map Is a Myth
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The widely taught “tongue map,” suggesting specific regions of the tongue exclusively detect certain tastes, has been debunked. Modern research shows that all taste sensations exist, such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. This misconception originated from a misinterpretation of early 20th-century research.
13. Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
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Contrary to the belief that goldfish have a mere three-second memory, studies have shown they can remember information for months. Goldfish are capable of complex behaviors like navigating mazes and recognizing their owners, indicating a much more robust memory than previously thought.
14. The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
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The claim that the Great Wall of China is visible from space with the naked eye is a myth. While the wall is long, it’s relatively narrow and blends in with the natural terrain, making it difficult to see without aid. Astronauts have confirmed that it’s not easily discernible from low Earth orbit.