Throughout history, education systems have tried their best to impart knowledge. However, as science progresses and society evolves, we discover that some of what was taught as fact is actually incorrect or oversimplified. Here’s a list of 28 such items:
Flat Earth Theory
Historically, educated people knew the Earth was round. The idea that people during the Columbus era believed in a flat Earth is a myth.
Taste Map of the Tongue
We were taught different parts of the tongue taste different flavors like salty, sweet, bitter, and sour. This has been debunked; all taste buds can sense every flavor.
The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space
Despite popular belief, the Great Wall isn’t visible to the naked eye from space.
Thomas Edison Invented the Light Bulb
While Edison improved upon existing designs and popularized the bulb, he didn’t invent it.
Humans Have Only Five Senses
In addition to taste, touch, sight, hearing, and smell, we have senses like balance, temperature, pain, and more.
Dinosaurs Were Lizard-Like
Many dinosaurs had feathers, and they’re more closely related to modern birds than lizards.
Pluto is the Ninth Planet
In 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union.
Blood is Blue Until Oxygenated
This is false. Deoxygenated blood is dark red, not blue; veins appear blue due to the way our skin and veins absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light.
Napoleon was Extremely Short
This myth is due to a confusion between French and British units of measure. He was actually around 5’7″, which was average for his time.
Diamonds are Made from Coal
While both are forms of carbon, most diamonds are much older than the first plants that later became coal.
Pilgrims Wore Only Black and White
Historical records and paintings show they wore various colors.
Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
There’s no historical evidence supporting this popularly held image.
You Use Only 10% of Your Brain
Neuroimaging shows activity coursing through virtually all parts of the brain, even during rest.
Bats are Blind
Bats can see, though they rely more on echolocation to navigate.
Chameleons Change Color to Blend with Their Environment
While they can change color, it’s primarily for communication and regulation of body temperature.
Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker
Hair may feel coarser after shaving, but it doesn’t change its thickness or growth rate.
Einstein Failed Math as a Kid
He excelled in math from a young age.
Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
Studies show they can remember things for months.
Cracking Knuckles Leads to Arthritis
No evidence supports this, although it can reduce grip strength temporarily.
Left-Brained People are Logical, Right-Brained People are Creative
This oversimplification ignores the complex interplay between both brain hemispheres.
Columbus Discovered America
Natives lived in America long before Columbus. Moreover, Vikings had reached North America 500 years earlier.
Different Human Races have Different Numbers of Muscles and Bones
All humans have the same number, regardless of race.
You’ll Catch a Cold from Cold Weather
Colds are caused by viruses, not cold weather.
Seasons are Caused by Earth’s Distance from the Sun
It’s the tilt of Earth’s axis that causes seasons, not proximity to the Sun.
Moss Grows Only on the North Side of Trees
Moss growth is influenced by moisture and shade, not just direction.
Alcohol Warms You Up
It dilates blood vessels, making you feel warm, but it actually decreases core body temperature.
Salem Witches Were Burned at the Stake
Accused witches during the Salem witch trials were hanged, not burned.
Swallowed Gum Takes 7 Years to Digest
While not easily digested, gum doesn’t linger in the stomach for years. It passes through the digestive system more quickly.
It’s vital to keep questioning and learning. Over time, our understanding of the world will continue to evolve, and what we consider as facts today might change in the future. Always approach knowledge with an open mind.
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