16 Common Myths We All Believe, But Are Far From Reality

This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no cost to you. As always, I only recommend links I personally use and love!

We’ve all grown up hearing certain “facts” that we’ve taken for granted. From thinking that lightning never strikes the same place twice to believing that we only use a fraction of our brain’s potential, these myths have been passed down through generations. But how many of these commonly accepted truths are actually rooted in reality? Let’s debunk some of the most widespread myths and set the record straight.

Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice

Contrary to popular belief, lightning can and does strike the same place multiple times. Tall structures like skyscrapers or towers are often hit repeatedly.

Swallowed Gum Stays in Your System for 7 Years

In reality, while your body can’t digest gum, it doesn’t stay in your system for years. It passes through your digestive system and is expelled like other indigestible items.

Humans Only Use 10% of Their Brain

This myth has been popularized by movies and media, but it’s not accurate. We use virtually every part of our brain, and different areas have different functions.

Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory

Goldfish actually have a memory span that can last months. They can be trained to recognize different shapes, sounds, and even to press levers for food.

Touching Baby Birds Will Make Their Mother Reject Them

Most birds have a limited sense of smell and won’t notice if you’ve touched their babies. However, it’s still best to avoid disturbing wildlife.

You Can See the Great Wall of China from Space

Without aid, the Great Wall is not visible to the naked eye from space. It’s a narrow structure, and the same color as the natural terrain.

Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker

The act of shaving doesn’t affect the thickness of hair follicles. When hair regrows after shaving, it may feel coarser, but it’s not thicker.

Eating Carrots Improves Night Vision

While carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is good for eyesight, they don’t give you superhuman night vision. This myth started as World War II propaganda.

Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis

There’s no scientific evidence linking knuckle cracking to arthritis. However, it can weaken your grip and cause swelling in the hands.

People in the Middle Ages Thought the Earth Was Flat

Educated people in the Middle Ages knew the Earth was round. This myth became popular in the 19th century and has persisted since.

Napoleon Bonaparte Was Extremely Short

Napoleon was of average height for his time. The misconception might come from the difference in French and British inches.

Bats Are Blind

Bats are not blind. While many species use echolocation to navigate, they can also see.

Eating Chocolate Causes Acne

There’s no direct link between chocolate and acne. However, a diet high in sugar and fat can contribute to skin issues.

You Swallow an Average of 8 Spiders a Year While Sleeping

This is a modern urban legend. There’s no evidence to support this claim, and spiders aren’t interested in crawling into the mouths of larger predators.

Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

There’s no historical evidence that Vikings wore horned helmets. This image became popularized in the 19th-century art and theater.

Dropping a Penny from a Skyscraper Can Kill Someone

Due to its shape and weight, a penny would not gather enough velocity to kill someone if dropped from a great height. It might sting, but it wouldn’t be lethal.

19 Signs You’re More Attractive Than You Give Yourself Credit For

19 Signs You’re More Attractive Than You Give Yourself Credit For

14 Everyday Actions People Silently Judge You For

14 Everyday Actions People Silently Judge You For

These 13 Car Brands Have the Worst Drivers

These 13 Car Brands Have the Worst Drivers