Myths

For our purposes: Myths are commonly held beliefs or ideas that are false. For a claim to be considered a myth one or more parts of it must be proved false. Other definitions of myth, such as those pertaining to the not false-but-allegorical stories we tell to explain things, are discussed on our “what is a myth?” page.

Below is a collection of all factoids rated “myth” (as in “not true or not fully true”) by our authors.  If you disagree or have more evidence to support a claim consider commenting. See our list of facts here.

There are Elements We Don’t Know About myth

There are elements we haven't observed occurring (naturally or in a lab), but we can predict the location and properties of "undiscovered" elements.

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever myth

The old saying "feed a cold, starve a fever" has truth to it, but generally you should feed a cold and a fever and starve neither.

Taco Bell’s Beef Isn’t Real Beef myth

Taco Bell's seasoned beef is 88% "100 percent USDA-inspected premium real beef" and 12% common ingredients like soy, spices, water, and oats.

Single Payer Means Government Run HealthCare myth

Single payer isn't "government run healthcare," single payer only describes funding, not who manages the fund or how healthcare is delivered.

Humans are Born Selfish, not Compassionate myth

Humans are born both selfish and compassionate; we are hardwired to show compassion to our group and fear to those outside it. It's genetic self-interest.

We Learn Best by Being Taught myth

The best way to learn isn't "being taught", its mixing self-directed learning with the roles of student, peer, and teacher in different social settings.

Men Can’t Be Feminists myth

It's a myth that men can't be feminists. Anyone including men can be a feminist, because feminism is simply a belief in the equality of sexes.

Monopoly Was Invented By Charles Darrow myth

Charles Darrow patented Monopoly in 1935, but he didn't invent the game. It is a variation of "the Landlord's Game" patented by Lizzie Magie in 1904.

Humans Can Have With New Ideas Without Input myth

Humans can't have new ideas without prior sensory input. We copy, transform, and combine old ideas to create new ones.

Dungeons and Dragons Was the First Game to Feature EXP and Leveling Up myth

David Arneson invented "the experience points system" and "leveling up" (common features in role playing games) while working on a precursor to Dungeons and Dragons called Blackmoor with Gary Gygax.