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.

Universal HealthCare Can’t Work in the U.S. Due to Size myth

The idea that universal healthcare can’t work in the U.S. due to size alone is a myth. The U.S. has 50 states, each with populations equivalent to nations with universal coverage.

Hitler Never Used Chemical Weapons myth

Hitler used chemical weapons, but he used them on his own people and not on the battlefield (as they had been banned in global warfare after WW1).

Presidents Can Use Executive Orders to do Whatever They Want myth

Presidents of the U.S. are granted power to create executive orders by the Constitution, but orders must be lawful, keeping in-line with the Constitution and other legal statutes.

It’s OK to Eat Food that has Been on the Floor Less Than 5 Seconds myth

The "five-second rule" that food dropped on the floor for less than 5 seconds is safe to eat is not always true. Contamination depends on factors like moisture levels, the number of germs on the floor, and the time the food spends in contact with the floor.

Donald Trump had the Biggest In-Person Inaugural Crowd Ever myth

Trump may have had the largest inaugural crowd in 2017 if you count all sources online, on TV, and in-person, but his in-person turnout was provably smaller than Obama's.

Hitler Was a Left-wing Socialist Liberal myth

Hitler was a National Socialist (NAZI). National Socialism is a type of fascism. Although National Socialism had some socialist and left-wing planks, it is a unique authoritarian, militant, and nationalist ideology separate from socialism or liberalism that is generally considered "far-right."

Machiavelli Said, “the Ends Justify the Means” myth

Niccolò Machiavelli never said, "the ends justify the means", although he did elude to a complex version of the concept in his Prince.

Nonprofits Can’t Make a Profit myth

It is a myth that nonprofits don't or can't make a profit. Not-for-profit businesses can make a profit; they just can't distribute their profits to individuals beyond paying reasonable compensation.

Charles Darwin Coined the Phrase “Survival of the Fittest” myth

Charles Darwin came up with the idea of natural selection, but he didn't coin the phrase "survival of the fittest", that was Herbert Spencer in 1864's Principles of Sociology.

The Founding Fathers Supported Slavery myth

Slavery was legal when America was founded, but few founding fathers fully supported the nefarious institution. In fact, many founders fought to limit and abolish slavery.