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.

Thomas Jefferson Called for Rebellion and Revolution myth

Thomas Jefferson never said, "every generation needs a new revolution", but he did say, "a little rebellion now and then is a good thing."

Fasting Removes Toxins from the Body myth

Scientific research shows the body can remove toxins whether a person fasts or not. In fact, fasting has health risks as the body needs liquid, energy, vitamins, and minerals to detox.

Toilets Flush Backwards in Australia myth

Despite the Coriolis Effect, toilets don't flush backwards in Australia (or on the other side of the world, or in different hemispheres, or on one side of the equator).

Switzerland Requires Citizens to Own Guns myth

Switzerland doesn't require its citizens to own guns. Guns are regulated in three classes and there is mandatory military service for able-bodied men.

Einstein Was a Poor Student myth

Einstein wasn't a poor student. Despite minor troubles in French and the Humanities, Einstein was a prodigy in math and physics from a young age.

The Point of the Second Amendment is to Protect the Right to Keep and Bear Arms myth

The point of the Second Amendment is to secure a free-state via a well-regulated state-run militia. Thus, people have the right to keep and bear arms.

All Mammals Start as Female myth

Mammals don't start as females, they start as a blank slate with XX or XY genetic code, and for the first 5-6 weeks of gestation only the X gene expresses.

The Bohr Model is the Most Accurate Model of an Atom myth

The Bohr model of the atom (1913), the one that looks like a solar system, has been replaced by the more accurate Quantum Model of the atom since 1927.

Edison and Tesla Were Enemies myth

Nicola Tesla and Thomas Edison were rivals, not enemies. Tesla and Edison butted heads publicly, but generally respected each other.

A Mountain Goat is a Goat myth

Mountain goats aren't goats, these close relatives of the goat are actually goat-antelopes. Oddly, they aren't true antelopes either.