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.

Reading in Dim Light is Bad For Your Eyes myth

Reading in dim light isn't bad for your eyes. Be it a book or electronic device, reading in dim light will not damage the eyesight of a healthy adult (although it may cause temporary strain).

Mercury is the Hottest Planet myth

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, and thus receives the most direct heat. However, Venus is hotter, as Mercury doesn't have an atmosphere thick enough to trap and hold heat.

Brian Eno Invented Ambient Music myth

Brian Eno didn't invent ambient music, but he did coin the term and popularize the genre drawing from underground experimental music and the work of Erik Satie.

The Average Person Can Make a Living off of Blackjack myth

Very few can make a living off of blackjack. To win in the long run you must count cards, watch tables, risk big money, and employ questionable betting strategies.

Common Core Doesn’t Work myth

The Common Core works in theory, in that it should teach all kids key critical thinking skills, but the implementation has been under-supported leading to real issues.

There are Only 5 Senses myth

Humans have more than 5 senses; we have 5 traditional senses, but over 20 senses in total with non-traditional senses counted. Other organisms have a variety of senses too.

A Person Can be a “Lone Genius” myth

A person can be a "lone genius", but as an essay called "Deconstructing the Lone Genius Myth" points out, genius is in many ways a collective process.

10,000 Hours of Practice Makes Perfect myth

The "10,000 hours theory", that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to become an "outlier", is a useful concept, but not an exact rule.

Stress Causes Hair to Turn Gray myth

Greying is largely determined by genes. Stress may cause hair to turn grey early, perhaps from increased oxidation, but studies are lacking.

We Know How Many Galaxies There Are myth

We don't know exactly how many galaxies there are in the visible universe, but low estimates based on Hubble data start at 100 billion.