Confucius “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”
You probably think you know a lot right?
But check the list below. How many of these surprised you?
In our daily lives, we often encounter objects, ideas, and phenomena that are not quite what they seem. From historical facts and scientific concepts to everyday items, the world is full of surprises that challenge our assumptions.
This article explores 100 things that are often misunderstood or commonly misrepresented, shedding light on the true nature of these intriguing topics.
1. Sushi
- Misconception: Sushi means raw fish.
- Reality: Sushi actually refers to rice seasoned with vinegar. The raw fish, which is often included, is called sashimi.
2. The Great Wall of China
- Misconception: It’s visible from space.
- Reality: Astronauts confirm that the Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye.
3. Vikings
- Misconception: Vikings wore horned helmets.
- Reality: There’s no evidence that Vikings wore helmets adorned with horns; this image was popularized by 19th-century artists.
4. Goldfish Memory
- Misconception: Goldfish only have a three-second memory.
- Reality: Research shows goldfish can remember things for months.
5. Bats
- Misconception: All bats are blind.
- Reality: Bats can see, although many species use echolocation to navigate.
6. Fortune Cookies
- Misconception: They are a traditional Chinese custom.
- Reality: Fortune cookies were invented in America and are virtually unknown in China.
7. Napoleon’s Height
- Misconception: Napoleon was very short.
- Reality: Napoleon was actually of average height for his time; the myth likely stems from British propaganda.
8. Banana Tree
- Misconception: Bananas grow on trees.
- Reality: What is commonly called a banana “tree” is actually a large herb.
9. Mount Everest
- Misconception: It’s the tallest mountain in the world.
- Reality: Everest has the highest elevation above sea level, but Mauna Kea in Hawaii is the tallest when measured from base to summit.
10. Black Hole
- Misconception: A black hole is a hole in space.
- Reality: Black holes are extremely dense points in space with strong gravitational pulls.
11. The Sahara Desert
- Misconception: It’s the largest desert in the world.
- Reality: Antarctica is technically the largest desert in the world.
12. Peanuts
- Misconception: Peanuts are nuts.
- Reality: Peanuts are legumes, related to beans and lentils.
13. Sunflower
- Misconception: It’s one big flower.
- Reality: What appears as a single flower is actually a cluster of many tiny flowers.
14. Mercury
- Misconception: It’s the hottest planet.
- Reality: Venus is hotter due to its thick, heat-trapping atmosphere.
15. Schizophrenia
- Misconception: It means split personality.
- Reality: Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by hallucinations and disorganized thinking, not multiple personalities.
16. The Full Moon
- Misconception: It affects human behavior.
- Reality: Numerous studies have found no significant correlation between the full moon and human behavior.
17. Chameleons
- Misconception: They change color to blend into their environment.
- Reality: Chameleons change color primarily to communicate with other chameleons and in response to temperature and other conditions.
18. Iron Maiden
- Misconception: It was a medieval torture device.
- Reality: The iron maiden is likely a myth that was created in the 18th century.
19. Sharks
- Misconception: They regularly attack humans.
- Reality: Shark attacks are extremely rare, and many species pose no threat to humans.
20. The Dark Side of the Moon
- Misconception: It’s perpetually dark.
- Reality: All sides of the moon receive sunlight; the “dark side” is just the far side from Earth.