What You Think You Know Is Totally Wrong

What You Think You Know Is Totally Wrong

Every day, we walk around thinking we’ve got the world figured out. We rely on facts we've learned from school, stories we've heard from others, or information that’s been repeated so often it must be true. But here’s the shocking reality: many of those “facts” are completely false.

Let’s pull back the curtain on some of the most widely believed myths that are, in fact, dead wrong.

1. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets? Not Even Close.

Thanks to Halloween costumes, cartoons, and pop culture, we all picture fierce Vikings with giant horned helmets. The truth? There’s zero historical evidence that Viking warriors ever wore horns on their heads.

The image was popularized in the 1800s by costume designers—particularly in Wagnerian opera. Real Viking helmets were made of iron and were practical, meant for battle, not drama. So the next time you imagine a Viking raid, leave the horns at home.

2. Napoleon Was Tiny? That’s a Tall Tale.

“Napoleon complex” has become a term for short men overcompensating. But ironically, Napoleon Bonaparte wasn’t actually short. He measured about 5’6” or 5’7”, which was average height for a French man in the 1800s.

So where did the myth come from? Mostly due to confusion between French and British measuring systems, and perhaps a bit of British propaganda. In truth, Napoleon stood tall in many ways—including his physical stature.

3. Bats Are Blind? Not Even a Little Bit.

We’ve all heard the phrase “blind as a bat.” But here’s the kicker: bats aren’t blind at all. In fact, many species of bats can see quite well—some even have better night vision than humans.

Bats do use echolocation to navigate in total darkness, but that’s because it’s incredibly effective, not because they lack sight. So yes, they fly by sound—but not because they can’t see. This myth is just flying blind.

4. You Only Use 10% of Your Brain? Think Again.

This is one of the most popular myths in modern culture—used in movies, motivational speeches, and even advertisements. But neuroscience has proven it completely false.

Brain scans show that nearly every part of our brain is active at various points throughout the day. Even while we sleep, different regions light up and play vital roles. The idea that 90% of your brain is sitting there unused is more fiction than fact. You're using your whole brain—just not all at once.

5. The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space? Not Without Help.

For decades, people believed the Great Wall of China was the only man-made object visible from space. Sounds amazing, right? But astronauts have clarified: it’s barely visible at all.

From low Earth orbit, the wall blends in with the natural landscape and isn’t easily distinguishable without telescopic assistance. In fact, highways, airports, and cities are much more noticeable than the Great Wall. Sometimes, the most iconic “facts” turn out to be flat-out wrong.

Why This Matters

You might be wondering—what’s the harm in believing these myths? Some are harmless, sure. But they reveal something deeper about how we absorb information. If we never question what we’re told, we may never uncover the truth.

We live in the age of information—but also the age of misinformation. It’s easier than ever to share “facts” that haven’t been questioned or confirmed. That’s why critical thinking is more important now than ever before.

So next time you hear a fun fact or repeat something you learned in childhood, pause and ask: Is this actually true?

You might be surprised how much of what you think you know… is totally wrong.