Buzz
In the past, we've tackled various misconceptions, but this time we're adding a new twist – these are the myths we secretly wish were true, for different reasons. This list might be a bit controversial, but I’ve tried to be as candid as I can. As always, it’s an oversimplification to say that everyone believes these ideas – many don’t, but I hope there will be at least a couple of items that each person can relate to, even if they aren't entirely sure of their validity.
10. Fatwas
The misconception: A Fatwa is a death sentence Why we wish it were true: Because, whether we like it or not, there is a lot of anti-Islamic sentiment, and it’s tough to challenge the popular belief that perpetuates this myth.
In Sunni Islam, a fatwa is a non-binding religious ruling on Islamic law, issued by a qualified scholar. However, in Shia Islam, fatwas may be considered binding, depending on one's connection to the scholar. Fatwas are similar to legal opinions, which exist in many countries with formal legal systems. Since most fatwas are simply opinions, they may conflict with each other, and it is ultimately up to the individual Muslim to decide which fatwa they choose to accept.
9. The First President
The myth: George Washington was the first president of the United States. Why we want to believe it: Because he was the first president of the newly independent United States of America.
While George Washington was indeed the first president of an independent United States, he was actually the seventeenth leader of the nation in terms of governance. The Continental Congress, a gathering of delegates from the thirteen colonies, governed the U.S. during the Revolutionary War, with the President of Congress serving as the head of government. The first president of the Continental Congress was Peyton Randolph (pictured), and John Hancock, perhaps the most famous, served twice as the fourth and thirteenth. While the power of the Continental Congress president was far less than that of Washington’s post-independence role, he was still the de facto leader of the United States during the rebellion. The final session of the Continental Congress took place on March 2, 1789, just two days before the first session of the 1st United States Congress and one month before George Washington’s inauguration as the first President of the modern U.S. government.
8. Lucrezia Borgia
The myth: Lucrezia Borgia was believed to have worn a poison-laced ring and had improper relationships with both her father and brother. Why this myth endures: It resonates with the modern disdain for the Middle Ages, and the tales surrounding Lucrezia Borgia reinforce our misconceptions of that time.
Lucrezia Borgia may not have been a saint, but portraying her as a monster is a misunderstanding. While she certainly held influence in Renaissance Europe, there is no proof of her being an incestuous murderer. In fact, evidence suggests she was deeply religious, which would have made such acts impossible for her. Moreover, she had a strong bond with both her father (Pope Alexander VI) and brother, opposing the idea that she suffered from their abuse. Her early death at 39 left her little time to commit the heinous acts attributed to her. The poison ring legend likely stems from Victor Hugo's 1833 play, where he portrays her as a 'poisonous princess.'
7. Scientific Method
The common misconception: A single, universal scientific method exists. The reason we believe this: Most of us are taught in elementary science textbooks that imply this to simplify the concept.
However, not all sciences adhere to the 'scientific method' (commonly defined as hypothesis, experiment, conclusion). For instance, in astronomy, how can we test the existence of black holes when we cannot physically reach one? Much of our contemporary scientific understanding has been driven by curiosity and exploratory research, like the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation. While the scientific method is essential in fields like basic physics and chemistry, genuine science includes a wide range of approaches—or sometimes, none at all, as we just discussed.
6. Fat Burning
The common misconception: A lower intensity workout burns more calories from fat than a high-intensity workout. The reason we believe this: We live in an era where people prefer easy solutions, and this myth gives us a convenient excuse to put in minimal effort at the gym while feeling accomplished.
It's true that you burn a higher percentage of fat in low-intensity workouts, but you actually burn more total calories from fat in a high-intensity workout of the same length. Here's why: In a low-intensity session, you might burn 200 calories, with 60% (120 calories) coming from fat. However, in a high-intensity workout of the same duration, you could burn 400 calories, with 35% (140 calories) from fat. This demonstrates that high-intensity workouts are more effective, not only because you burn more calories overall but also because they offer a superior cardiovascular benefit.
5. Columbus Hindered
The misconception: Christopher Columbus struggled to secure support for his voyages because people believed the Earth was flat. The reason we want to believe this: It adds a sense of daring and adventure to Columbus’s character, making his journey seem more heroic.
We've previously discussed the flat earth myth, but just to reiterate: Western civilization has understood the earth's spherical shape since at least 300 BC, with no significant challenges to this idea. The real obstacle for Columbus was his inaccurate estimate of the distance to India, which he thought was much shorter than the widely accepted calculation. Had he not discovered America, he would have run out of supplies. Essentially, Columbus had to convince the investors that his distance estimate was correct, despite it being at odds with common knowledge at the time.
4. King Tut’s Curse
The myth: King Tut's tomb was believed to be cursed, with a death sentence on anyone who dared enter. And supposedly, the curse worked! Why do we buy into this? It's clear – tales of curses and the air of mystery surrounding ancient Egypt and its treasures are simply irresistible. Add in the strange coincidences surrounding the deaths of those involved with the tomb, and it almost becomes a story more compelling than fiction.
In reality, there was no curse. The story was fabricated by a journalist (who, as always, displayed as much integrity back then as they do now!). The closest thing to a curse was an inscription found on a statue of Anubis (the God of the dead) in the tomb, which reads: 'It is I who prevent the sand from sealing the secret chamber. I protect the deceased.' Considering that Joseph Smith once translated a papyrus into something entirely opposite of its true meaning (as seen in item 3), perhaps the misinterpretation of the curse was unintentional.
3. Ancient Greece
The common belief: Ancient Greece was a powerful nation that introduced democracy to the world. Why this belief persists: This idea is often taught by most non-academic educators.
Ancient Greece was not a single nation, but rather a region home to up to 1,000 distinct cultures. These cultures operated independently, each with its own leadership, military, and autonomy. We are familiar with Sparta and its people, but they represent only one of many city-states within the Greek world. While united by language and ethnicity, these city-states frequently clashed with each other. In fact, the ancient Olympics had a special rule to ensure that competitors traveling from their home state to the host state were protected.
2. Human Soap
The myth: The Nazis produced soap from the fat of Jews who died or were killed in labor camps. Why we are inclined to believe this: Given the unimaginable horrors of the War, it’s easy to accept such a story as true.
This myth likely emerged because the Nazis made soap marked with the RIF label, used in some concentration camps. Many mistakenly assumed that the letters stood for 'Pure Jewish Fat' in German, but they actually represented 'Reich Industry Fat.' Tests on the soap have confirmed that it contains no human DNA. The rumor of soap made from human fat first spread in France during World War I. The Nazis themselves were aware of this rumor, and Himmler addressed it as follows:
Given the extensive movement of Jewish emigration, I’m not surprised such rumors have spread. We both know that there was a higher mortality rate among Jews forced to work. You must ensure that the bodies of these deceased Jews are either cremated or buried at each location, and that no other use of the bodies occurs. A thorough investigation should be conducted at every location to check for any misuse of corpses, as mentioned in point 1, which may have spread as false rumors. I must be notified immediately of any such misuse, under the SS oath. [Source: Illinois Holocaust Museum]
1. American Independence
The common belief is that America gained independence on July 4, 1776. Why does this myth persist? It’s because we celebrate that date annually, and it’s easy to think that simply declaring independence was enough to make it a reality.
However, the truth is more complex—independence wasn’t truly secured until seven years later when both the United States and Britain signed a peace treaty, and King George III officially recognized America’s sovereignty. If the signing of the Definitive Treaty of Peace had been the official trigger, Independence Day would be celebrated this month on September 3, 1783.
