The Truth Behind 15 Facts

Introduction:

When it comes to the internet, information is constantly being shared and spread at lightning speed. However, not all facts that we come across online are as true as they may seem. In this article, we will uncover the truth behind 15 commonly believed facts to provide you with a clearer understanding of what’s real and what’s not.

Fact 1: The Great Wall of China is visible from space.

One of the most widespread myths is that the Great Wall of China is visible from space. In reality, it is extremely difficult to see the wall from outer space without the aid of advanced technology. Despite its remarkable length, the Great Wall’s width is relatively narrow and blends in with the surrounding landscape, making it nearly impossible to spot from afar.

Fact 2: Bats are blind.

Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind. While some species of bats have poor eyesight and rely on echolocation to navigate their surroundings, the majority of bats can see quite well. In fact, bats have excellent night vision, allowing them to hunt for insects in the dark.

Fact 3: Napoleon Bonaparte was short.

Despite his nickname “The Little Corporal,” Napoleon Bonaparte was not actually short. Standing at around 5 feet 6 inches, Napoleon was of average height for his time period. The misconception of his height may have originated from British propaganda, as he was often depicted as short to undermine his power and influence.

Fact 4: Goldfish have a 3-second memory.

One of the most enduring myths about goldfish is that they have a memory span of only 3 seconds. In reality, goldfish have a much longer memory and can remember information for several months. They are capable of recognizing their owners, learning simple tricks, and even navigating mazes. Goldfish are intelligent creatures that deserve more credit than they often receive.

Fact 5: Bulls are enraged by the color red.

Many people believe that bulls are provoked by the color red, which is often used by matadors in bullfighting. In truth, bulls are colorblind and are not actually agitated by the color red. It is the movement of the cape and the actions of the matador that trigger the bull’s aggressive behavior, not the color of the cloth.

Fact 6: Chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings.

While it is commonly believed that chameleons change color to camouflage themselves, this is not entirely accurate. Chameleons change color as a response to emotions, temperature, and lighting conditions, rather than to blend in with their environment. Their ability to change color is a form of communication and can also be used as a means of defense against predators.

Fact 7: The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world.

Although the Great Wall of China is indeed a monumental structure, it is not the longest wall in the world. The longest wall is actually the ancient wall of Had made, which stretches over 73 miles in northeastern Jordan. Built over 2,300 years ago, Had made is an impressive architectural feat that predates the Great Wall of China.

Fact 8: A penny dropped from the Empire State Building can kill someone.

The myth that a penny dropped from the top of the Empire State Building could kill someone below is purely a myth. Due to its small size and shape, a penny does not have enough mass to cause any significant harm. In reality, the wind resistance would cause the penny to slow down to a harmless speed before reaching the ground.

Fact 9: Vikings wore horned helmets.

Contrary to popular depictions in media and literature, Vikings did not actually wear horned helmets. The idea of Vikings wearing horned helmets was popularized by artists and designers in the 19th century and has since become a widespread misconception. In truth, historical evidence suggests that Vikings wore simple helmets without horns for battle.

Fact 10: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

The saying “lightning never strikes the same place twice” is a common misconception. In reality, lightning can and does strike the same place multiple times. Tall structures, such as skyscrapers and towers, are often struck by lightning repeatedly due to their height and ability to conduct electricity. Lightning strikes are unpredictable and can occur in the same location more than once.

Fact 11: Sharks are immune to cancer.

While it is true that sharks have a lower incidence of cancer compared to other animals, they are not entirely immune to the disease. Sharks do get cancer, but at a much lower rate than humans and other mammals. Research is ongoing to study the unique immune system of sharks in the hopes of developing new treatments for cancer in humans.

Fact 12: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.

Although Mount Everest is the highest peak above sea level, it is not actually the tallest mountain in the world. Mauna Kea in Hawaii holds the title for the tallest mountain when measured from base to summit. Mauna Kea rises over 33,000 feet from the ocean floor, surpassing the height of Mount Everest when considering the entire mountain’s height.

Fact 13: Lightning never strikes the ocean.

Contrary to popular belief, lightning can and does strike the ocean. In fact, the ocean is one of the most common targets for lightning strikes due to its vast expanse and conductive properties. When lightning strikes the ocean, it can travel for miles along the surface, posing a potential danger to marine life and vessels.

Fact 14: Humans only use 10% of their brains.

The myth that humans only use 10% of their brains is a persistent falsehood that has been debunked by neuroscientists. In reality, humans use all parts of their brains, albeit at different times and for different functions. The brain is a complex organ that requires all its regions to work together for cognition, movement, and various other vital functions.

Fact 15: The Earth is flat.

Perhaps one of the most controversial and long-standing myths is the belief that the Earth is flat. In reality, scientific evidence, including satellite imagery, GPS technology, and astronomical observations, confirms that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. The misconception of a flat Earth has been refuted by centuries of scientific research and exploration.

Conclusion:

In a world filled with misinformation and misconceptions, it is important to critically evaluate the facts that we encounter. By dispelling common myths and uncovering the truth behind commonly believed facts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Remember to question and verify information before accepting it as truth, as the truth may often be more complex and fascinating than we initially perceive.