Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

52 Things You Thought Were True (But Really Aren't)

Updated 6/19/2020
52 Things You Thought Were True (But Really Aren't)
We hate to break it to you, but here are the facts.

As much as you know it’s a horrible idea to believe everything you hear, sometimes you really can’t help it. I mean, what are you supposed to do when you hear from 20 different people on 20 different occasions that shaving thickens hair, that caffeine makes you dehydrated, and that alcohol kills brain cells?

And, more importantly, what are you supposed to do once you find out that everything mentioned above—and other all-too-familiar sayings—are nothing but lies? (Yes, we’re also celebrating the fact that alcohol doesn’t actually kill brain cells.)

Give yourself a pat on the back, because you’ve found the right place (or at least the right infographic) to answer your questions. In his most recent book Knowledge Is Beautiful (U.S. and U.K. editions available), David McCandless dispels the world’s most contagious falsehoods. Whether your Thanksgiving guests are into science, religion, food, or sports, we’re sure that you’ll blow their minds by sharing McCandless’ findings at the dinner table.

Having trouble viewing the infographic? Click on the image to make it larger!


Photo of Kat Moon
A board member of Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs, Kat is either hosting inspiring founders or trekking across cities (Silicon Valley and London, anyone?) to discover the hottest startups. And, when she’s not putting together large-group gatherings for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Kat is planning food excursions to discover the best Taiwanese beef noodle soup in NYC. The only thing she loves almost as much as crafting content as an Editorial Intern at The Muse is studying content as an English Major at Columbia University. Say hi on Twitter @katxmoon.
MORE FROM KAT MOON
52 Things You Thought Were True (But Really Aren't) | The Muse | The Muse