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August 09, 2025


Common 'Facts' We All Believe That True...That Aren't

Common 'Facts'

Hey there, it's Ryan and we all love a good fact... something neat to drop at a party or wow the kids with. But what if I told you that some of the "facts" you've been carrying around in your head are more fiction than fact? Yep, those little tidbits you thought were gospel might just be everyday illusions.

Let's bust a few of the biggest myths you probably didn't know you believed:

1. Goldfish Have a 3-Second Memory? Nope.
Ever heard someone say goldfish forget everything after three seconds? Total nonsense. Goldfish can actually remember things for months. Studies have shown they can be trained to navigate mazes, recognize their owners, and even respond to different sounds. So, your finned friend is way smarter than it gets credit for.

2. Bananas Grow on Trees? Not Exactly.
If you pictured a banana tree swaying in the breeze, you're almost right... but it's not a tree at all. Bananas grow on large herbaceous plants, which are basically giant herbs. Unlike a tree, the banana plant doesn't have a woody trunk. This fact makes you look at that bunch of bananas on your kitchen counter in a whole new light.

USCCA


3. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets? Big Nope.
Thanks to Hollywood and some over-the-top operas, the image of Vikings charging into battle with horned helmets is iconic - but utterly false. Archaeologists haven't found any evidence of horned helmets being used in Viking warfare. Those horns were probably added centuries later for theatrical flair.

4. The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space? Not With the Naked Eye.
This one's a classic myth. Many people believe astronauts can see the Great Wall from the moon or low Earth orbit without aid. Reality check: the wall is too narrow and blends with the natural terrain, making it almost impossible to spot with the naked eye from space. Sorry, Wall fans.

5. Humans Have Only Five Senses? Actually, Way More.
Most of us were taught the five senses in school: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. But science says we've got at least nine, and some researchers count over twenty. Beyond the basics, humans can sense things like balance (called vestibular sense), temperature (thermoception), pain (nociception), and even the position of our limbs without looking (proprioception). So yeah, your body is way more wired than you think.

Why Does This Matter?

It's easy to pass along a "fact" just because it sounds right or it's been said a million times. But understanding what's true - and what's just a myth, makes us sharper, smarter, and better at spotting the real story. Plus, it gives you some killer conversation starters.

Next time someone drops one of these "facts," you'll be ready to set the record straight with a smirk and maybe a little eye roll. Because sometimes the truth is way more interesting than the myth.

Keep questioning, keep learning, and don't let those everyday illusions fool you.

Until next time...
- Ryan at Random Facts
Always Random. Never Boring