Everything You Learned In School Is A Lie
In a Nutshell
The video argues that schools often teach simplified or now-disproven facts first, then later introduce nuance, but warns against front-loading excessive criticism and existential threats to young children. It claims this approach undermines optimism and patriotism, which are essential for fostering agency and engagement. The recommended method is to teach the positive foundation of a country or system first, then add critical complexity later when children are older and more resilient.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
The Retro Codex is a website that teaches things learned in school that have since been disproven. Users can input their high school graduation year to see what information from their education is now outdated.
- Lightning never strikes the same place twice: Lightning has struck several places multiple times. The Empire State Building is struck approximately 25 times a year.
- Wearing red near a bull will cause it to charge: Bulls may not be able to distinguish the color red from other colors. What triggers the bull is movement and physical provocation, not color. The red cape is to conceal blood stains.
- Goldfish have a 3-second memory: Goldfish retain memories for weeks, months, and possibly years.
- George Washington had wooden teeth: He did wear dentures, but they were made of other materials such as tin, gold, and lead, and human teeth from enslaved individuals.
- You need to wait 20 to 30 minutes after you eat to swim or you'll get stomach cramps and drown: There's no clinical evidence for that.
- If you roll your eyes they'll get stuck: This is listed under folk wisdom.
- If you pee in the pool, everyone will know because it'll turn water green.
- Hot water washing hands is better than cold water: Water temperature has not been found to impact the antibacterial efficacy of hand washing.
- After a person dies, their hair or fingernails can keep growing.
- Brown sugar is healthier than white sugar.
- Pluto being a planet was true when attending high school in the 2000s.
Sign in to read the full notes
Get access to AI-generated notes, topic timestamps, and more.