Reality: While average life expectancy at birth was low, mainly because of high infant mortality rates, individuals who survived childhood often lived into their 50s, 60s, or beyond. This myth arises from misunderstanding statistics. Diseases and harsh conditions did reduce longevity compared to today, but many people did live relatively long lives for the time.
The Black Death Killed Half of Europe’s Population
The Black Death of the 14th century is commonly stated to have killed about 50% of Europe’s population.
Reality: The death toll of the Black Death varies by region, with estimates ranging from 30% to 60%. Some areas were less affected, while others suffered devastating losses. The “half of Europe” figure is a simplification to emphasize the plague’s severity. The pandemic’s impact was complex, with multiple waves over decades and variations in mortality depending on local factors.
Einstein Failed Math as a Child
A popular myth suggests that Albert Einstein struggled with math and failed it as a student.
Reality: Einstein excelled in math from an early age, mastering calculus by his early teens. This myth likely emerged from misunderstandings of the German grading system or stories exaggerated for inspiration. Einstein himself refuted this claim later in life. The story persists as a motivational tale implying that even geniuses can fail initially, but it is not historically accurate. shutdown123