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That motivational Henry David Thoreau quote might actually be a dupe. From "go confidently in the direction of your dreams" to "happiness is like a butterfly," these lines were never said by Thoreau at all.
Misconceptions
Frida Kahlo has become heavily mythologized, but some misconceptions—including her birth year and the idea that she was unknown during her life—are especially persistent.
From secret messages to the Liberty Bell, some of what you might believe about July 4, 1776 and the Declaration of Independence may be entirely incorrect.
Some of the Founding Fathers spread misinformation and owned slaves. Here are five false beliefs you might have about the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.
From insects to the moon, people have mistaken very Earthly phenomena for UFOs many times.
The word 'honeymoon' has been around for centuries, and there are several theories about its history.
The image of Princess Diana that most people have is not entirely accurate. Here are some myths parading as facts about the former Princess of Wales.
From "I used to think I was the strangest person in the world..." to "You deserve a lover who wants you disheveled," we’re debunking the most popular quotes frequently misattributed to Frida Kahlo.
Chlorine actually has a neutral smell—so if your pool smells strongly of chlorine, it's actually not a good sign.
Did Yoko Ono break up the Beatles, and did they all really hate each other following the band's dissolution? Learn the truth about six major Beatles misconceptions.
June 19 marks Juneteenth National Independence Day. Learn more about the history here.
From "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind to Hanson's "MMMBop," these deceptively cheerful '90s songs hid dark messages behind upbeat music.
Was Marilyn Monroe a "dumb blonde"? Did she get fired for being difficult? We debunk five common misconceptions about the Hollywood legend.
Did Caligula really make his horse a Roman consul? Ancient sources and modern historians suggest the famous story isn't quite what it seems.
Did Jim Lovell really say “Houston, we have a problem”? Not exactly. Here’s the real Apollo 13 story behind the famous misquote.
The story of the first U.S. president's wooden dentures is one of history's most enduring myths, and it couldn't be further from reality.
A genetic disorder and its ghastly symptoms inspired the myths of bloodthirsty vampires.
Did ancient Romans really build special rooms where banquet guests went to vomit between courses?
One of the most recognizable Viking images may not be as historically accurate as many people assume.
Dopamine fasting probably doesn't work how you think it does—but there are still ways to get something out of it.
This phrase was originally used to make fun of someone trying to do the impossible.
More From the History Section
You wouldn't have survived on the frontier without these essential items.
From spouses betraying each other to parents killing their children, the most dysfunctional families in history proved that some people are safer on their own.
The beloved book series—now adapted again for Netflix—tackles the real history of the “Hard Winter.”
From Viking warriors to Erling Haaland’s thunderous strikes, Norway’s famous row is so much more than a viral phenomenon.
Author Laura Ingalls Wilder took inspiration from her childhood for the now-iconic stories.
Matcha is surging in popularity, but what exactly is it? Learn about its origins, traditions, and benefits, as well as its etymology and cultivation process.
What began as an unimaginable tragedy became a lifesaving system that has helped reunite thousands of families.
U.S. mailboxes have been many different colors, but blue was adopted surprisingly recently. Here's the story behind the shade.