Einstein did not fail mathematics. Biographer Walter Isaacson notes that in 1935 Einstein rejected a Ripley’s “failed in mathematics” claim, saying he had mastered differential and integral calculus before age 15; in primary school he was at the top of his class and far above requirements in math. At 16 he excelled in math and physics on the Zurich Polytechnic entrance exam but failed non-science subjects (notably French) and was not admitted that year. Confusion over Swiss/German grading scales—where a “1” could mean top or bottom depending on the year—helped the myth stick.
A 2011 study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, using global data, disproved the notion that there is a natural male/female gap in mathematical achievement. The study concluded that differences in math performance are due to social and cultural circumstances, not biology.
IQ tests are the definitive measure of intelligence
What we know now
A 2012 study by the University of Ontario debunked the theory that IQ tests are the sole definitive measure of a person's intelligence. Researchers found that many factors impact the results of such tests, and a single, standardized test yields misleading and imperfect results.
The marshmallow test proved willpower predicts success
What we know now
The famous marshmallow test was conducted by Walter Mischel in the 1970s, but subsequent research has shown that willpower is not a reliable predictor of success. Instead, success is more closely tied to factors like intelligence, social skills, and perseverance.
Planet X (Planet 9) exists and explains gravitational pull
What we know now
While scientists observed a strange gravitational pull in a nearby solar system, the theory that it was caused by a mystery planet (Planet X or Planet 9) was challenged in 2019. Other scientists proved that a large amount of debris could just as easily explain that pull.
Contrary to previous beliefs, scientists have discovered proof that dinosaurs shed their skin a little at a time, comparable to human dandruff, not all at once like snakes or lizards.
For many years, Mars was thought to be a dry, barren planet. However, in 2011, scientists discovered evidence of saltwater on the surface of Mars, indicating the possibility of simple organisms.
History taught that King Richard III was a hunchback. However, after the discovery of his remains, it was proven that he had scoliosis (curvature of the spine), not a hunchback.
The 1998 Lancet paper linking MMR to autism was retracted as fraudulent. Large cohort studies (including Danish nationwide studies of more than 500,000 and 650,000 children), meta-analyses, and reviews by WHO and the Institute of Medicine find no increased autism risk after MMR, including in children with higher baseline risk.
