Things we know that we pretend we don't know......

This is a list of things that have been shown, over and over, to be true. Only by incredible denial can we maintain any other stance.


1. Eyewitness identification of strangers is completely unreliable; all persons put in jail on the basis of eyewitness identification should be immediately released.

2. Ulcers are infections caused by the presence of a certain bacteria. Not stress. Not Type A.

3. Antidepressant medications are no better than placebo. Psychotherapy is the best treatment for depression.

4. 2/3 of people will do what they are told by anyone, up to and including killing strangers.

5. Children are 3 times more likely to drown in a swimming pool than be abducted by strangers. 75% of children abducted by strangers are recovered unharmed.

6. Height in populations varies only with nutrition. Sole exception: Pygmies, who have an endocrine system different from all others.

7. Randomness does exist. If we knew the position and movement of every particle in the universe, we could not predict the future.

8. Psychological, educational and cognitive tests are completely worthless and terribly destructive.


I welcome additions.