Introduction

As children, we often hold beliefs that make perfect sense to us at the time, only for those beliefs to change or be corrected as we grow older. These initial perceptions are often influenced by our environment, the information we receive, and our limited understanding of the world around us. In this article, I will explore some of these seemingly unusual, yet logical at the time, childhood beliefs that I held.

Common Proofs: Salt Can Cool Food

One of the most common beliefs I held was that sprinkling salt on food could cool it down. This theory stemmed from observing that when family members would sample food, they would mention it was too hot, reach for the salt, and then eat it. Intrigued, one day I took it upon myself to salt a cold roast to cool it down. However, my parents soon corrected my misconception and reminded me that salt does not have cooling properties.

Beards and Wigs

Another interesting belief I had as a child was regarding men with beards. I once thought that these beards were actually nothing more than imitation – merely chin straps designed to hold wigs in place. This theory was based on the observation that bearded men were not bald, which puzzled me. It wasn't until much later that I realized the truth about the role of beards in men's lives.

Types of Injuries and Limb Loss

When I was a child, I harbored the belief that if you broke your arm or leg, the limb would detach, similar to how a doll's limb might break off. This strange notion came from misunderstandings of what happens when a limb is broken. Of course, with proper medical care, limbs do not fall off. However, the idea was quite vivid in my mind even as a child.

Cultural Misunderstandings: "Caucasian"

The term "Caucasian" was another word that confused me when I was young. I broke it down into "Coke and Asian," leading me to believe that it referred to an Asian person under the influence of a stimulant. This peculiar interpretation was colored by the context of the 1980s, a decade marked by concerns over drug use. Although I eventually learned the true meaning, the term still fails to sit well with me as a white person.

Sexual Chemistry: Natural Birth

During the early 1950s, I naively believed that women gave birth through a miraculous opening on their abdomens, akin to a doll's limb that could stretch wide enough to allow a doctor to extract the baby and then close back up. It took a correction from the truth to shatter this belief and show me the more accurate process of childbirth.

Religious and Geographical Misconceptions: God and the Flat Earth

My childhood also included the belief in a flat Earth due to the way things felt and the persistence of water in goldfish bowls across the world. The concept of a flat planet was a comforting idea, one that made sense to me at the time. Additionally, I was raised with a belief in a God who would take away my grandfather, making it seem more personal and tangible.

Mythical Fears: The Daleks Invasion

Another childhood belief was rooted in my love for Doctor Who. The Daleks, a terrifying race of cybernetic beings, terrified me with the thought that they might invade Earth and destroy humanity. This fear persisted until I realized the fictional nature of the series and the safety of the world we inhabit.

The Role of Imagination: God and Imagination Play

Belief in a God and the existence of imaginary playmates were also part of my child's life. The idea of a powerful, omniscient being and the joy and comfort of having imaginary friends were part of my growing understanding of the world.

These experiences of childhood led me to understand the importance of developing a critical and scientific outlook on the world. While some of these beliefs might seem absurd now, they played a vital role in shaping my perceptions and understanding of the world we live in.