12 Lies Society Convinced Us Are Absolute Truths

Society has an insidious way of tricking people into doing what it wants. Here are some lies we were sold that are actually not true. 

College is Critical

smiling man wearing college graduation robes and holding a diploma
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Kids growing up in the nineties had the message that college leads to success drilled into them for as long as they can remember. Now, these kids are adults saddled with outrageous debt burdens. 

Hard Work Pays Off

Man carrying a boulder up pillars.
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If you work hard, you’ll get everything you want in life. 

What a load of bull. Millions of people work hard every day with nothing to show for it. If you want to be successful, you need to work smarter, not harder. 

You Don’t Want a “Dirty Job”

Two sanitation workers at the back of a garbage truck.
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Society derides sanitation workers, but they make bank! They also provide an essential service. Why do we constantly talk trash about waste management?

Men Lack the Skills for Domestic Labor

Confused looking man scratching his head.
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How many televisions shows feature men who can’t figure out how to do basic tasks like washing the dishes or putting away the groceries?

Society tries to tell us men are incapable of helping out at home. They’re not. Men, be better. 

Anger Isn’t an Emotion

Man making a very angry face.
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Society loves to shout that women are more emotional while men scream obscenities at each other and punch walls when they don’t get their way. 

Sorry to break it to you fellows, but anger is, in fact, an emotion. And when you’re angry, you’re having an emotional outburst. 

Marriage Brings Women Happiness

Pretty bride on pink background.
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Young women are inundated with the message that marriage solves all their problems and is critical to eternal happiness. 

Reality is far from fantasy. Single women tend to be happier than their married counterparts. Marriage does tend to increase men’s happiness, though. 

Kids are Essential for Fulfillment

stressed mom with two young kids
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Society needs kids to thrive, so it pushes the false narrative that children are fundamental to fulfillment. Actually, plenty of people find happiness while remaining blissfully child-free. 

Parenthood is for Everyone

Mom at a computer with two kids trying to work. She looks stressed
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The idea that kids are essential to happiness pushes another false narrative that says everyone should be parents. 

The opposite is actually true. Most people don’t have the skills, fortitude, or patience for child-rearing. They end up abusing their children, causing never-ending cycles of trauma. 

We should leave parenthood to those who genuinely want to be parents. 

Low Wage Workers Don’t Deserve Happiness

Waitress carrying a tray of food.
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They should get a better job if they want to *checks notes* and survive. The common refrain tells us that those working low-skill jobs don’t deserve a living wage. 

That’s not true. First, the original intent of the minimum wage was to provide a living wage. Second, most low skills jobs are essential. Someone needs to do them. Why don’t these people deserve a living wage?

Men Aren’t Safe Around Kids

Father and son building an RC car together.
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Society decided to lump all men into a creepy category. Men can’t take their kids to parks or actively father without getting side-eyed. Teenage boys can’t babysit. Male nannies, primary school teachers, and daycare workers are frowned upon. 

Men are fully capable of childrearing, and the vast majority would give their lives to save a child. 

There Isn’t Enough for Everyone

Pretty money throwing money around on a light pink background
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A scarcity mindset tricks us into believing there isn’t enough for everyone, a myth society happily promotes. There are plenty of resources to ensure every human has a reasonable standard of living. 

However, providing everyone would reduce profits for the wealthiest among us, and that’s not acceptable. 

The US is a Meritocracy

two girls holding up the American flag behind them.
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One of society’s most insidious lies is that the US is a meritocracy. If you’re smart and talented, you will be successful. 

That’s so far from reality that it’s not even funny. Millions of talented kids don’t get the opportunity to excel. They’re pushed into underfunded schools, forced to work through high and watch younger siblings, and never have the chance to succeed. 

Meanwhile, wealthy kids get showered with tutors, books, educational opportunities, internships, and more. When they ultimately succeed, they ignore all the gifts and pretend it is all on their own merit. 

Here’s solid evidence that America isn’t the meritocracy you think it is

People Don’t Want To Work Because They’re Lazy

woman throwing papers behind her as she quits her job.
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The common boomer refrain derides younger generations for refusing awful working conditions. Are they right?

Find out why no one wants to work anymore

Fun and Relaxation has a Gender

A man faceplaming
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Men share the weirdest things they’ve been called “girly” for enjoying

Yes, There is a Real Poverty Trap in America

hands holding an empty wallet to represent poverty
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We often think of third world countries when we talk about poverty, but it’s thriving right here in the US.

Here’s the truth about America’s Poverty Trap.
 

America’s Work Culture is Toxic

man at work looks really bored and unhappy
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Our work culture is destroying us. Find out how. 

Read it Here: America’s Toxic Work Culture

Things America Could Learn from Western Neighbors

two girls holding up the American flag behind them.
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Is America the greatest country in the world? If it is, why don’t we enjoy the same perks other Western nations do?

Here are great examples of beneficial programs other countries have we wish America would copy

Author: Melanie Allen

Title: Journalist

Expertise: Pursuing Your Passions, Travel, Wellness, Hobbies, Finance, Gaming, Happiness

Melanie Allen is an American journalist and happiness expert. She has bylines on MSN, the AP News Wire, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and numerous media outlets across the nation and is a certified happiness life coach. She covers a wide range of topics centered around self-actualization and the quest for a fulfilling life.