As human beings, we are wired to be curious and inquisitive. We seek answers to the questions that plague our minds, and we do so with a sense of urgency. The desire for knowledge is what has driven us to create some of the greatest discoveries in human history. However, there are times when our thirst for knowledge can lead us down the wrong path. We may find ourselves consumed by myths and rumors that have no basis in reality. This is where InFact comes in.
InFact is a web video series that aims to debunk some of the most popular myths and misconceptions that exist today. Hosted by Brian Dunning, the show provides viewers with the real facts behind the stories that have captured their imaginations. One such myth that has been making the rounds for years is the idea that a global catastrophe will kill millions in 2012. This is a prime example of the kind of misinformation that InFact is designed to address.
The idea of a global catastrophe occurring in 2012 was first popularized by the ancient Mayan calendar. According to some interpretations of the calendar, the world was set to end on December 21, 2012. This theory gained traction in popular culture, with numerous books, movies, and television shows referencing the so-called “Mayan prophecy.” However, as InFact reveals, there is no evidence to support the idea that the Mayan calendar predicted the end of the world.
In fact, scholars have been studying the Mayan calendar for decades, and they have found nothing to suggest that the end of the world is imminent. While the calendar does come to an end on December 21, 2012, this is simply the end of a cycle. The Mayans believed in cyclical time, and they saw the end of one cycle as the beginning of another. This idea of cyclical time is vastly different from our own linear conception of time, and it has led to much confusion and misunderstanding.
So why did the idea of a global catastrophe in 2012 gain so much traction? According to InFact, it’s likely due to a combination of factors. First, there’s the allure of a good story. The idea of the world ending in a cataclysmic event is both terrifying and fascinating. It’s the kind of story that captures people’s attention and keeps them hooked. Second, there’s the power of the internet. In the age of social media and instant gratification, rumors and misinformation can spread like wildfire. It’s easy for a rumor to gain momentum and become accepted as truth, even if there’s no evidence to support it.