What is the False Assumption Registry?
The False Assumption Registry (FAR) is a structured, evidence-based catalog of widely held beliefs that turned out to be wrong — and the destructive policies and social harm they produced. Each entry documents the assumption itself, the people and institutions that promoted it, the early dissenters who warned against it, and the real-world consequences that followed.
Why does this exist?
History is full of expert consensus that was confidently wrong. When powerful institutions entrench flawed assumptions into policy, the costs are measured in wasted resources, ruined lives, and missed opportunities. FAR exists to make these patterns visible, searchable, and hard to forget — so that the next time a dominant narrative demands unquestioning compliance, there is a record of what happened the last time.
How entries are structured
Every entry in FAR includes:
- The false assumption — the specific belief that was wrong
- People involved — proponents, bad actors, early critics, and beneficiaries
- Organizations involved — institutions that promoted or enforced it
- Foundation — the arguments and sub-beliefs that propped it up
- Propagation — how it spread through media, institutions, and culture
- Policies & Harm — resulting policies and documented damage
- Sources — articles, papers, and reporting that support the entry
Contributing
Know of a false assumption that led to real harm? Entries can be submitted through the submission form. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the registry.