20 Historical Instances Demonstrating Human Naivety

History is a canvas painted with human achievements and follies alike.

It holds stories of grandeur and tales of human errors, demonstrating our species’ ability to reach the zenith of wisdom or sometimes succumb to the pits of naivety.

To gain a clearer understanding of our past and to possibly foresee and prevent similar mistakes in the future, let’s dive into 20 historical instances that have demonstrated human naivety.

Trojan Horse (1184 BC)

In Greek mythology, the Greeks used a giant wooden horse to enter the city of Troy covertly. Despite warnings from some, the Trojans naively brought the horse within the city walls, leading to their downfall.

Salem Witch Trials (1692)

In colonial Massachusetts, fear and superstition led to the execution of 20 people and the imprisonment of many more on charges of witchcraft. The trials demonstrate the naivety of the population and authorities in understanding mental health and natural phenomena.

Tulip Mania (1637)

Considered the first major financial bubble, people in the Dutch Republic naively believed the prices of tulip bulbs would keep rising. When the bubble burst, fortunes were lost.