I use 100% of my brain!

[hot_pastrami]

I am always hearing the myth that "the average person only uses about 11% of the brain." Usually this is in reference to the amazing potential available in utilizing the otherwise idle parts of the brain, which may unlock super-intelligence, psychic powers, etc. Similarly, highly intelligent folks are assumed to use more of their brains... "Steven Hawking must use, like, 20% of his brain!"

Well, it's just plain untrue. But a staggering majority of people believe this myth. Why is that, I wonder? What makes it so universally believable?

Oops, gotta go... 89% of my brain just shut down.