on the one hand, “there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy” (Shakespeare, circa 1600). On the other, “the simplest explanation is best” (the American public, 2015). Or so we claim to believe, even when strange things happen.

And yet. Around a quarter of Americans subscribe to some sort of conspiracy theory surrounding the death of Princess Diana, the death of Jesus, and the attacks on 9/11. (Sadly, no data is available on how many of us suspect curious links among the three.) Even more of us—7 in 10, in fact—are skeptical of the conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald was alone responsible for the assassination of John F. Kennedy. (The C.I.A. and the Mafia are prime alternative suspects, though Lyndon Johnson tallied 5 percent.)

Even so, an overwhelming number of Americans don’t even remember the “Paul is dead” rumors, never mind ever having believed them. (Paul is alive, F.Y.I., though we think he dyes his hair.) An even more overwhelming number of us believe the moon landing did happen, as opposed to having simply been staged on a Hollywood set (like there’s anything uncomplicated about making a movie).