Top 10 Myths About Being Short (And Why They’re All Wrong)

Ah, the world of height-based stereotypes. A world where every short man must possess a Napoleon complex and every tall man is a shoe-in for the NBA. The absurdity is almost cartoonish, but that’s what stereotypes are: lazy little fictions spun by people with no imagination. Today, we’re cracking open the myth factory, overturning the tables, and dispelling these height-based fairy tales. Sit back, keep your humor sharp, and prepare for a reality check.

Myth #1: Short Men Have a Napoleon Complex

Let’s start with the big one. The “Napoleon complex” was named after a guy who conquered half of Europe—Napoleon Bonaparte, who stood around 5’6” in modern measurements. If anything, being short didn’t stop him; it drove him to greatness. In fact, research from the University of Central Lancashire found no significant correlation between height and aggression. So, unless we’re talking about Napoleonic levels of ambition, short men are as likely as anyone else to be laid-back, friendly, or reserved.

Myth #2: Height Determines Success

There’s a twisted logic that says taller people will achieve more, especially in business. Yet some of the world’s wealthiest, most successful entrepreneurs are on the shorter side. Take Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba and one of the richest men in China, who stands at 5’5”. Then there’s Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York and billionaire businessman, clocking in at 5’7”. And of course, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook fame, who at 5’7”, has reshaped the social media landscape and amassed billions. Unless you’re playing pro basketball, height has about as much to do with success as your shoe size.

Myth #3: Short Men Are Less Attractive

This one’s for everyone who thinks dating apps have the final word on human attraction. Real attraction is complex and nuanced, not dictated by a height filter. The science of attraction shows that confidence, personality, and humor often rank higher than physical traits like height. Think of Tom Cruise (5’7”), one of Hollywood’s most famous leading men, who has been a romantic icon for decades. Or look at Daniel Radcliffe (5’5”), beloved by fans worldwide for his role in Harry Potter. Short men can be—and often are—attractive because attraction is about connection, not inches.

Myth #4: Short Guys Are Weak

Because, apparently, in the world of stereotypes, muscle and height are directly proportional. Reality says otherwise. Take Bruce Lee, standing at a modest 5’7”, who revolutionized martial arts and could throw punches faster than most people blink. Or look at bodybuilders like Franco Columbu, Mr. Olympia winner and standing at 5’5”, who was known for his raw strength. Strength is about training, discipline, and genetics, not inches. Plenty of short guys hit the gym and can match or exceed the strength of guys twice their size.

Myth #5: Short Men Make Less Money

Now, this one comes from skewed stats that somehow linked height to income. Here’s the reality: wealth isn’t about inches; it’s about skill, savvy, and discipline. Just look at Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, who is 5’8” and has built an empire worth billions. Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia and a self-made billionaire, also stands around 5’8”. They’re proof that height doesn’t determine financial success. Skills, drive, and smarts do. There are plenty of short kings whose stock portfolios would make anyone’s jaw drop.

Myth #6: Height Equals Confidence

If height were a universal confidence booster, we’d have more giants running countries, speaking at TED Talks, and leading movements. Confidence is a mental muscle you build over time, not a physical attribute. Kevin Hart (5’2”) is a perfect example; he’s one of the highest-paid comedians in the world and an inspiring example of confidence and charisma. Confidence is about self-belief, and while height might impact some people’s confidence, it’s by no means a defining factor.

Myth #7: Short People Are Younger Looking Forever

This myth suggests that short people stay forever young. But looking younger is more about lifestyle, skincare, and genetics than height. Plenty of shorter folks develop a distinguished, mature look by their twenties, while some taller people keep a youthful appearance well into middle age. Actors like Elijah Wood (5’6”) have maintained a youthful appearance due to good genetics and lifestyle, not height alone.

Myth #8: Short People Are Only Friends, Not Partners

This gem comes straight out of the rom-com playbook where the short guy is perpetually “friend-zoned.” But let’s be real: this myth is as fictional as those cheesy movie plots. Plenty of short men are happily married, dating, and thriving in relationships. Prince (5’2”) was one of the most celebrated romantic icons in music, and Danny DeVito (4’10”) has been married to actress Rhea Perlman for over 30 years. If friendship is all they’re after, sure, but assuming height dictates your romantic role is pure Hollywood hogwash.

Myth #9: Short Men Can’t Be Leaders

A good leader commands respect through insight, vision, and integrity, not inches. History is littered with short men who led revolutions, ran companies, and inspired generations. Winston Churchill(5’6”), Benito Juárez (5’3”) of Mexico, and Vladimir Putin (5’7”) weren’t exactly towering, but they left a mark. Leaders aren’t measured in feet and inches; they’re defined by impact, charisma, and conviction. Just because someone is closer to the ground doesn’t mean they can’t hold the room.

Myth #10: Tall Always Beats Short

The belief that taller people are “better” is one of society’s favorite fictions. But consider the benefits of being short: more legroom on airplanes, better agility, and the sheer efficiency of compact power. In many sports, like gymnastics or boxing, shorter athletes often hold an advantage in agility and balance. Ever tried to sit comfortably in coach at 6’5”? Shorter athletes, like Simone Biles (4’8”), one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, dominate their sports because of the physics of shorter frames.

Wrapping It Up

Here’s the kicker: all these myths do is try to box people in, dictating who they should be based on arbitrary physical traits. They’re stories, nothing more, and not particularly good ones at that. So, if you’re on the shorter side, own it. There’s nothing stopping you from breaking every single one of these myths wide open. Stand tall in spirit, short kings, because in a world full of assumptions, being authentic is the ultimate power move.