Can you provide real-world examples of 'zombie ideas' that have been debunked but continue to persist?

The book "Arguing with Zombies: Economics, Politics, and the Fight for a Better Future" by Paul Krugman uses various case studies to illustrate the concept of "zombie ideas". These are ideas that, despite being disproven by compelling research, continue to persist and influence people's thinking. For instance, the book discusses the "zombie scheme" of tax cuts, which despite evidence to the contrary, continues to be propagated as a means to stimulate economic growth. Another example is the idea of healthcare reform, which despite numerous studies showing its benefits, continues to be opposed by certain groups. These "zombie ideas" have broader implications as they shape public policy and societal attitudes, often to the detriment of progress and development.

A startup can use the concept of "zombie ideas" to grow and develop by identifying such ideas in their industry or business model. These are ideas that have been disproven or outdated, yet continue to persist. By recognizing these "zombie ideas", startups can avoid falling into the trap of following ineffective strategies or practices. Instead, they can focus on innovative and proven methods to drive growth and development. Furthermore, by actively debunking these "zombie ideas" within their industry, startups can position themselves as thought leaders and gain a competitive edge.