How Believing the Wrong Stories Holds You Back

A story, quote and lesson about the shark-infested waters of Alcatraz

Beware of the sharks

For years, those words echoed through the halls of Alcatraz, instilling fear in the minds of inmates who dared to dream of freedom. The icy waters surrounding the island prison were said to hold deadly predators, ready to devour anyone foolish enough to attempt an escape.

But was it really true?

The reality is far less dramatic. The waters around Alcatraz are cold, choppy, and truly challenging, but they are not shark-infested. Most sharks in San Francisco Bay are small, harmless species like leopard sharks.

The myth of man-eating sharks circling "The Rock" was a fabrication, likely perpetuated by prison officials to discourage escape attempts. And it worked—fear is a powerful deterrent, especially when coupled with isolation and uncertainty.

Alcatraz Island as seen from the East. It received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Credit: Frank Schulenburg (2017)

This myth served its purpose for decades, trapping prisoners not only physically but also mentally. Yet some inmates saw through it. The most famous example? The 1962 escape attempt by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers.

Using ingenuity and courage, they slipped into the water armed with makeshift rafts and life vests crafted from raincoats. Though their ultimate fate remains a mystery, their daring escape proved one thing: fear loses its grip when faced with evidence and action.

“Did the 1962 escapees make it? We certainly weren't contacted by any members of the family at that time to say they had. It clearly would have been possible given the resources and knowledge available.”

- Peter Rees, creator of Mythbusters, on his thoughts after recording an episode focusing on the daring escape from Alcatraz of June 1962.

The myth of Alcatraz’s shark-infested waters is a textbook example of how stories—true or not—can shape beliefs and behaviors. In life, we often encounter similar tales: warnings of failure, doom, or insurmountable odds that discourage us from pursuing our dreams. These stories spread easily because fear, like wildfire, ignites quickly in the human mind.

But myths, like the one surrounding Alcatraz, fall apart under scrutiny. Evidence, exploration, and courage can unravel even the most entrenched narratives.

The lesson here is clear: don’t let someone else’s narrative dictate your reality. Whether it’s a tale about sharks, societal expectations, or personal limitations, remember that not all stories hold water. Some are designed to keep you safe—but safety isn’t always the goal. Growth, achievement, and fulfillment often lie on the other side of fear.

So now I ask you:

Has fear ever prevented you from going outside of your comfort zone and questioning your beliefs?

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