Ask HN: What are the most misleading things in life? or in the modern world?

The idea that the system (legal, economic, social) is fair, just, and works the way it's supposed to.

Insurance, especially if heavily regulated, especially if mandatory: "oh yeah but this law from that year when this rule was not yet in force meant that this special exception triggered this special ruling and in conclusion you don't get anything, thanks" is becoming a classic of my encounters with it.

I agree. Many years ago I had a motorcycle accident. My bike was dinged a bit, but otherwise fine. But because the police were involved (as they tend to be for accidents) my insurance company kept on telling me they were denying my claim. The thing is, I wasn't making a claim, but they were quite repetitive in denying all the claims I didn't make.

It made me realize most of the things you can insure aren't worth insuring, because the likelihood of getting money from them is so close to zero.

Media, including the Internet. It just presents a warped view of reality.