IamNobuddyTIL Amou Haji, known as the "world’s dirtiest man", avoided bathing for over 60 years due to a superstition. After villagers finally convinced him to wash, he died just weeks later at the age of 94.
troedIn today's news: In the fight between correlation vs causation most people will still bet on correlation.
You’re right but:
Despite his extreme uncleanliness his health remained remarkably intact for most of his life. Medical experts in Iran observed that while he tested positive for a parasite infection called trichinosis the condition appeared asymptomatic. One public health professor speculated that his unconventional immune system may have adapted to his environment.
I’d bet on causation here.
More likely is the extreme stress of him thinking he had violated the superstition’s rules. At 94 it doesn’t take much to push a person over the edge.