WE ARE LIVING IN A HALLUCINATION In 1980, researchers at Dartmouth University conducted a study that was supposed to shake our understanding of perception and reality. Participants were told they would be taking part in a psychological experiment that examines how people react to facial disorders. Everyone had a deceptively real scar put on their cheek with theater make-up. Participants looked in the mirror and were reminded of their purpose: to interact with strangers and then report how they were treated. Then came the clue to the trial order. Shortly before they were sent out, the mask designers said they needed to make one final correction. In reality, they completely removed the scar. The participants continued to believe that they were created, and went out into the world with this conviction. When they returned, they reported predictable things. People have been rude. Repulsive. Odd. Some said others looked away more often. Some felt sympathy. But there was no distortion. The on...
“Life’s under no obligation to give us what we expect. We take what we get and are thankful it’s no worse than it is.” ~ Margaret Mitchell