Understanding Perception

When you gaze at the image below, what do you perceive?

This image originates from the “Introduction to Psychology” course at the University of Toronto.

At first glance, I noticed three circles intersected by a white triangle, and I suspect you observed the same. However, here's the twist: there is no white triangle; our minds fabricated that image.

If you examine the space between any two circles, you’ll find that there are no actual lines forming this imaginary triangle.

So, what leads us to see this triangle? Why do we assume it exists? Why is it so simple to construct something nonexistent while we often struggle to recognize the obvious? These questions puzzled me.

I never anticipated that a simple image could deceive my mind. While I found this frustrating, it also piqued my curiosity. In my quest for answers, I delved deeper into the realm of Psychology, where I discovered that:

Our brains are predisposed to recognize familiar shapes and objects. Our surroundings significantly influence this tendency. It's far easier for our minds to identify common shapes like circles and triangles than to see abstract forms, such as three Pac-Man figures—unless, of course, you’re a dedicated fan of the game.

We can effortlessly spot recognizable patterns, even when they are not actually present. This realization is concerning. If we are constantly surrounded by negativity—be it from people, messages, or experiences—we may start perceiving negativity in our daily lives, even when it’s not truly there.

Can you relate to this?

Many of us have friends who perpetually focus on the negative aspects of life. When encouraged to adopt a more positive mindset, they often retort that there’s nothing good in their lives. In reality, they may be experiencing a similar phenomenon to the optical illusion discussed earlier; they have conditioned their minds to focus on negativity, leading them to perceive negative thoughts everywhere.

Conversely, if you consciously work to cultivate a positive mindset, you will begin to notice positive changes in your life, leading to greater happiness. The choice is yours. Be mindful of your language and, more importantly, your thoughts. Start envisioning positive scenarios in your mind until they manifest in your life.

Thank you for your attention.

For more insights, I share my experiences and actionable knowledge through the books I review on my blog, Book Butter Club.

Chapter 1: The Power of Mindset

Chapter 2: Taking Action

Have You Discovered Your Purpose?