Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deceptions

by | Jan 29, 2015 | Resources and Recommendations

Click to Buy on Amazon

If you enjoyed the book, The Invisible Gorilla and the movie, The Matrix, then consider reading Sleights of Mind.  Husband and wife neuroscientist team, Macknik and Martinez-Conde, provide an understanding of how our brains work for us – and sometimes against us.

Neuroscience argues that we can never fully see, hear, taste, touch, smell and experience the full world around us. Instead, we experience a small portion – and even that portion is not fully real – it is, in fact, an illusion.

Let me pause in full disclosure and say that I barely understand a small percentage of this science (as a social worker – I lean more towards social science) but I am fascinated nonetheless. I consider myself a “brain-science voyeur” – watching and listening from the edges in hopes to gain a bit of understanding that will help those I serve.

I’ve worked with individuals who would swear on a stack of Bibles they saw, or heard, something while evidence proved differently. I’ve worked with individuals beating themselves up for neglecting to see something that was right in front of them. Having an understanding of the brain (albeit, an elementary understanding of it) can help those in crisis understand how they saw or heard something that wasn’t there – or the opposite – how they missed something that was right in front of them.

Sleights of Mind explains functions of the brain that magicians have intuitively known – and exploited – for years. Apparently, the brain can only give attention to one thing at a time. The brain is wired to follow movement and can be easily misdirected. If there’s not enough information, or if parts and pieces are missing, the brain fills in the blanks. The brain also seeks to improve our lives by improving our “narrative” or relationship with the people, places and things around us (Harvard psychologist, Dan Gilbert, explains this as “synthetic happiness” – Dan’s TED Talk).

As crisis supporters, we can add value by providing understanding and insight as to how the brain works. I worked with a guy ready to quit his profession because he didn’t see something he thought he should have. He questioned his capability, integrity and even sanity. I asked his “mission” – his tasking – for that day. Was he sent in with the objective to see that thing? No, he said. His task was very specific. He completed his task, but couldn’t understand or accept why he missed something he wasn’t even looking for. I shared with him my rudimentary understanding of brain science and inattentional blindness. For good measure, I played a few vids (to include The Monkey Business Illusion and Whodunnit?). Eventually, the young man began to realize the benefits and limitations of the brain and the lessons to be learned from this event.

I am fascinated by the brain science. But – as a social scientist – I’m more interested the thoughts and feelings people have about themselves (and others) as a result of not understanding the brain science. By understanding a little about brain science, we can help others reframe from unfair judgment, criticism and shame.

Additional Resources:

 

Dorie is a partner and co-founder of Crisis Support Solutions, LLC. Dorie counsels individuals and groups on various issues ranging from stress/trauma, depression/anxiety, relationship/family, grief/loss, victimization, etc. She trains coordinated and managed crisis intervention teams at multiple locations. Dorie has developed and taught courses in basic and advanced crisis intervention training programs. She is also a Compassion Fatigue Educator with the Academy of Traumatology.