Experiment: What You See Isn’t Always What You Get

The brain is often compared to a supercomputer. It can process an incredible
amount of information in an unbelievably short amount of time. God specially
designed our brains to instantly interpret pictures into a 3D world, even when
they’re 2D. This, along with other traits of the brain, has inspired many of
the illusions that we love so much.

Illusions that trick our eyesight, called optical illusions, take advantage
of our brain’s ability to fill in gaps about the visible world. We don’t actually
have to “see” everything to “get it.” Our brain processes information quickly,
even when the information is incomplete. Normally that is a huge advantage.
When we’re in familiar situations, our minds are especially good at making instant
assumptions. Shapes and experiences from the past help form the way you think
about the present. You are more prone to see what you expect.

Different types of illusions play off different patterns of thinking.

For example, a distorting illusion works because we assume that three-dimensional
rules must apply to a two-dimensional picture. Take a look at the picture of
train tracks (see below). This is known as a Ponzo illusion. Which of the two
red lines is longer, the top or bottom? Keep in mind, the train tracks give
the impression of depth.

If you measure them with a ruler, the two bars are the same length. The assumption
of depth makes the line in the back appear farther away and the one in the front
closer. This is why the illusion is so effective.

Another type of optical illusion is known as ambiguous. These illusions don’t
play off the rules of geometry, like the former example. Instead, they play
off what is most familiar to you. A common example is the line drawing of the
lady that could be interpreted two ways. How old is the woman? Is she young
and beautiful, or is she old and haggard? Once you know what to look for, you
can see both images, but seeing both of them still takes work. For many people,
it can take forever to see past the old woman’s nose!

Our brains become accustomed to certain common images in our surroundings.
With so many other things that are changing in life, it is very helpful to detect
predictable shapes, colors, and images. As we grow up, our brain is programed
to see the familiar things first. They become the easiest for us to see. Without
this design, we would suffer from information overload! (Everything would always
seem new and unfamiliar. We would have to think about every color, shape, and
sound just to know what it was.)

While these illusions are harmless enough, and can even encourage brain activity,
they remind us that we must be wary. Since our mind automatically fills in the
gaps, sometimes it can be wrong. We cannot rely on our own limited experiences
and perspective to accurately fill in all the gaps.

That is why God has given us invaluable resources, through His Holy Spirit
and His Word, to begin to see the world as He sees it (as it really is). That’s
why He can say, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove
what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

SourceThis article originally appeared on answersingenesis.org

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