The Fascinating Psychology Behind Our Love for Magic
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Chapter 1: The Allure of Magic
From a young age, I genuinely believed that if I concentrated hard enough on an object, I could make it move.
I practiced this notion repeatedly, often in solitude, targeting my lamp, some books, even my sister, urging them to shift just a little.
Although I recognized that Matilda was a fictional tale about a fictional girl wielding fictional magic, I still fantasized that with enough dedication, I could replicate her feats.
I was convinced that there was a latent magic within me.
Now, as an adult, I don't hold onto those magical beliefs. (I certainly don’t check horoscopes or try to manifest my desires through visualization, and I prefer walking under ladders rather than avoiding them whenever possible.)
However, even the most rational adults can experience moments that ignite wonder and awe.
While it may not align with our childhood fantasies of magic, our brain chemistry remains unaware of that distinction.
Scientific Discovery as a Form of Magic
Consider the realm of science. There are truths we accept based on perception, such as the moon's orbit around the Earth.
This fact aligns with both scientific understanding and our observations. However, certain scientific truths contradict our perceptions.
Take the sun, for example; it appears to move around the Earth, rising and setting daily.
Yet, we now understand that the Earth orbits the sun, a realization that was not always accepted.
Historically, astronomers grappled with the retrograde motion of planets, leading them to construct plausible but incorrect models of celestial movements.
Copernicus, however, challenged these notions and ultimately uncovered the truth: the planets revolve around the sun.
This historical anecdote illustrates that the unknown often excites us.
Sometimes, the thrill of the unknown drives us to uncover the truth, as in Copernicus's case.
Other times, it encourages us to avoid seeking answers, fearing that the thrill might dissipate.
The Desire to Sustain Wonder
The excitement of the unknown is embedded in our minds.
Research shows that infants learn through exploration, gravitating towards new experiences. From an evolutionary perspective, we are wired to explore to gather essential survival information.
When we encounter something that contradicts our understanding (like witnessing a person seemingly defy gravity), curiosity takes hold.
We become captivated by the question, "How is that possible?"
As a result, we become eager to know more.
“Our true perception is full of gaps and holes…”
— Gustav Kuhn
In a recent study, scientists explored this curiosity further. They monitored brain activity while revealing images of familiar individuals to participants.
Prior to seeing the images, participants' brains were highly active. However, once the images were unveiled, brain activity notably diminished.
This pattern repeated consistently: our brains light up with the prospect of a mystery but quiet down once it is resolved.
The dopamine surge associated with anticipation is often more significant than the rush we feel when our curiosity is satisfied.
The Pleasure of Magic
Imagine a world where we could continuously experience that dopamine rush from wonder.
What if the thrill of magic—an inexplicable phenomenon that sparks our imagination—was a reality?
This desire for wonder drives our interest in stories, whether they feature a child living in a cupboard or a magic show designed to amuse and bewilder us.
Ultimately, we are drawn to experiences that elicit joy.
We enjoy indulging in our fantasies and contemplating possibilities because it brings pleasure, as supported by scientific findings.
While scientists aim to demystify the unknown, we often seek to maintain the enchantment that comes from magical narratives.
The enjoyment lies in the mystery itself, as revealing the trick would diminish our delight.
Magic in Adult Life
If you consider yourself too sophisticated for magical tales and perfor