DECIEVING THE BRAIN

Can you count the black dots?

This image makes use of the fact that your eyes only focus on one point and your brain compensates by assuming what the rest of the image is. Thus, the point at which the white lines intersect is believed to be black, and this is what you see in your peripheral vision.

Which centre circle is the largest?

Neither - they are both the same size, although by surrounding each one with larger and smaller circles respectively, your brain is deceived into thinking they are smaller / larger as it is comparing them with the surrounding circles, rather than with each other.

Are these lines parallel?

Yes they are! By including the offset diagonals, you can create the impression that the lines are bent. This works because you cannot focus on the line without looking at the rest of the picture. If you printed the picture out, however, it would be easy to prove with a simple ruler.

Is the book facing towards you or away from you?

The perspective of the picture makes it impossible to determine which way the book is facing without further information, such as seeing the cover, writing inside, or more pages.

Speak out loud and say the COLOUR, not the word.

This is difficult to do because of a conflict in your head.. The right-hand side of your brain tries to say the colour, as you are thinking this, but the left-hand part of your brain is trying to subconsciously override this by saying the word - You are consciously doing something which does not compute with normal brain processes (i.e. reading).