Columbia University STÖF

SCOTOMAVILLE 01.03 Columbia University Sleeves Illusion

As far as I am aware, I'm the originator of this example of our vulnerability. This is an illusion - but it demonstrates that there are things we don't know or things that we don't see the way THEY really are. That we don't - as Paul Heggstrom would say - "We don't see things the way THEY are, we see things the way WE are!" Next time you go into starbucks, purchase an extra bunch of sleeves. I would suggest showing everyone this exercise in self-awareness.

    

"...ask your barista a question. Usually I say, "Do you have a second? I, I'm a little confused, um.." and they'll say something like "Oh sure, no problem." and I'll say "So, you have three or four cup sizes. I know the tall, the grande and the venti cups. But every time I go into your rack ,you know for sleeves, I always get confused, which one's which, and which one goes to which one."

"They usually go "What?" I say "Well, to me, it looks like you have the small and the large. And I don't know which one to use on which one, which cup?" and they'll go "Huh? What? I go "Well, look, look! You have small and you have large!" I go "But every time I pull it out of the rack, I don't know which-how to-or I mean, I get confused!" and they look at you like "Wait a minute, what did you just do? I go "Yeah, every time I pull them out of the rack, they're all different sizes. They're mixed up or something. Which one do I put on the on the cup I'm getting?" they stare at you and they, they, they don't know what to do, they look at each other and so then I, I'll explain to them that it doesn't really matter.

Key Points of this Episode

• The sleeve sizing is an optical illusion
• The story you tell affirms the illusion
• Confusion results from beliefs vs. observation

This is an excellent conversation starter for pointing out our vulnerability for error, and being misled. You can take the observation into many topics. I find it a great opportunity to interest them in starting a Personal Everest. There are so many crevasses and curves ahead for them. Compassion and guidance are great gifts for your Barista, and your peers.

Why Does This Matter?

1. We're easily duped and mislead
2. Emotions can be used to affirm bias and error
3. Be open to being 100% wrong 50% of the time.

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