When presented with two options, you would think the choice is yours, right? But if one of the options is made to look inferior, it dramatically sways your decision. If you are presented with the option of chocolate ice cream or vanilla ice cream, the choice is up to personal preference. When presented with chocolate ice cream or broccoli, most people, unless they are on a diet or seriously do not like chocolate ice cream, would choose chocolate ice cream. By throwing in a less desirable option, it makes the other option seem more desirable. It gives the illusion that you are making decisions for yourself to satisfy you but in reality, the choice was already made.
Another illusion is free will. We do not know our own preferences so we are completely susceptible to our environment. Unfortunately, our preferences are filtered through other people’s opinions and society’s expectations. Why do you think you want to go to college and study to receive that masters degree? Why do you think girls want to straighten their hair? Why do you think boys want to keep their hair short? It’s because of societal standards. Back in the 70’s it was acceptable for boys to have long hair and for girls to have curly hair. If that were still an acceptable option, I’m sure more people would choose it as an option.
It is important to remember to make your own decisions. Sometimes we can’t help it when we’re presented with only a limited amount of choices and some of the choices are made to look inferior. But when it comes to making long term decisions in life, try your best to clear your mind of external influencing factors and make the decision for yourself. It’s your life. Live it.
Another illusion is free will. We do not know our own preferences so we are completely susceptible to our environment. Unfortunately, our preferences are filtered through other people’s opinions and society’s expectations. Why do you think you want to go to college and study to receive that masters degree? Why do you think girls want to straighten their hair? Why do you think boys want to keep their hair short? It’s because of societal standards. Back in the 70’s it was acceptable for boys to have long hair and for girls to have curly hair. If that were still an acceptable option, I’m sure more people would choose it as an option.
It is important to remember to make your own decisions. Sometimes we can’t help it when we’re presented with only a limited amount of choices and some of the choices are made to look inferior. But when it comes to making long term decisions in life, try your best to clear your mind of external influencing factors and make the decision for yourself. It’s your life. Live it.