Are We in Control, or Are We Just Primed?

Have you ever stopped to wonder about the choices you make daily? Are they truly yours, or have external factors nudged you towards them? The intriguing concept of "priming" may hold some answers.

Today we”ll talk about the scene from the movie "Focus" starring Will Smith, which masterfully illustrates priming. In the movie, a legendary gambler, Liyuan, known for placing enormous bets, becomes the target of a meticulously crafted plan. The objective? To predict and influence his betting choices.

From the moment Liyuan steps out of his hotel, every aspect of his environment is controlled and manipulated. His subconscious is continuously bombarded with the number "55" - in the elevator, the hotel lobby, even on pins. Unawarely commutes to the stadium, his gaze catches more of these "primers," strategically placed to ensure he sees them.

They even employ auditory cues. A song, "Sympathy for the Devil," plays in the background, containing the Mandarin word for five ("wu"), reinforcing the number 55.

When it's decision time in the stadium, all the priming manifests as a “gut intuition.” Liyuan, thinking he's relying on instinct, chooses a player with the jersey number 55. Little does he realize his "intuition" has been engineered.

This movie scene thrusts us into introspection. How often do advertisements, songs, or even conversations subtly shape our decisions? Are we making a choice based on our genuine preferences, or are we merely reacting to a series of stimuli that have been "programmed" into our subconscious?

The interplay between free will and susceptibility to influence is complex. While priming can powerfully sway our decisions, we aren't entirely devoid of control.

Awareness is our first line of defense. By recognizing and understanding these influences, we can strive to make decisions that are more authentically "ours."

Having the awareness if this is crucial on your journey to becoming an Infinite Warrior.

We always want to make sure you’re thinking for yourself.

Remember, theres one in all of us.

Fredo