We’re all familiar with optical illusions. These are images that demonstrate that our eyes can fool us. Traditionally called veridical paradoxes, mind illusions are puzzles or brainteasers that demonstrate that our minds can fool us.
Our intuition is excellent at making fast judgments, but not always for making correct ones. When we make judgments quickly, we can get things wrong. When we have the luxury of time, it is worth thinking about things slowly and carefully before making decisions or drawing conclusions.
Just like we might need a ruler or some other tool to make correct judgments when faced with an optical illusion, we need slow, careful thought to make correct judgments when faced with mind illusions.
The first puzzles are the easiest ones for most people, but even adults frequently get even these ones wrong.