Patterns

### Cold Open

Jason Silva: "Do you wake up each morning at the same time? Get to work the same way? Eat the same lunch over and over? Whether you realize it or not, your daily routine is a series of patterns. Some of these patterns are useful and efficient, while others turn into what we call bad habits. That's the thing about patterns; they can be a force for good, or a source of harm. "

### Questions

So why is it so difficult to break out of a pattern once it's established?

Do you always sit in the same spot to watch TV? And sleep on the same side of the bed? Why is it likely that you're nodding yes right now?

## Games

### Game #1: Spinning in Circles

How many perfect circles are there?

Result: You proabably said 1, but there are actually 3.

Why: Because if something has shadow or shading, it usually twists and turns, at least to your brain. Your brain recognizes that pattern. It became a habit.

### Game #2: Permutation Sensation

How many ways are there to get dressed with 8 items?

1. 4,380
2. 856
3. 64
4. 1680

The answer is D.

So: Your basic tendency is for your brain to repeat patterns over and over and over again. The reason behind this is because if you had to take everything as the same experience, you would be overwhelmed. Patterns are a survival mechanism so new information becomes old, and then new information becomes important while the old information becomes standard.

### Game #3: Pattern Box

Identify the pattern and pick the right option.

Result: The first time, you got it wrong. The second time, knowing what to look for, you developed a pattern and got it right.

Why: Because many chemicals in your brain are designed to create more efficient neural pathways. If it's something new, you make a pathway. Then, when it becomes old, it returns to that pathway and becomes better. The protein Myelin helps connections and pathways go better and faster.

#### Mini-Game: Line

How many things are in this photo?

Result: Despite knowing that there's something something on, because of the fact some of the photos are blocked off, your brain sees a pattern and fills in the blanks.

Why: Because of good continuation and your brain's amazing ability to recognize patterns, it accidentally saw 2 dogs as one long dog. It's second nature.

### Game #4: Changing The Card

Pay close attention.

Result: Andrei turns a full black deck of cards into red.

Why and How: By swapping out the deck, your brain fell victim to the old pattern that it was still the same deck and got fooled by the reveal. When you make new habits, old habits go away. Some scientists believe it takes 10,000 hours to master something and become second nature?

### Game #5: Mars

Look for something on mars.

Result: You may spot a face.

So: Since your brain has recognized faces since birth, it spots this on mars. It's called pareidolia.

### Game #6: CD Sand

Sand reacts to different frequencies of sound by Cymatics. What will happen to the sand at 1200 HZ?

Result: Complex patterns are made at higher frequencies.

How: Sand moves away from areas that are vibrating on the plate. Sound is just patterns of energy moving through the air. That means air has substance and weight.

#### Mini-Game: Pattern Playoffs

Play along with volunteers to identify an image.

Result: You probably did pretty well.

How: Your brain is accustomed to long-term memory and uses that to make patterns and recognize objects with enough information. It's hardwired for that in everyday life.

## List of Experts

* Coren Apicella
* Andrei Jikh(Special Guest, Cardist)