Up: [[Life Writing]] Created: 2023-02-01 The general term for interpreting patterns or meaning in meaningless data is **Apophenia**. This can include visual, auditory (i.e., voices in the wind), or any combinations of data. **Pareidolia** is specific to visual information; para — alongside; eidolon — image These images used to be considered delusions of judgment caused by imperfect perception. Our brains are just very eager to see faces. The part of the brain that specializes in facial recognition is the fusiform face area. ### Examples Man in the moon Jesus in toast Cloud that looks like something in particular Face of the Virgin Mary on a grilled cheese sandwich. Sold for $28,000 Modern electrical outlets like the kind I have in my house ![[Face in tree.webp]] ### Cloud Example from Hamlet Hamlet: Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in shape of a camel? Polonius: By th’ mass and ‘tis: like a camel indeed. Hamlet: Methinks it' is like a weasel. Polonius: It is backed like a weasel. Hamlet: Or like a whale. Polonius: Very like a whale. ##### William Shakespeare,*Hamlet*, act iii, scene 2 ### Cloud Example from Peanuts ![[Peanuts cartoon about clouds.webp]] ### To Write One 1. Create a random pattern. Make an inkblot or look at smudged paint or makeup. Or go outside and take a picture of the clouds. 2. Ask yourself what you see 3. Think about what's happening currently in your life, in the world, or your current state of mind. 4. Connect step 2 to step 3. What might your image be telling you about it?