Is Your Intuition Trustworthy?

"How do the two tables compare in size and shape? If you're like most people, the table on the right appears to be more of a square than the one on the left, which looks longer and skinnier. Why bother taking out a ruler to measure the dimensions, since the difference is obvious?

If this is what you think, you're wrong. Your intuition has failed you, as it fails most people who look at this diagram. If you don't believe us, trace the top of either table on a piece of paper. Now line up your tracing over the other table. As you will see, the two surfaces are identical in size and shape!" (Source)

There are natural limits to the human visual interpretation system. We need this kind of humbling to remind us that we may not always be able to trust what we see, and often interpret events incorrectly the first time. And it should help us have grace and peace with one another, understanding that they, too, have limited capabilities to interpret accurately my words, actions, and intentions.