Placebo Effect

The human brain is very complex and complicated. It exerts both conscious and subconscious control over the body, and even itself. If another person convinces you that something is true in spite of all the evident to contrary, you will believe it, reject all attempts to convince you differently, and find evidence of the truth of your beliefs all around you. Once the seed is planted, the brain seeks verification. For example, you may not pay much attention to the Mini Cooper automobile and not think there are many on the road, but once you have one, you will start to notice them and see them everywhere.

A person who tries to fool you and take advantage of you is called a “con man,” which is a shortened version of “confidence man.” A con man first earns your confidence and then takes advantage of you. Con men are very good at what they; even people who think they are wise fall for the con. Some people think they are good at dealing with a car salesperson; but, no matter how good you may think you are, you only deal for a car once every few years, while the salesperson does it once a day. Unless you are a knowledgeable skeptic, you may be conned by anyone.

When dealing with the martial arts, beware of fakes, charlatans, and pseudo-masters, and of your own brain; even it can fool you at times.