What you see in these optical illusions says a lot about your personality
Get to know yourself better with these 20 optical illusions!
Your brain is made up of millions of miniscule connections that send electric signals back and forth. These infinitely complex events also decide your character and personality. Researchers at Queen’s University in Ontario discovered that the human brain processes around 6,200 thoughts every single day. This means that you have a new thought about every 14 seconds. These thoughts are specific to the way your brain processes information, and thus how you view the world.
Take a good look at these twenty optical illusions. What you see – or rather, how your brain interprets them – says a lot about more about your personality than you might think.
Read on quickly on the next page.
20. Columns or silhouettes?
If your eyes focused on the lighter parts of the image first, you might have seen the three columns. If they jumped to the darker parts, you probably saw two figures. Whichever one you saw first, can say a lot about your attitude towards life.
The Powerful Mind tells us that if the first thing you see is the columns, you’re more suited for security and calmness. You’re someone that likes planning things out before getting started. You prefer to have crystal clear goals and not getting into things not knowing what’s going to happen. What if the two silhouettes were the first thing that popped out to you? Then you’re probably someone that’s more inclined to doing things impulsively. You’re probably a bit of a misfit. Your curiosity keeps you from sitting still and you’re rather impatient.
19. Man or woman?
What do you see in the picture above? If you see the back of a young woman’s head, according to the New Zealand Herald, you’re a curious person. You like to see the positive side of things in life. You’re selfless, like to give to charity, and you like helping those in need. At the same time, you’re cautious when making decisions to make sure you’re not acting out of impulse. You pay attention to every detail.
Did you see an old man with a mustache? Then you’re a loyal, trustworthy person with a good head on your shoulders. You’re faithful and honest, always ready to problem solve and lead and guide those around you. You’re a perfectionist and your need to always find the best way of doing things can lead to lots of stress.
18. Explosion or hands?
What do you see in Israeli Noma Bar’s artwork? If the colorful imagery in the center made you think of an explosion, The Wonder List would say you’re a person with strong organizational skills. And you’re a good leader.
Maybe you immediately saw thumbs in the dark space. This means you’re extremely kind to others and you’re overly empathetic. You’re prepared to do whatever you can for those around you and you’ll always fight for justice.
17. Binoculars, car, or the letter A?
This optical illusion can take you to three different places. In this image, you’ll either see a man with a hat looking through binoculars, a car in the middle of the road, or the letter A.
Did the man with binoculars grab your attention? Then you’re someone who is good at keeping a tab on things and sees the bigger image at hand instead of focusing on small details.
Did you see the car first? This means you’re someone that values freedom and personal growth. You live your life in your own way and don’t care what others think.
Maybe you saw the letter A? You probably have a pretty different view of the world. You’re good at solving problems and seeing things from different perspectives. This means your vision is extremely valuable.
16. Faces or a candle holder?
This is a well-known optical illusion. You’ve surely seen it before, but do you know what it says about your personality? If the first thing you see is the two faces, according to The Powerful Mind, you’re an extrovert that feels very comfortable in group settings. You’re the center of attention at parties and get-togethers. You don’t tire easily and you’re full of energy, especially when you have others around you. Show this one to your friends!
Did you see the black candle holder first? Then you’re probably a less social person. You think things through, and you might be a bit shy. You’re an individual that likes to be left alone with their own thoughts. You prefer spending the night at home rather than getting caught up in a hectic night out. You’d rather be with a close group of good friends than with a large group of acquaintances.
15. Above or below?
This illusion has multiple perspectives, according to The Powerful Mind, based on your sex. Are you a woman? If the first thing you see is the face of a man, you long for a passionate, romantic relationship or you’re already happy with your partner. Did you see the feminine face first? This means you’re a strong, confident, independent woman who likes to be in charge of her own life.
If you’re a man who saw the woman’s face first, you’re looking for a long-term relationship. If you saw the man’s face first, you might feel as if you’re in competition with other men at the moment: at work, in your group of friends, or in other situations.
14. Moon or birds?
What grabs your attention first? Do you see the round face with a mustache, or two small birds in front of a full moon? The answer to this simple question reveals how you go about dealing with others in your daily life.
If the face is the first thing you noticed, according to Wonder List, you’re a very careful and caring person. You’re pleasant around others and try to avoid differences of opinions. You find it important to follow your instincts. Did you see the birds first? Then you’re probably a cheery, welcoming person that likes making others, even strangers, feel comfortable.
13. Mask or bra?
Was the first thing that came to mind the figure of Peter Parker in his famous Spiderman suit, ready to fight crime? Or did you see a white bra? The answer to this question says a lot about your personality.
According to The Wonder List, those who saw the Spiderman mask first are often quiet and reserved. These people have a difficult time showing emotion. They value tradition and habits and find it difficult to accept change. However, if you saw the bra first, you’re open to new things and love exciting news and the latest gossip. You take every day as it comes and live your truest life, without regret.
Curious to find out what other things you can learn about yourself with optical illusions? Read on now!
12. Bird or lynx?
This amazing optical illusion was made by Funding Circle, a British investment corporation. They use this image for interviews to see the true colors of their applicants. Just by your answer to the simple question “what did you see first?”, they can tell which role you’re best suited for. Which category do you fall under? Did you see the lynx or the bird first?
If you saw the lynx first, Funding Circle believes that you’re someone who can keep the big idea in mind when making decisions. This means you’re cut out for brainstorming, team building, and project management positions. Did you see the bird first? Then you’re someone practical and will fit nicely in a creative position.
11. Vase or faces?
This image is named the Vase Ambiguous Figure and was created by Danish philosopher and psychologist Edgar John Rubin in 1915. The illusion is also known as Rubin’s Face and Figure-Ground Vase. These names themselves reveal the contents of the image. Will you see the vase first or two people staring into each other’s eyes?
Did you see the vase first? Then you’re able to keep an overview in all situations, but you also pay less attention to details. Those who saw the faces first, however, pay more attention to detail and are more aware of the small steps needed to achieve a more complex goal.
10. Skull or woman?
This image was created in 1892 by Charles Allan Gilbert and is named “All is Vanity”. Depending on how your brain processes the illustration, you could either see a creepy skull or a woman looking at herself in a mirror. The following explains what your interpretation of the illustration means.
If you saw the skull first, you often look at the bigger picture. You also believe that we are all essentially the same, deep down. If the woman caught your attention first, you focus more on details and are often a lot more selfish and narcissistic. How you interpret this image can also show you how you view yourself and the world around you. Interesting!
9. How many superheroes do you see?
This one is for the comic book fans among us. This modern take on an optical illusion says less about who you are, according to the artist, but more about what you’re used to. This, of course, also plays a big role in how you see the world.
Was the first thing you saw the two Batmen staring at each other? Then you probably know a thing or two about his adventures in Gotham City. Those who prefer DC Comics see this image first. If the first thing you saw was Wolverine, you’re probably more of Marvel Comics fan.
Didn’t recognize either? Don’t fret, the next illusion has something to offer for all.
8. So much to see!
This image has lots of elements to discover. What do you see? Balloons? Roses? A slanted cross, an open book, a heart, a lion, a necktie, a smiley face? Keep in mind which part you saw first because the YourTango website says that this can say a lot about your personality.
Did you see the open book first? This means you’re smart and instinctive. The roses? You’re calm and see the good in everything. The slanted cross means that you are faithful and generous. The balloons are synonymous with immeasurable enthusiasm, the heart means that you are soft and affectionate. If you saw the lion first, you are brave and fearless. The smiley face represents cheerfulness and optimism and the necktie suggests attentiveness and determination.
That was quite the puzzle! The next illusion is a bit easier to grasp but says just as much about your personality.
7. Is he getting closer or walking away?
The beauty in this image lies in the fact that it’s impossible to be sure of whether the man is getting closer or walking away from the camera. What’s your interpretation? The answer to this question can tell you a lot about how you view the world.
If the man is walking toward you, you’re open and have a positive look on life. You embrace others, especially strangers, and smile your way through life. Those who see the man disappearing into the distance have a gloomier view of life. They are often more cynical, afraid, and are afraid of going through loss.