The Art of Illusion

Have you ever thought about how much illusion surrounds us?  Perhaps it comes with aging and wisdom, but recently I have become acutely aware of illusions.  There is an art to illusion but also a large monetary component, and of course, the more technologically advanced we become, the more sophisticated illusion can become.

Here are a few examples of illusions:

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was unable to walk unassisted, but the general population had no idea this was the case.

President John F. Kennedy was in pain most of the time from a war injury and also suffered from Addison's Disease.  The public was not aware of this and in fact, he projected himself as extremely healthy and vigorous.  He also was a great womanizer but yet when we think of he and his family, the picture is that of a beautiful, perfect family.

The majority of photographs portray us as smiling and happy when often we are unhappy and suffering from innumerable issues.  

Television, movies and magazines lead you to believe that there is always a happy ending and that you can be young forever.  Airbrushing and digital technology can transform imperfect beings into perfection which leaves the general population wondering what is wrong with them.

Then there is dating.  Does this really set us up for real life?  How often are we dressed up, smell great and are on our best behavior?  

How many times have we heard stories about abuse, murder, or suicide occurring in families that looked perfect from the outside?

Of course, there have always been magicians and illusionists that make us wonder how do they do these things?

Let's not forget all our "reality shows"  which are set up to appear like real people doing ordinary stuff.  How many of us could act real if the cameras were rolling?



I am not trying to be a pessimist or throw stones at every thing; it's just that my eyes have been opened up which leads me to question what we consider as normal.  Wouldn't it be nice if we could just accept ourselves for who we are and not be sucked into the world of the advertising moguls who want you to believe the illusion and buy the product that will provide the solution?
It seems to me there would be much less unhappiness and low self esteem and much more gratitude and contentment.  Just the thoughts of an aging person.

Thought for the day:  Illusion is the first of all pleasures.  Oscar Wilde