Absurd assumptions

In the feature on April Fools [ Ft352:28-33], it is asked why we believe in such absurd things. Well, the answer is that in order for bad, absurd, crazy things to happen there must, paradoxi- cally, be good reasons or else they would not happen. And our believing the absurd is just such a trust. Indeed the more absurd a suggestion the more we believe it, and so the more ground we make up to explain it, the more successful the explanation is.

Wait for a friend or relative to come in to a room where you are and as they enter, say to them, “You’ve forgotten to put on your trousers”. The first thing they will do is look to see if it is true. But what is more absurd, your sug- gestion or their trust? Or is it one and the same thing? Simon van Someren London