What Are Totems Really For?

In our everyday life, how other people view us and what’s our perception to it plays a very important role, according to 2 German researchers.

They conclude that the fact of knowing that other people are observing you makes you more altruistic.

For example, a tips box in a restaurant is more likely to generate tips if the image of a pair of eyes is stick unto it. (Versus, say a picture of a flower)

This phenomenon has biological explanations: Your brain reacts differently in the presence of eyes, even animated ones.

This explains the presence of fierce totems among the ancient civilization. Some smart guy must have decided that having false eyes DO benefit the community.

-gAvIn-