Optical illusions have captivated us for centuries, sparking curiosity and challenging our perceptions. These visual puzzles make us question reality and explore the depths of human cognition.
Derived from the Latin word illusio, meaning “trick,” illusions are designed to deceive the senses, pulling us into a playful game with our brain. From ancient mosaics to viral social media images, they’ve always been a source of entertainment, pushing us to uncover hidden details within everyday visuals.
At their core, optical illusions exploit the relationship between our eyes and brain. When we look at an image, our brain fills in gaps or makes assumptions based on past experiences, which is why we can be tricked into seeing things that aren’t there—or missing things right in front of us.