In The Art of Thinking Clearly, Rolf Dobelli brings the concept of confirmation bias into sharp focus by recounting a fascinating classroom experiment conducted by an unnamed professor. The experiment is simple yet profound, revealing how our minds often cling to assumptions, even when they lead us astray.

The professor presented his students with a sequence of numbers: 2-4-6. He explained that there was a specific rule governing this sequence, written on the back of a sheet of paper. The students’ task was to decipher the rule. To do so, they could propose additional numbers, and the professor would respond with either “Fits the rule” or “Does not fit the rule.” The catch? They could test as many numbers as they wanted, but they only had one chance to guess the rule itself.

This experiment mirrors the struggles writers face—both internally and externally. Internally, we grapple with self-doubt, creative blocks, and the relentless pursuit of meaning. Externally, we navigate the chaos of a world in flux, like the existential threat of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to loom over us. I tip my hat to writers everywhere, those who once wielded pens and now type away on keyboards, for finding solace and purpose in their craft during these trying times. They’ve turned downtime into an opportunity to reflect, create, and leave their mark on the world.

Writers, young and old, pour their hearts into their work, crafting stories, essays, and poems that resonate with readers across the globe. With every piece shared online, we inch closer to understanding how to author our own destinies. It’s not about erasing our pasts but carrying our histories forward, weaving them into the present as we imagine and write our futures.

But let’s be honest—piecing together the arithmetic of one’s identity is no small feat. It’s even harder when the fragments you’re working with are tinged with bitterness or regret. The challenge of distinguishing the good from the bad becomes almost unbearable when viewed through the lens of hypocrisy or weighed on the scales of the mundane. Yet, writers persist. They write about the countable, the measurable: school achievements, daily missteps, reward points, credit card debts, fleeting romances, and the ticking clock that gives us only 24 hours in a day.

This calculated sense of entitlement fuels the creation of alternate realities and truths, as scientifically-minded writers might argue. Socio-political issues provide fertile ground for essayists, poets, and novelists to explore. For instance, a supermajority in the Senate might push through legislation at the president’s behest, whether just or unjust. Meanwhile, millions of teenagers and young adults immerse themselves in Mobile Legends (ML), playing intensely during their free time—and even during hard times, like the COVID-19 lockdowns. They find joy in the game, much to the dismay of loved ones who crave their attention and care.

Religiously inclined writers might ponder the Vatican’s devotion to God, noting how Pope Francis, unlike his predecessors, embraces peaceful coexistence with other Christian sects and religions. Biblically speaking, one might even draw parallels to Avengers: Infinity War, where Dr. Strange declares, “There was no other way,” as he hands over the time stone to Thanos, setting the stage for Tony Stark’s ultimate sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame. Writers, like Dr. Strange, often see the bigger picture, weaving narratives that challenge the status quo and provoke thought.

The truth is, writers have countless ways to frame their thoughts and accept reality as it is. But here’s the caveat: even if a quadrillion people believe in an idea or action that later proves to be foolish, it remains foolish—at least until another quadrillion people come along to challenge or confirm it. Writers have the power to shake the status quo, to question, to provoke, and to inspire.

Now, let’s return to the classroom experiment. The students, convinced they had cracked the code, proposed the number 8 as the next in the sequence. The professor responded, “Fits the rule.” Encouraged, they tested 10, 12, and 14, each time receiving the same reply. Confident in their hypothesis, one student declared, “The rule is to add two to the last number.” To their surprise, the professor shook his head and said, “That is not the rule.”

Wait, what? If adding two isn’t the rule, then what is?

This moment of revelation underscores the importance of questioning our assumptions. It’s a reminder that we must use our logical and mathematical reasoning to uncover the truth, not just what we want to be true. By doing so, we can piece together the jigsaw puzzle of our lives, uncovering the hidden rules and secrets that govern our existence.

In this way, writers breathe life into life’s mysteries. They put words to paper, revealing truths that might otherwise remain hidden. Through their work, they influence others to reflect, to question, and to apply these insights to their own lives. Writing, then, is not just an act of creation—it’s an act of discovery, a journey toward understanding the rules that shape our world and ourselves.