Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Optical illusions have a way of driving people crazy. No matter how much you try to avoid being “tricked,” your brain often interprets things in unexpected ways. One illusion now confusing the entire internet shows six girls sitting on a couch—yet only five pairs of legs are visible. How is that possible? According to the…

Trump’s $2,000 Christmas pledge distilled politics into something brutally simple: a date, a dollar figure, and the suggestion that relief was finally on its way. That simplicity was its strength. It bypassed policy jargon and spoke directly to fear, fatigue, and the quiet panic of people wondering how to afford one more month, let alone…

While taking family photos near Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms, a Virginia family unexpectedly captured former President Barack Obama in the background of a shot with their kids, Belle, 4, and Preston, 1. As they posed near the Tidal Basin with the Washington Monument behind them, Obama strolled by, unintentionally photobombing the scene. Their mother, Portia…

Many people underestimate how small daily habits can have surprising effects on their well-being. One of the most overlooked routines is the position or environment we sleep in — and experts are now warning that it can have more influence than we realize. According to recent discussions online, certain sleeping behaviors may lead to long-term…

In a twist that surprised everyone, Texas lost one of its most vibrant, controversial, and fearless voices. Richard “Kinky” Friedman, whose life story reads like a character out of one of his own novels, left a void at the heart of Texas culture when he died at the age of 79. Friedman is known for…

Francisco San Martin’s death left a hollow ache that reached far beyond Hollywood soundstages. To many, he wasn’t just a soap star; he was a daily presence, a gentle constant in living rooms where people laughed, cried, and escaped alongside his characters. His journey—from Spain to Montana to Los Angeles—was a testament to grit, talent,…

Before the incident, staffers noticed unusual activity—unmarked vans and people standing in “surveillance blind spots.” These concerns grew serious only when gunfire broke the quiet. Officials confirmed that National Guard members were shot near the White House, triggering citywide alarms. The sudden violence sent Washington into confusion and fear. As helicopters flew overhead and intersections…

Shoppers have started noticing changes in packaged meat quality — some cuts cook with excess liquid or feel different. Many realized these weren’t isolated issues as similar complaints spread online. A small food-testing group investigated and found that some distributors were quietly mixing lower- grade meat with better cuts or blending sources without clear labeling.…

Tongue piercings are often seen today as a fashion trend or form of self-expression, but their roots trace back to ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures, where they were sacred rituals meant to connect with the gods. In modern times, people choose tongue piercings for various reasons—style, individuality, or to align with certain subcultures. For some,…

rump’s proposal, quickly dubbed “Trump Accounts,” would automatically grant a $1,000government-funded investment account to every American baby born within a specified four-year period. The money wouldn’t sit idle; it would be tied to stock market performance, rising or falling with the economy itself. Supporters see a rare chance to give ordinary families something the wealthy…