Mystery

1. Mystery hooks our attention and fuels curiosity

"We are drawn to the unknown. Our awe depends upon it."

The dopamine effect. Our brains are wired to seek out novelty and surprises. When we encounter something unexpected or mysterious, it triggers a spike in dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This neurological response explains why we find mystery so compelling, whether it's in the form of a detective story, a magic trick, or a scientific puzzle.

Evolutionary advantage. The human fascination with mystery likely offered an evolutionary advantage. Our ancestors who were curious about the unknown were more likely to explore new territories, discover new resources, and adapt to changing environments. This innate drive to solve puzzles and uncover secrets has been a key factor in human progress and innovation throughout history.

Examples of effective mystery hooks:

• J.J. Abrams' "mystery box" technique in storytelling
• Agatha Christie's disappearance and its impact on her book sales
• The enduring appeal of magic tricks and illusions
• The viral spread of conspiracy theories and urban legends

2. Ambiguity in art creates engagement and lasting appeal

"The best art never forgets how it began. It remembers the mysteries that inspired the work."

Multiple interpretations. Ambiguity in art allows for multiple interpretations, encouraging viewers or readers to engage more deeply with the work. This open-endedness invites repeated exposure, as people return to the piece to uncover new layers of meaning or to reassess their initial understanding.

Cognitive exercise. Grappling with ambiguity exercises our cognitive abilities, forcing us to think creatively and consider multiple perspectives. This mental workout can be both challenging and rewarding, leading to a more satisfying artistic experience.

Examples of effective use of ambiguity:

• The Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile
• Shakespeare's complex and contradictory characters
• Abstract expressionist paintings
• Poems with multiple possible readings

3. Subverting expectations makes content more memorable

"We might not enjoy this kind of hook, at least not at first. We probably wish we were watching a more conventional horror movie, with Freddy Krueger and a predictable ending. But our discomfort isn't a sign of failure. It's proof that the mystery hook is working."

Cognitive dissonance. When our expectations are subverted, it creates cognitive dissonance – a mental discomfort that arises from holding conflicting beliefs or ideas. This discomfort forces our brains to work harder to process and understand the new information, leading to stronger memory formation.

Emotional impact. Unexpected twists or outcomes can elicit strong emotional responses, which are closely tied to memory formation. Whether it's surprise, shock, or delight, these emotions help anchor the experience in our minds, making it more likely to be remembered and shared.

Techniques for subverting expectations:

• The "Blair Witch Project" approach to horror filmmaking
• Unconventional narrative structures in literature
• Surprising musical compositions that break traditional patterns
• Advertising campaigns that challenge industry norms

4. Opaque characters teach us empathy and mindreading

"Literature is one of the best antidotes to the fundamental attribution error. A good novel doesn't describe its characters in terms of general traits—it reveals them as a function of their context, showing us who they are in different situations."

Theory of mind. Engaging with complex, opaque characters in literature helps develop our "theory of mind" – the ability to attribute mental states, beliefs, and intentions to others. This skill is crucial for social interaction and empathy in real-world situations.

Cognitive flexibility. By presenting characters whose motivations and actions are not immediately clear, literature encourages cognitive flexibility. Readers must constantly update their understanding of characters as new information is revealed, mirroring the process of getting to know real people.

Benefits of engaging with opaque characters:

• Improved empathy and social understanding
• Enhanced ability to consider multiple perspectives
• Greater tolerance for ambiguity in human behavior
• Reduced tendency to make snap judgments about others

5. Infinite games keep us engaged through endless exploration

"The real value in teaching these old books is to show students how to confront the unknown," Carse says. "I never cared if my students remembered what I taught. I cared about how they approached the subject. Did they accept the mystery? Did they have a sense of modesty? The best teaching is really teaching students how to live with ignorance."

Intrinsic motivation. Infinite games, characterized by continuous play without a defined endpoint, tap into our intrinsic motivation. Unlike finite games with clear winners and losers, infinite games focus on the joy of exploration and discovery, keeping players engaged for longer periods.

Adaptability and growth. Engaging in infinite games fosters adaptability and personal growth. As the "rules" or parameters of the game evolve, players must constantly learn and adjust their strategies, developing resilience and creativity in the process.

Examples of infinite games:

• Scientific research and exploration
• Artistic creation and interpretation
• Lifelong learning and personal development
• Open-ended video games and simulations

6. Embracing mystery leads to better problem-solving and creativity

"If we admit there's mystery, then we also have to admit that we don't have as much control as we'd like," Langer says. "And that's scary. So instead we just repeat our mistakes. That's the sort of behavior that mindlessness leads to."

Cognitive flexibility. Embracing mystery and uncertainty encourages cognitive flexibility, allowing us to consider multiple possibilities and approaches to problems. This open-minded attitude can lead to more innovative solutions and creative breakthroughs.

Reduced confirmation bias. Accepting that we don't have all the answers helps reduce confirmation bias – the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs. By remaining open to new information and perspectives, we're more likely to find optimal solutions to complex problems.

Strategies for embracing mystery in problem-solving:

• Asking "what if" questions to explore alternative scenarios
• Seeking out diverse perspectives and expertise
• Challenging assumptions and preconceived notions
• Cultivating curiosity about the unknown aspects of a problem

7. Mindfulness helps us appreciate life's inherent uncertainties

"When you notice things, that puts you in the present, but it also reminds you that you don't know nearly as much as you think you know.… We tend to confuse the stability of our attitudes and mindsets with the stability of the world. But the world outside isn't stable—it's always changing."

Present-moment awareness. Mindfulness practices encourage focus on the present moment, helping us notice the constant changes and uncertainties in our environment. This awareness can lead to a greater appreciation for life's complexities and mysteries.

Reduced anxiety about the unknown. Regular mindfulness practice can help reduce anxiety about uncertainties and unknowns. By accepting that we can't control or predict everything, we can develop a more relaxed and open attitude towards life's mysteries.

Mindfulness techniques for appreciating uncertainty:

• Meditation and breathwork to cultivate present-moment awareness
• Mindful observation of everyday objects and experiences
• Journaling to explore thoughts and feelings about uncertainty
• Practicing non-judgment towards ambiguous situations

Last updated: February 4, 2025