THE DR. FOX HYPOTHESIS

THE DR. FOX HYPOTHESIS

Some time ago, I read a fascinating article that was reprinted in “Psychology Today” but first published by “Leadership Magazine” in the Spring of 1983.  In it, an associate professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. J Scott Armstrong, demonstrated that most people are overly impressed by so-called experts – even when the content of their observations is completely absurd or unintelligible.

Armstrong calls this “The Dr. Fox Hypothesis,” based on an experiment in which he hired an actor to pose as Dr. Myron Fox in order to deliver a rather strange scientific lecture to a group of professionals.  The lecture was riddled with false statements, double-talk, non-sequiturs and contradictory conclusions.  Also, the speaker included senseless jokes and meaningless references to totally unrelated topics.

Following the lecture, all attendees were asked to fill out anonymous questionnaires to evaluate the presentation they had heard.  The vast majority of the attending scientists reported that they found the lecture to be informative, illuminating and ground-breaking.

Wow!

While reading this article, my mind raced through numerous televised claims of our most recent USA presidential candidates, along with the public responses of people who had heard them.  Needless to say, this was an unequivocal confirmation of The Dr. Fox Hypothesis.  It seems that multiplied millions are so mesmerized by people who stand behind political podiums that no matter what they are saying, and no matter how much it contradicts logic or truth, they choose to shut down their intellects and blindly believe.

While I’m not promoting any political party or politician, this (and any related) situation merits our serious consideration. While reading the biblical book of Proverbs, I came across a relevant admonition by King Solomon.  It simply says, “Hear instruction and BE WISE, and do not disdain it.” (Proverbs 8:33) 

Bottom-line: We must be ever so careful as to WHO and WHAT we are hearing and internalizing for either our intellectual or spiritual sustenance.  Always beware of what I call, 'GROUP THINK.'  Once again, Solomon expresses it far better than I.  “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) My friends, be wise.  Be prudent.  Be thoughtful.  Remember: Eat the fish and throw away the bones!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!