THE DR. FOX HYPOTHESIS

THE DR. FOX HYPOTHESIS

I read a fascinating article 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 and unintelligible.

Armstrong calls this “The Dr. Fox Hypothesis,” based on an experiment in which he hired an actor to pose as Dr. Myron Fox for the purpose of delivering a rather strange scientific lecture to a group of professionals. The lecture was purposefully riddled with false statements, double-talk, non-sequiturs and absolutely 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 those 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 politicians in the USA, along with the public responses of people who hear them.  Needless to say, it is an unequivocal confirmation of The Dr. Fox Hypothesis.  It seems that multiplied millions are automatically mesmerized by people who stand behind public podiums.  No matter what they say, and no matter how much it contravenes logic or truth, far too many choose to shut down their intellects and blindly believe.

While I’m not intentionally promoting (or denigrating) any political party or politician, this ‘truth’ issue merits our serious consideration.  The biblical book of Proverbs contains a very 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 our intellectual and spiritual sustenance.  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 YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!