Influence Is Complicated

Any given stimulus-response encounter may have unintended consequences.

In any stimulus-response encounter, several things influence the response. The sender's intention shapes the selection of stimulus type and the purpose of the stimulus. The receiver's belief shapes the likelihood of the intended response actually occurring. The reality of the stimulus, whether it produces a material effect, an immaterial effect, or a combination of both, acts as a rough filter for the other two inputs.

• Material effects are hardwired into how material stimuli interact with material receptors. We understand much about the material. 
• Immaterial effects are soft-wired into how immaterial stimuli interact with immaterial receptors. We understand little about the immaterial. 
• When both effects are present, there can be either synergy or discord between the two.

Any stimulus-response encounter is a complex system.

Launch Pads

'Provocative'

'Placebo'