Mind-Reading?

Perhaps this is true of you, but I know a number of folks who claim they are good at "reading" others; that is, sensing what kind of mood another might be in or what that other person is likely thinking. No question, such a talent or skill is quite impressive - especially if one really can do it. If one is a professional communicator, for instance, then how great would it be for them to know what potential customers want? Or if you are the press representative for a political candidate, then being able to anticipate what prospective voters are wanting to hear would be another giant plus. Mind-reading would definitely be a great attribute to have, particularly in the communication business.


The reality is mind-reading, or something close to it, is not something that many of us do as well as we might. think. A great example of this revolves around Hurricane Katrina, the giant natural disaster that devastated much of the Gulf Coast in August, 2005. In the build-up to the storm, despite pleas and warnings from the local, state and event federal government for area residents to evacuate the area, many did not. Following the storm, a good number of these people either died or suffered the loss of loved-ones. The initial explanation for this behavior given by various officials and even social scientists was that those residents did what they did because they felt they could weather the storm.


This assessment by the authorities was given because they felt they understood how and what the residents were thinking. We now know, the authorities, generally, were wrong. Those residents, mostly poor, did not leave because they either could not afford the transportation cost of leaving or did not own a vehicle in which to travel to another part of the region. The point is those in-charge failed the mind-reading test. Because of that, they did not do all they could to save all that needed vital assistance. If nothing else, we should all think twice when we hear persons claim they are skilled at reading the thoughts of others.