palmistry

I started reading palms in my teens as a way to supplement my income from doing magic and mental shows. When I started I did not believe in palmistry. But I knew that to “sell” it I had to act as if I did. After a few years I became a firm believer in palmistry. One day the late Stanley Jaks, who was a professional mentalist and a man I respected, 

tactfully suggested that it would make an interesting experiment if I deliberately gave readings opposite to what the lines indicated. I tried this out with a few clients. To my surprise and horror my readings were just as successful as ever. Ever since then I have been interested in the powerful forces that convince us, reader and client alike, that something is so when it really isn’t.

Palmistry, while popular and practiced for centuries, has faced significant criticism, particularly from the scientific and skeptical communities. Critics argue that palmistry lacks empirical evidence and is not grounded in scientific principles. The interpretations made by palmists are often seen as subjective, relying heavily on the reader’s intuition rather than any concrete methodology.

Skeptics often classify palmistry as a pseudoscience, arguing that the practice exploits the psychological phenomenon known as the “Barnum effect.” This effect refers to the tendency of people to believe vague, general statements about their personality or future when they think the statements are specifically tailored for them. As a result, individuals may find palmistry readings convincing, even though the interpretations could apply to a wide range of people.

Another criticism is that palmistry does not account for the complex factors that influence an individual’s life. Factors such as genetics, environment, and personal choices play a significant role in shaping a person’s future, which palmistry oversimplifies by attributing these influences to the lines and shapes on a person’s hand.

Despite these criticisms, palmistry continues to be practiced and valued by those who believe in its insights. Proponents argue that, like other forms of divination, palmistry provides a unique perspective on self-reflection and personal growth, offering guidance rather than definitive answers. For many, the value of palmistry lies not in its predictive power, but in its ability to prompt introspection and provide comfort or reassurance.