Why Do Some People Believe in Fortune Cookies?

Examples

1. A child gets a fortune cookie that says, 'You will make many friends.' The next day, they get into a new class and befriend three kids right away.
2. Someone receives a fortune saying, 'A long journey starts with one step.' Later that week, they decide to move cities for their job, the message felt like it was giving them permission.
3. A person’s favorite fortune is always, 'You will find love again.' They believe this keeps them hopeful even after heartbreak.

More examples

See also

• What Makes a Question 'Unanswerable'?
• How Do People Decide What to Believe?
• Why Do People Like ‘Riddles’ and Puzzles?
• Why Do Some People See Ghosts and Others Don't?
• What Is the Meaning of Life?

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