It's certainly an accepted fact, humans look for patterns in nature/the world at all times, if you focus your attention on one thing, it's obvious you will see that thing wherever you are.

damn right. yet some are still as yet unconvinced...

I like this theory - and makes for a great creative project. Do you mind if I try out this idea too - and does it have to be monkeys? I've watched that Cadbury's Gorrilla ad too much and, like the chocolate, I've discovered that although it seems impossible at first - I can overdo it a bit.... lol.

doesn't have to be monkeys, could be anything - chickens, umbrellas, polystyrene, the number 7, jam...

The monkeys thing is great - and I agree with you! Whatever you're looking for, you'll see.

Have you seen http://facesinplaces.blogspot.com/? Rather fab.

superb, that's kinda the idea in a nutshell... with a website dedicated to it. faces are an obvious pick because they're probably *the* most recognised image in everyday life. given their importance to ourselves plus our nature of seeking constant analogy between ourselves and our environment, we see the image of the face everywhere, like it's some kind of reassurance.

Yep, I agree to a degree .... I think people see what they want to see (and yes you do get sensitised to a certain image if that is what you are concentrating on....)

On the same note, people have selective sight and hearing and choose to see and hear what is positive (or in their own interest) and ignore what is disturbing or negative ......

I concur completely – you can set your mind to find things – it's a bit like positive thinking.

And regards number finding, wasn't there the Jum Carrey film recently in which he suddenly starts seeing the same number everywhere.

Clever concept.

number 23. shite movie unfortunately.