mystery

A mystery is anything unexplained, secret or unknown. This lack of knowledge builds curiosity. It can be something intentionally hidden or simply undiscovered . We are attracted to things we cannot understand, as if we have a need to figure them out.

Key Concepts

Something that has allure is tempting, inviting, seductive and fascinating.

A distraction is a diversion, something that pulls attention away from an original focus or a confusion that results when there are too many factors demanding attention.

An enigma is an obscure riddle, something ambiguous and puzzling is being concealed.

Anything foreign or unusual is exotic and having the charm and allure of the unfamiliar.

Something familiar is a frequent occurrence in your life that you are knowledgeable if and used to.

An illusion is something that appears to be something is not; a deceptive trick that causes the observer to misinterpret or exaggerate what is happening.

Occult describes things that are hidden from being seen or understood.

A paradox is something that is true but seems like it should not be. It goes against established rules or expectations and yet still works.

Placebo means to please, and is something without active helping properties, to make a person feel like something is being done. Sometimes this is enough to cause the problem to be resolved.

A theory is an offer of systematically organized knowledge; assumptions, principles, rules/ procedures that have been developed over careful and deep study of an issue over time.

Key Concepts: allure, distraction, enigma, exotic, familiar, illusion, occult, paradox, placebo, theory

Big Ideas

Everyone is attracted to a mystery.
Theory is a tool to identify problems and to plan ways to improve them.
Creativity is made of skills that can be learned.
Hiding something you already know stops the flow of energy and makes real connections impossible.
Some questions are not meant to be answered.

Archetypes and Symbols

Mystery Archetypes: blackberry, bunting, coyote, detective, femme fatale, key, Loch Ness Monster, magpie, mask, moon, muscari, shadow, sphinx, strawflower, veil

Mystery universal theme

big ideas / Brian Tomlin / September 17, 2022 / mystery, universal themes

Mystery is anything unexplained, secret or unknown. Whether intentionally hidden or simply undiscovered, the lack of knowledge builds curiosity. Big ideas Everyone is attracted to a mystery. Theory is a tool to identify problems and to plan ways to improve them. Creativity is made of skills that can be learned. Hiding something you already […]

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