The Power of Placebos

Placebos can effectively alleviate pain, demonstrating a unique aspect of human psychology. Research shows that not only do placebos work, but their effectiveness increases with perceived value; expensive placebos often lead to better outcomes than cheaper ones. Humans are exceptional because we tell ourselves stories that alter our physiological responses, allowing belief to shape our experiences. For instance, fake malaria medication will not cure someone as effectively as real medicine, but the belief in the effectiveness of something like a counterfeit rhino horn can yield similar psychological effects.