Telekinesis is the ability to move objects with the power of the mind, a subset of psychokinesis. While examples are often seen in fiction, real-life incidents are harder to find and prove. Despite this, some people claim to have telekinetic powers, but skeptics doubt their abilities.
Telekinesis comes from the Greek tele meaning far or away, and kinesis, meaning movement. The term was coined in the late 19th century to refer to the ability to move things with just the power of the mind. It is considered a subset of the psychic phenomenon, psychokinesis. Psychokinesis is a much larger group of psychic abilities that includes the ability to do things like heal, drastically change the shape of objects, project thoughts onto other substances such as photographs, and teleport with the power of the mind.
Most people’s association with telekinesis is through viewing in imaginary retail outlets. The film and book Carrie are often cited as one of the best examples of telekinetic abilities. Another example is the character Willow in the latest and most popular series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In later episodes of the series, Willow’s superior skill in magic allows her to move objects with her mind.
In real life, examples of telekinesis are harder to find and much harder to prove as real. Many scientists believe that the study of psychic phenomena is pseudoscience. There are some reports of people with telekinetic powers, but these are usually limited to a few witnesses or anecdotal evidence that cannot be verified. However, witnesses who have claimed to see telekinesis in action usually have no reason to make up stories and include people such as doctors, police officers, and people in military service.
Usually, telekinesis incidents happen quickly and there is no time to investigate other causes. Sometimes people claim to have telekinetic powers that can be demonstrated. In the 1920s, a woman named Felicia Parise wowed many because she seemed able to move small objects with her mind.
Parapsychologists tested Parise and were unable to discover any mechanisms or tricks that could explain or disprove her abilities. One thing to note about his demonstrations was the effort he seemed to require. Moving small items like a pillbox seemed to require tremendous strength. Parise withdrew due to the tremendous effort it took to display his telekinetic abilities and skeptics still doubt that he was capable of what he claimed.
Some skeptic societies offer large financial rewards for proof of telekinesis and other psychic phenomena. So far these prizes have not been claimed. Beyond scattered stories of strange occurrences and a few demonstrations over the years, there’s still little evidence that people can actually move objects with their minds. However, recent polls of Americans show about 20-30% believe telekinesis is possible.
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