Inextricably integrated with the ability of our eyes to detect objects by the light reflected from them in the ability of our brain to interpret visual signals in ways that go well beyond simple detection of light. For example, the image below consists of ink splotches on white paper. Our eyes perceive light from the background as white and the lack of light from the splotches as black. However, there is no immediately recognizable pattern in the splotches, and they appear flat, an abstract arrangement with an apparent three-dimensional quality to them.

As straight forward and routine as this recognition, is something truly extraordinary is happening within our brains. Notice that Einstein’s left cheek (his left, not yours) and much of his left ears are depicted as white space with no lines defining their boundaries. Yet our brain tells us exactly where the boundaries are, almost drawing the lines within our mi9nds. The empty space does not appear abnormal or confusing. ` Page 34