Pronoia

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Definition

Also known as benevolent conspiracy, “Pronoia is the sneaking hunch that others are conspiring behind your back to help you.” - Scottish psychologist Fraser Clark. "Symptoms include sudden attacks of optimism and outbreaks of good will.”[1]

John Barlow, Grateful Dead lyricist and co-founder of the EFF called Pronoia “the opposite of paranoia—the suspicion that the universe is a conspiracy on your behalf.”

Rob Brezsny defined it in 2004 as "the antidote for paranoia. It’s the understanding that the world is fundamentally friendly. It’s a mode of training the senses and intellect so you’re able to perceive the fact that life always gives you what you need, exactly when you need it".[2]

References

  1. AvantGame Presentation at the Austin Game Conference Jane McGonigal, 2005.
  2. Ibid.