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Of course it's placebo, that's the point. What else could it be, some substance in the car? The point is that self-perception can influence brain chemistry and
by WilliamLP 17y ago
Of course it's placebo, that's the point. What else could it be, some substance in the car? The point is that self-perception can influence brain chemistry and hormone production.
- dejb 17y agoI could be the sound/vibration of the engine, the increased power/acceleration, the handling, the interior. I'm not sure all of these would classify as placebo in the traditional sense. But I'd agree it's mostly the pure placebo of knowing it's an expensive car.
- CamperBob 17y agoWhat else could it be, some substance in the car? Well, maybe, and that needs to be ruled out. Plasticizer vapors, such as those present in newer cars, have been said to mimic human hormones before.
- 10ren 17y agoMaybe responsiveness; quick acceleration; "Road feel"; admiring looks from nubile women; defeated looks from men; knowing that you have more power available than you need; etc.
- utku_karatas2 17y agoFWIW, weight lifting could provide all except road feel.
- 10ren 17y agoBe the porche. And it's free. I've noticed that porche drivers are mostly older people (presumably because, statistically, they can afford it). To be picky: it also doesn't provide responsiveness (i.e. agility), but in isolation tends to muscle boundness. Easy to address with other exercise of course.
- pbhjpbhj 17y agoSlam your foot down in the Camry, what happens? Slam your foot down in the Porsche and you're doing 150mph before you know it ... isn't the perceived danger also a large (non-placebo) factor?
- alanthonyc 17y agoIn case you've never tried it, the experience of driving a Porsche is substantially different from driving a Camry. I doubt it's a placebo effect.