Why hasn't anyone with "paranormal abilities" collected the million dollars?

Question

A great many people believe in astrology, psychics, ESP, faith healing, ancient prophecy, and a hundred other fantastic and ridiculous notions.

Some are just having fun and hadn't really thought about it. Others are presented with scientific evidence to the contrary, or asked to think more critically about their beliefs, and they can't be bothered (or think they already do).

This last group is scary. They offer no evidence (because there is none) yet they steadfastly believe, for whatever reason. They demonstrate such gullibility that they're clearly susceptible to being pawns in the spread of dangerous misinformation of all kinds. Another Dark Ages may be in our future.

Why don't they put their mouths where the $$$ is?!

Here's where it is: www.randi.org/research/index.html This is a well-established educational organization devoted to promoting critical thought. The offer is real.

Could it be--just maybe--that they can't? I mean if anything talks as loud as BS, it's money!

I see the link doesn't appear unless you mouse over it. Here's another attempt: http://www.randi.org/jref/index.html

To Justme, I asked a valid question, which you evidently gave a 'thumbs down' to. That demonstrates who, here, is closed-minded. I will answer *your* question when you answer mine.

Sorry... yet another try!...
http://www.randi.org/research/index.html

RuneAmok, where did you get the idea I'm talking about a lottery? if you would read my question more carefully, and follow the link, you'd see this has nothing to do with that. It is a completely serious offer for money if someone can prove their abilities. The foundation reports that nobody has collected, so far, though many have applied.

And you said, "Also, I don't believe that the psychic gifts a person may have can (and I do mean CAN not SHOULDN'T) be used for purely selfish personal gain. I do not believe that would be allowed."

Allowed by whom?? The psychic gods? The psychic IRS?

Rebecca, I enjoyed your story.

RuneAmok, not to pick on you, but in my opinion, collecting a million dollars *is* debatably a good thing! Likewise with "what would be the point?"... It's a million dollars!! {laughing}

I find it even harder to believe that all psychics are so altruistic than I do that psychics exist! I'm replying also to soodamncold. Come on... what would make them different than any other human with greed and/or bills to pay? I think Nelly stated it best, on that topic.

I did understand your "on demand" point, RuneA, although I don't necessarily believe it. Nor do I doubt your word that you've experienced things. I question the leap from observation to conclusion, for so many people, on so many such subjects.

To spiderm... then why doesn't she?

Also, does anyone have a comment about any *other* paranormal "ability", besides psychics? As I said, the foundation offering the money invites claims of many kinds. The answers have taken a singular direction.

Nelly, I didn't see anything about the specific tests, either, though they'd have to vary depending on what the claim was about. I did see this: "All tests are designed with the participation and approval of the applicant." Therefore, anyone who approves the test has, it seems to me, no excuse for later complaining when it didn't work.

Most applicants, the site says, never agree to a proper (which I take to mean scientific) test protocol. It doesn't surprise me; If I have flimsy evidence, I will approve only the most self-serving conditions--even lie--to support my claim.

Here is the "log of applicants."
http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=43

You can read their claims and their correspondence with the site.

I learned, here, that Sylvia Brown was indeed invited to participate! She accepted, too, on Larry King Live in 2001. She has yet to make good on her offer. In fact the site has a whole page about her, and that agreement, here: www.randi.org/sylvia/index.html .

To spacejohn77: I tend to agree that "no one will ever win a prize like that," but not for the reason you gave. Simply, I'm almost as confident as Mr. Randi (who has investigated this stuff far longer than I) that careful investigation will reveal bad reasoning and uncritical thinking which went unnoticed or unrespected by the claimants.

I tend to think Randi has the same motivation that I have in debunking nonsense... that is not to pick it apart because we don't *want* to believe it, but because it was *never put together right in the first place.*

The scientific method has no bias or agenda, other than to find the truth. Many believers (of anything) *have* an agenda... to hold on to their belief, for whatever joy or comfort it provides.

The experiments are certainly set up to reasonably allow legitimate proof, and with the claimant's approval. So, as for "having an MRI and seeing it light up like a Christmas tree..." nobody should object, if that's what would prove his case!

To seandashark, despite a pretty thorough (half hour) search of both randi.org, and the Web in general, I can't find anything but the most tenuous connection between Dr. Drew ("THE" Dr. Drew - Drew Pinsky) and James Randi. What is your source?

I did find a JREF prize applicant who calls himself "Dr. Drew," who applied for a "marital telepathy" demonstration, but saw no indication or reason to believe that was the physician and Loveline talk show host. Surely that isn't your evidence!... he says, fearfully.

You mention lawsuits avoided, and an invalidated test, but give no details. You also claim their contract is "entirely biased and one sided," also without details. Pretty easy stuff.

But you sound like a reasonable guy... "I will shoot James Randi in the head with a .38 caliber. If he lives, I can heal..."

Since I've already written a book, here!... I might as well add another comment.

To bek1995, who said, "In my 5 years... I have never come in contact with a spirit that gives that info."

Excuse me, but what info?

Your reply is... interesting... but I fail to see how it answers the question.

Guillermo, you sure use a lot of screen space to say nothing. You've elevated not answering the question to a record, in square inches.

DAVID G,

OK. That's a reasonable answer (though I don't believe in witchcraft, either). And thanks at least for raising a new subject.

But if it's against the laws for a wiccan or pagan to use their "abilities" for selfish purposes, surely they could do the tests, demonstrate their powers, win the million dollars, donate it to a charity of their choosing (or even refuse the money), and let it be a shining demonstration that witchcraft really works. Any laws against that?

By the way, the law makers sound wise to forbid collecting fees for dispensing herbs and such for medical "cures." They must have realized that lawsuits, and contributing to some poor sap's inadvertent illness or death could generate very bad publicity... or cause some wiccan in charge to serve time.

To Anne A:

I'm sorry. I guess I should have been clearer. I assume you also think I'm talking about lottery numbers. (You say "many a psychic would love to get those numbers...") Again, please *read* the question and follow the link before you respond.

And I assure you, my mind is quite open... but I insist on careful thinking and scientific investigation, too. Think about it... if you've really got something, why *not* submit to real investigation? What possible criticism can people have for the careful search for truth?

I "write a book" -- to use "your" words that you stole from me -- to address all the comments, not to ask the question. You'll see the question, itself, is pretty short. Perhaps you need to look again.

"Besides, money/wealth has karmic value to it & has a has life lessons to it." {scratching head}

To waukeene:

Nope... never claimed to be an authority. But I do claim to be a much more careful thinker and investigator than some people here.

I, too, have believed in things I later researched and found to be bunk. I'm not putting myself above anyone.

I repeat... if someone has an ability, why don't they get it scientifically tested and proven, show us skeptics to be full of sh__, and win a million dollars?? I think that's a pretty fair question. {smiling and shaking head in amazement}

And since, as you say, all the answers are good... would you be so kind as to translate a few of them from Para-babble into English for me? I'd really appreciate it. :-)

To ldyrhiannon:

You are absolutely right: "Just because you cannot see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist." I have stated many times on Y! A that I fully believe in life outside the earth (which should demonstrate to those quick to judge me that I am open-minded about unprovable matters).

I cannot prove such life exists... NOR DO I ARGUE THAT IT'S FACT. That's the difference between me and unskeptical believers of all kinds of things. They fail to distinguish between *belief* and *knowledge.*

Your God example doesn't apply to this argument, I'm afraid, because (like my belief in extraterrestrial life) it cannot, so far, be tested and proven. That is why, at the testing site I'm referring everyone to, they do not accept spiritual or religious claims. (see the Million Dollar Challenge FAQ, here: http://www.randi.org/research/faq.html)

Many of the absurd claims being made here and at the site *can* be tested.

Sorry... the parenthesis messed up the link. The FAQ is here: http://www.randi.org/research/faq.html

You are also correct, ldyrhiannon, in saying, "There is so much in the world that we have yet to discover to say that paranormal abilities do not exist."

Some here are so preoccupied with bashing me or defending their belief that they apparently haven't noticed I never made that claim! {laugh}

I said there are many ridiculous beliefs, and that no evidence exists. I attacked uncritical thinking, and "emotional" evidence. I refute sloppy reasoning. And I asked only why believers are failing to do what they claim and agree to, in testing. Answer: faulty protocols or reasoning.

You say "if one was to come forward and prove it and get the money there will still be those out there crying "foul"...

But in fact, *proof* is what I--and Randi--welcome! The uncritical thinker is the one who will cry foul, when the tests are labeled "too hard," to prevent just such fakery as you mentioned.

To the third person (Justsyd, or whatever your name is, today):

It turns out I can't resist answering your question, though you have yet to answer mine.

Is the fact that police and FBI use "psychics" supposed to impress me? They are human beings, too, with as many unsubstantiated beliefs -- but no proof.

If you open *your* mind and do some research (from other than "psychic" sources) you will find that there has never been credible evidence of a so-called psychic helping law enforcement in any way that anyone else couldn't do.

As explained here http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mpsychiccop.html
some are hesitant to refuse any help, no matter how little good they think it will do. If they relied on real evidence, the police would never use a psychic a second time. And the psychics get lots of free publicity. The site also explains the methods these frauds use to make their claims seem legitimate.

Another great source:
http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/police-psychics.html

To all:

It seems to me that anyone aware of science's unique ability to ascertain truth and establish fact would welcome this testing with open arms, to prove their point -- and make money. Plain and simple, this is just more evidence that the claims are unsubstantiated.

The gems of unreason demonstrated in this little forum -- assumptions about lotteries and myself, an assumption of identity based only on a username, an intimation of murder, "answers" that don't even address the question, and incomprehensible babble -- are glaring examples of why careful thinking and the scientific method must be employed to determine what is true, what is false, what is opinion, and what is, as yet, unknown.

If the world were populated, for the last few millenia, only with such mystical people as some here seem to be, there would have been so few advances in science that we wouldn't have this high-tech forum in which to flaunt human ignorance.

Hell, we might not have indoor plumbing.

Answer 1

Because nobody really has paranormal powers of course.

They're all fakes.

I love folks that say 'because taking money would taint the power'......

Answer 2

It is all faith. After all why cannot the Christians bring solid irrefutable proof of a god? Just because you cannot see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. You cannot see your thoughts but there they are. You cannot see the molecules (with a naked eye) that make up the air you breath but there they are. To say that something you cannot see or experience yourself doesn't exist doesn't mean that it don't. There is so much in the world that we have yet to discover to say that paranormal abilities do not exist. You cannot measure thought, and esp is a form of thought. Offer the $$$ to the Christians and you will get the same response. They do not need to prove it as they just know that there is a god. Psychics (true psychics not the ones you pay to talk to on the phone) do not have to prove anything. Anyways if one was to come forward and prove it and get the money there will still be those out there crying "foul" saying that it was staged or some form of fakery was done. There is nothing that can be done to prove to the hard core debunkers wrong. For as strongly as some people believe there are those that disbelieve just as strongly.

Answer 3

I think you ask a good question. I have known people that can speak with those that crossed over. I have personally been told things they should not have known. I believe this person. But others I don't know because I have not been proven differently.

I am what you would call a skeptical believer. I believe in psychic abilities because I have seen first hand some of the things people can do. However, I have to see it and experience it to believe it.

I am with you on this one though. If you can prove you have the ability then why not try to get money for it. Isn't that what Sylvia Brown does by charging $500 for a reading? Maybe she should be a subject.

The website doesn't explain the kinds of tests he does. Or I didn't see it. Do you happen to know anymore about this? I'm curious who has tried and how they failed.

Answer 4

By whom: More like by "it." It being ..... universal laws. And oops on the lottery thing. I'll have to check it out and restate my answer.

Although I can say that my original answer can apply here as well. Which I've since deleted because it went down the wrong track....oh well! While proving that you have valid skills is debatably a good thing - collecting the money is not.

Ok, I don't have a lot more time to spend on this, but I have seen this or something like this debated before. I'll do my best to give my own opinion, however.

The kind of psychic abilities I believe exist, and that I personally possess, are not something that can be produced on demand like a trained seal. The "psychics" who claim they can perform these amazing feats ARE fakes. My own little skills have mainly to do with dangerous situations, and sometimes what I would call synchronicity. Those are not things that can be produced in a lab (unless I lived in one) or on demand.

So go ahead and scoff if you wish. I'm sure many will. But no matter. I believe what I believe. And having experienced things for myself, I know what is true and what is not.

Ok, one more thing before I dash off - what would be the point? For me, the things I have experienced have had a reason to occur; being in the right place at the right time, knowing someone was planning to steal my purse, etc. Simply being able to say "neener neener, I told you I was psychic" has no purpose.

Answer 5

I think most people realize that no one will ever win a prize like that. Even if I walked in there with an actual psychic ability, it would be dismissed as fraud out of hand under any circumstance short of having an MRI and seeing it light up like a Christmas tree while I accurately read someone's mind.

Having said that, I think most cases of supposed psychic ability are frauds. I think there are a few rare cases where something unexplainable happens, but I believe that they are unprovable in that they are singular events brought about by stress or something random.

Answer 6

Intuition doesn't work that way. Intuitive receive bits of information its like getting parts to a puzzle. Some times the pictures come in clearly other times they are out of focus or jumbled up. Many variables come with using that part of your mind. Besides, money/wealth has karmic value to it & has a has life lessons to it. Many a psychic would love to get those numbers but it just dosnt work like that. Open your mind.

Why do you write a book to ask a simple question?

Answer 7

In my 5 years of doing spiritual readings and being able to give advice from a spirit guide to a person, I have never come in contact with a spirit that gives that info. As for myself though, I do not and can not see anything for myself. It does completely suck because I would love to see my family members that are around me. The only thing I have ever seen for myself is my own spirit guide and that is because she helps me to understand the other side and translates some of the talk of the spirits.

Answer 8

If they belong to a pagan,wiccan, wichcraft coven. it is against the laws to use your ability for selfish pourposes only for the greater good. just as they are not supposed to ask for a fee for helping to cure someone beyond what the cost of the herbs and such cost to replace.if the person wants to they can give them money or food as payment for their work.

Answer 9

everything

every behaviour

is a vibratory process or pattern

such process emerges

develops

and decays



people have a natural reverence for this principle

they naturally love the vibratory energy which obeys this principle



the vibratory energy and the principle make a partnership

producing an infinite variety of forms

the partnership takes "no profit" from its productivity

it does not get its power by making things happen in a coercive manner

there are simply no alterenatives

there is no other way



this partnership between principle and process is the first fact of life and of "Our Work"





one below
and one above

Answer 10

Actually their contract is entirely biased and one sided. Dr. Drew, yes THE Dr. Drew asked them merely to not sue him as they asked him not to sue them and they used that as an excuse to invalidate his test. They refuse to do my test, which is one of healing. I will shoot James Randi in the head with a .38 caliber. If he lives, I can heal, if he dies, I am disproved. Shockingly, he refuses to participate in the studies. Maybe he's afraid of paying up.

Answer 11

Have you ever seen the show "Deal or No Deal?" They had a lady on there who said she was a psychic, but every time she chose a case, it was one of the big amounts!! She just kept making excuses. (She ended up leaving with like $50 bucks.) Ha ha.