Staff: Your theory about human perceptions is fascinating and highly original. Can you give us an example of how someone could be mislead or abused by false perceptions?
George Padanilam: We always react to the opinion we form about a situation. The situation is always neutral. We give color and content to each situation and respond to what we make of it. Imagine that Bin Laden is caught or killed by the US Forces. Half of the Arab world may protest the incident and pledge revenge. The anti-terrorist-minded people all over the world would probably celebrate it. It is not the incident itself that triggers the response, but our interpretation or opinion of the meaning behind the incident. Our perception causes the happiness or misery we experience.
Staff: When did you begin to formulate the concept behind The Fig Leaf Conspiracy? Were you inspired by a particular incident or reaction?
GP: I achieved several goals in my lifetime, each time thinking that they would make me happy for the rest of my life. But each turned out to be a mirage. I met people in different walks of life, from various parts of the world. I have not come across anyone who has "lived happily ever after" once they achieved what they worked hard for. I thought that there might be a common cause that robs people of the state of mind that they long to enjoy. The insight I got at the circus, that I allude to in Chapter III of the book, inspired me.
Staff: I know that the title refers to Adam and Eve's perception of their nakedness, but what exactly does the term "conspiracy" refer to in the title? Who is conspiring against whom?
GP: The society at large is conspiring to convince you that you are notperfect. Once you are convinced of your inadequacy, it educates you on how to overcome that deficiency. Regardless of the discipline, the subtle message through all the teachings of the world is, "You are not perfect the way you are; eat this apple and you will be perfect." Eat this