The Inkblots

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In 1917, psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach created an innovative experiment in a remote Swiss asylum to explore the human mind, influenced by Freud, Jung, and modern artists. He believed that our identity is shaped more by what we "see" than by what we "say." As a visual artist, Rorschach developed a set of ten inkblots that soon gained popularity in America, evolving into a cultural phenomenon. The test was adopted by the military following Pearl Harbor, featured prominently at the Nuremberg trials, and was utilized in the jungles of Vietnam. It became a fixture in advertising, a cliché in Hollywood and journalism, and inspired figures like Andy Warhol and Jay Z. Millions have taken the test, from defendants and job applicants to parents in custody disputes and individuals seeking self-understanding. Its relevance persists today. Drawing on unpublished letters, diaries, and interviews with Rorschach's family, friends, and colleagues, Damion Searls narrates the compelling story of the inkblot test's creation, its controversial evolution, and its lasting impact, highlighting the intricate relationship between art and science in the 20th century.