The swimmer and the halo

Pływak i aureola

Summer is just round the corner and some of us are determined to lose a few kilograms before heading for the beach. Imagine that in order to achieve this you contemplate taking up various sports. First, you consider jogging but it seems to be boring. Then, you think about going to the gym but when you look at all those bodybuilders they all look broad, stupid and narcissistic. A friend recommends tennis but you reject it again as all the tennis players you know appear to be snobbish. Finally, you make up your mind when you see a swimming champion on the telly. This kind of well-built, streamlined body really appeals to you, so you decide to sign up at your local swimming pool and train hard two or three times a week. This is how you fall prey to the swimmer’s body illusion.

‘Trying to be happier is as futile as trying to be taller.’