At first glance, the image above seems simple: a few colored triangles stacked on top of each other. But upon closer inspection, the counting method changes. Some see nine triangles, others thirteen, and some even claim to recognize more than twenty by adding up all the hidden shapes.
This optical puzzle has gone viral for a simple reason: it’s not so much about math as it is about how we see the world.
The illusion behind the triangles
The image forms a pyramid of small, candy-colored triangles. Depending on how your brain processes visual patterns, you can simply count the individual parts or start connecting them into larger shapes.
Psychologists call it Gestalt perception: our brain’s tendency to look at the whole rather than the individual parts. When you see an image, your subconscious decides whether to focus on the details or the overall picture. And this decision reveals something surprising about your personality.
When you see a triangle 9
You’re probably a realist. You focus on the obvious and the practical. You trust what you see clearly and don’t waste time chasing opportunities that might not even exist. In relationships and at work, you value stability and simplicity.
However, this approach can lead to overlooking deeper meanings or hidden motivations, especially in people. People prefer clarity, but life isn’t always clear.
