Our minds have this amazing ability to code sensory experiences, such as taste and texture, into symbols like the word “milk.” Now, moments before we drink milk, our minds prepare for a particular sensory experience. That’s why we’re often surprised when we expect one taste, such as cool, fresh milk, and get another: the taste of warm, soured milk. It also works the other way. We invite into our minds the word “milk,” and we experience the sensory impressions

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