TRUE/FALSE 2020 FORESIGHT
Like the True/False logo, the notion of the evil eye has always contained a duality—referring both to the malevolent glare and also the amulet that protects against it. Its use transcends cultures and dates at least as far back as the 6th century B.C. Plutarch posited that some eyes could literally emit deadly rays, and Virgil spoke of afflicted sheep (“What eye is it that has fascinated my tender lambs?”). Across the Persian Empire, weavers of kilim rugs often incorporated symbols (like those pictured to the left) to ward off the effects of these pernicious scowls. These days, while belief in their effectiveness may have declined, the talismans themselves continue to be popular tourist souvenirs. For the cover, we reproduce the most common style of nazar amulet, also referencing the idea of vision found at the heart of our 2020 theme.