Final answer:
To know if you are not in a lucid dream, you can perform reality checks like observing clocks or texts for inconsistency, which are common in dreams. However, experiences can greatly vary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of knowing whether we are in a lucid dream or reality is a subject of psychology. In a lucid dream, you are aware that you're dreaming and can often control aspects of the dream. Some people use reality checks, similar to the Inception movie's totem idea, to distinguish between a dream and reality. For instance, in a dream, clocks may not work consistently or texts/numbers may continuously change. One reality test could be trying to read something, looking away, and then reading it again to see if it changes. Distorted perception or inconsistent instances like these are indications of a dream, not reality. However, it's essential to remember that this is not foolproof and the experiences can vary vastly from person to person.
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