There is the story of two folks looking out a window; one sees a muddy field, another sees the sun breaking through the clouds. Perception is personal, interpretation all the more so: Two salespeople for a shoe manufacturer visited a developing country. One reported back ‘No market here boss, no one wears shoes.’ The other ‘Boss! Incredible opportunity! Everyone here needs shoes!’
We are so used to our way of seeing the world (fish discover water last) that it takes real effort to see the world through the eyes of others, to fully understand how differently others can perceive and interpret the very same scene. Those who seek to be effective in their dealings with others cultivate a lifelong quest to comprehend the kaleidoscope of realities that compose the internal worlds of others and drive their beliefs and actions.
Closing Quotes:
“What we see depends mainly on what we look for.” – John Lubbock, 1834-1913
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862
“You will always define events in a manner which will validate your agreement with reality.” – Steve Maraboli, b. 1975
“Your opinion is your opinion; your perception is your perception–do not confuse them with ‘facts’ or ‘truth’. Wars have been fought and millions have been killed because of the inability of men to understand the idea that EVERYBODY has a different viewpoint.” – John Moor, 1599-1850
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier
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