Q & A Table of Contents
Struggling With the Basics
From: Synala, New Zealand
Question: Why when people are looking at the same object, do we have differing perceptions, what could be some possible disadvantages of this?
Response: Having different perceptions of the same object is a fundamental characteristic of people. Whether we differ about a glass being half-empty or half-full, or when witnesses to an automobile accident come up with conflicting descriptions of the circumstances all we are doing is behaving normally. While it may be a frustrating fact of life, it is almost impossible to conceive of a single absolute truth upon which all people agree.
For example, I do not think that focusing on the disadvantages of differing perceptions is the right approach. Instead, we can derive benefits because while one person may have a particular set of interests, another's interests regarding the same 'object' may be quite different. If your interests are complementary to mine, that means we both stand a chance of having our interests served -- we don't have to go to war because we are fighting over the same thing.
If everyone were the same life would be terribly boring. Valuing the differences can make us all richer and more fulfilled.
Cordially,
Steve
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