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Writer's pictureDavid F. Smith

How Perception Determines Reality

Updated: Aug 6




Welcome to the world from my perspective as I’m sure the view from your penthouse, mobile home, or project window won’t be the same. Our understanding of the world is shaped by perception, a complex and intriguing phenomenon. It is like a kaleidoscope that creates mental images of our surroundings through the interpretation of sensory input messages such as light, sound, and touch. This response to said stimuli means that what we perceive is not always an accurate representation of reality. It's like we're looking through a distorted lens clouded by our past experiences, sociocultural background, beliefs, biases, and sensory limitations.


Our perception is a subjective experience, unique to each individual. Two people can look at the same thing and see it in totally different ways, based on personal experiences and beliefs. The way we perceive, like a fingerprint, is unique to each person and is an agreement. Your conscious mind must agree with your subconscious record that the light photons traveling through that specific geometric configuration are what you believe it is.


Beliefs play an incredibly significant role in shaping our perception of reality. They can act as blinders, or filters limiting our ability to see the world as it really is. You know religious folks, how they classify heathens plus what they consider unholy in addition to racist, academic, and economic stereotypes. People often interpret information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. This dynamic can lead to distorted perceptions of reality, making almost everyone see patterns and connections that aren’t there.


Cognitive biases can influence perception, which can obstruct a person’s view of reality. Such is the case with the halo effect making sheeple see people in an overly positive or negative light, solely based on a single characteristic or trait. Like putting someone on a pedestal because they’re attractive, so they must be good, smart, and kind, while the not-so-attractive according to one's perspective, or certain members of a specific demographic are cast in the role of the villain.


Our senses are also deceiving mechanisms, leading us to perceive things that aren’t actual. Optical illusions can create visual distortions, making things seemingly appear that aren't present. Try looking at yourself in a mirror under three different concentrations of light and you'll see three varying appearances with alternate features. The McGurk effect can make people hear sounds that don't match the visual information they're receiving. Like being alone in a quiet house, hearing two strange noises, and imagining a third that you think is so real, that you’re hiding and grabbing for a non-existing weapon. One’s perception can be limited by sensory experience, as well as a perceptual set that includes emotions.


Despite these limitations, it’s possible to develop a more accurate understanding of the world by questioning assumptions, recognizing our biases, and seeking out diverse perspectives. By doing this, we began to think more critically and make more informed judgments and decisions. This grants access to a deeper and more meaningful experience of the world, like telekinetically chiseling through coal revealing its true essence, a priceless diamond.


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