Do You and I See the World the Same?
Just how real is the “real world”?
Science tells us that our perceptions are not always consistent. In this painting, for example, you might see either a basket of fruit or a smiling face depending on how you look at it. We rely on our senses to give us information about the world but our senses are often fooled! This video from Future of Storytelling explains how our perceptions aren’t always trustworthy, and just how much our assumptions can influence the way we encounter the world.
Consciousness and Creation: The Neuroscience of Perception from Future Of StoryTelling on Vimeo
Why It Matters
Our perceptions are so dramatically altered by our expectations. Remembering this fact can help if you find yourself totally unable to understand someone else’s viewpoint. Even in cases where it seems obvious to you what the truth is, you might be looking at information from a totally different perspective than someone else.
The world is yours to create! The stories we tell ourselves can shape and change the way we perceive reality, so why not make the world into your favorite place to be?
Let's Talk About It
- How do your perceptions affect the way you view the world?
- Is it a good or a bad thing that we all have such different perceptions of the same reality?
- How can you change the way you tell stories about the world in order to alter your expectations?
Citations
“Consciousness and Creation: The Neuroscience of Perception.” Vimeo, Future Of StoryTelling, 14 Sept. 2018, vimeo.com/289879647. Accessed 2 Jan. 2019.