Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. was in private practice for more than thirty years. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states ...Read More
Vision is so important that it is an integral part of language and even reveals a lot about our opinions about reality.
“Do you and I see things eye to eye?”
“Oh, now I see what you mean?
“You really have to see thing from my point of view.”
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I had an experience this week that I know my readers will find interesting. The experience got me thinking about the nature of reality and perception… In fact, I have to stop and consider what I just wrote. After all, what I found to be so interesting you, my readers, may find to be boring or trivial because it is possible that we have different “points of view,” or that we have different realities.
This past week I went for the first of two surgeries cataracts on my eyes. The removal of each cataract allows for the implantation of new, healthy lenses tat will improve my vision and see the world without glasses. This week the right eye was done and the left will be done next week. As a result, if I cover my left eye so that I see through only the right, healthy, the world looks bright and filled with vibrant colors. When I then shift, cover the right eye and see through the left, the world looks dark, with a dull quality to everything. The difference has been startling to me.
To further dramatize the experience was sitting next to a fellow patient who had completed both surgeries. We were both waiting for the post operative follow up. She told me that she never realized how flamboyant the blouse she was wearing really was. I looked at the blouse and did not agree with her opinion of the blouse. Of course not. She was looking at it with two healthy while I had only one healthy eye that had not yet cleared from surgery.
Is it any wonder that we all “see” the world differently?
It is important to remember that each person’s view of things depends on their culture, ethnicity, geographical area, education, language and financial factors.
Perhaps, when we judge others, we need to remember that all of us experience reality differently. Perhaps “I see the world through rose colored glasses,” whereby or having an optimistic view of life while your view is “darker, dimmer view” of people, than mine. Who is right or wrong, especially in light of our “seeing” things so differently?
Perhaps, if we can accept that all people see the same things differently, we can avert terrorism, war and personal sqabbles with others. Do we have to see “eye to eye?” Can’t we accept differences in “views?”
What do you think?
Your comments and opinions are encouraged.
Allan N. Schwartz, PhD
