Do you think it’s possible to ever truly see the world from another person’s perspective, or are we held so tightly to our own way of viewing the world?
photo credit: Stuck in Customs via photopin cc
We have to consider very closely what molds our perspective of the world. First of all our nature is formed primarily by our genetic makeup. For example, when I step back and watch some good friends of mine, 4 siblings, it is easy to see which ones are more like which parent. They all had the same upbringing and very similar experiences, but they are all different in the way they carry themselves, view and treat others. Though genetically they are similar they are not exactly the same. Then you have to consider their choices of job, family life and friends. Our associations in all three of these areas are going to shape our view of the world to some degree. Then our individual experiences for the good or the bad will impact our view of the world. How deeply we feel the need to believe in a God and how we build and nurture that relationship will mold us as well. My friend and his older sister who are the middle children are the most alike and most like their father. Even temperament and kindness (for the most part) characterizes the way they live their lives. The oldest and youngest are most like each other – mean, critical, prone to hurtful gossip and supremely stubborn. I’ve noticed that when my friend spends more time on business matters and ignores their spiritual need the more they starts to act like the older brother
NO, I do not really think we can truly ever see the world from another person’s perspective. Speaking from experience in my own relationships there are few out there who are willing to relinquish their own pride long enough to be understanding. I’ve also noticed that the more emotionally tied we are to a person the less likely we are to be able to view the world from their perspective. We can learn to be compassionate and empathetic but unless you’ve lived their lives I really don’t think it is possible to see the world from another person’s perspective. I’m sure there are some people who can let go of their preconceived notions of the world for a little while and become immersed in the experience that someone else shares – like reading a book.
People in general don’t like to live their lives like an open book though. There are too many secrets and dark corners that their own minds dare not seek out again to want to completely and openly express why they view the world the way they do. Again, from experience, sharing those dark corners only leads to extreme criticism and loss of respect of others. The more people know about what makes you tick the less respect they have for you because they have more available at their disposal to hurt you. And they will; unabashedly they will.
Firstly, I’m a mom and wife. Professionally, IT consulting is my job and blogging is the outlet for my passions. I write about things that affect the everyday life of a stay-at-home parent or any parent for that matter such as parenting, relationships, discipline, the media, product reviews, giveaways, social media, food, cooking, gardening and anything else that might come my way.
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