“It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.”
Some people may say that there is no difference, but there is a very vital difference between what you look at and what you see. What you look at is simply the image hitting your eye. What you see is when you become aware of what it is that you are looking at.
While that is more of the medical or psychological explanation, I think we can agree that Thoreau is saying something much more philosophical in the quote above. It’s not just what enters your awareness; it’s how you choose to interpret what you see. Do you see the glass as being half-empty or half-full? Is this project beyond repair or is it a monumental opportunity?
We have to realize that reality is what we make it and there is always another way to look at exactly the same thing. Henry David Thoreau will be best remembered as an author and philosopher, but he will likely be known for his political views too. And these political views tie right back into our perception of reality.
For instance, his idea of “a better government” is one that “governs not at all.” Does this make him an anarchist or a proponent of personal liberty? You decide.
Love the quote! It reminds me a while back an ex military officer said something like “it takes the brain 4 seconds to figure out what you’re seeing.” At first I didn’t understand what he meant — but I figured someone who has been in the military, trained to “see” and “spot” and “perceive” things should know what they’re talking about. And now, reading your article post, I think I understand now. Sure, when we look or glance at something we’re familiar with, the recognition is almost instant. But if someone were to, let’s say blindfold you, and then place an unexpected object in front of you (e.g. something offbeat, like a blob of cookie dough) and remove your blindfold, it would, indeed, take a number of seconds to “see” what it is.
That hits the nail on the head Michael. What we see is interpreted by our mind and perception of what it is. Every person see’s the same thing, but the mind interprets it differently.
Kinda like snowflakes, no two are the same and no two views are exactly the same.
Regarding the “no two views” being exactly the same, how true that is! I think there would be less misunderstandings in the world if more people would acknowledge this. It’s funny how it’s easy to assume *everyone else* sees things exactly the same as we do, but that’s not always the case.
Perception is always what makes the difference. Many people can see what they want to see without really considering what the picture or article may be trying to convey.