Perspective in a Modern World How Our View

Perspective in a Modern World How Our View of Life is Skewed by Our Assumptions.

Thesis • Every time we experience something for the first time we make an assumption. This assumption may or may not be correct, and yet we automatically think it is. First impressions change our views of people and things drastically, and often lead to very wrong conclusions. These conclusion are then even more difficult to change because our opinion of the person or thing is already made, and will need substantial proof to refute. • For example:

When we see… =

When we think of… =

When we look at… =

Pre-Conceptions • As much as we like to think that these cruel preconceptions don’t exist in our modern world, they do. They may change from decade to decade (from women’s rights to gay rights, from racism to age discrimination) but they don’t truly go away. The resulting issues are seen, but the underlying assumptions will still lead to future problems.

The Alternative • It is also possible for our misconceptions to be ‘too good’ or to be naïve. We sometimes give the benefit of the doubt simply because of the assumptions we have already made. This too can be detrimental to understanding what something actually is. It can be just as bad seeing something evil for something innocent, as it is for the reverse.

Children Playing on a Playground

Children Playing on a Tank

Curious Children

Children who have just Witnessed a Murder

Lecture on the Interpretation of Symbols (Da Vinci Code)

Conclusion • Assumptions, be they preconceptions or naivety, seldom help. They hurt other’s and prevent great experiences from happening. They pervert our view of life and hinder our ability to see clearly. All our lives would be better without judgement of oneself, one another, and the world. Try taking an objective view for a change, you might be surprised what you learn when try life with an open mind.

Remember… • When you assume, you make an ‘ass’ our of ‘u’ and ‘me’.