Do We Naturally Have a Distorted View of Reality?

Our reality is shaped by the experiences we accumulate throughout our lives, often leading us to perceive a dualistic existence where contrasts and extremes define our understanding of the world. This duality is deeply rooted in human nature, such that the more we encounter sadness, the more we come to appreciate moments of joy. Conversely, the absence of any experience prevents us from fully appreciating its absence. In essence, our individual experiences heavily influence our perception of reality.

Is Our Perception Reality?

While many people believe their perception and thought equal reality, this is a misconception. Our perception is merely an interpretation of the world around us, influenced by our emotions, intellect, and sensory abilities. It is an illusion that, while often truthful, is far from absolute.

Are We Born with a Distorted View?

Some might wonder if humans are naturally born with a distorted view of reality. The answer is no. Instead, the human mind is born with emotions and intellect, which can easily alter our perception based on the environment we grow up in. It is not so much a distortion but rather an incomplete view due to the limitations of our sensory organs.

The Incompleteness of Our Perception

Our understanding of reality is inherently incomplete because our sensory organs can only perceive a tiny fraction of the universe. For instance, we can only see a limited range of electromagnetic radiation and hear up to about 20kHz. We cannot perceive magnetic fields, smell certain substances, or taste every single flavor. What we perceive through our senses only accounts for a very small portion of the vast universe. The remainder is beyond our detection capabilities.

Evolution and Technology Enhancing Perception

One could argue that evolving senses have improved our ability to perceive reality. A cursory glance at our history reveals that we started with rudimentary sensory abilities and have since developed sophisticated tools such as flashlights, lasers, telescopes, satellites, and X-ray machines to enhance our perception. While these advancements have increased our understanding, we remain far from fully comprehending the entirety of reality.

The Individual Nature of Reality

Realities vary significantly among individuals. Our perception of the world depends on the accumulated information and experiences we have had since birth. This means that what one person sees and experiences can be entirely different from what another person sees and experiences. For example, looking at a dog, one person might see a beautiful, charming creature, while another might perceive it negatively due to past experiences. Perception is deeply personal and influenced by our unique life experiences.

Understanding these limitations and variations in perception can help us embrace a more nuanced view of reality, acknowledging that our experiences shape our understanding of the world and that others may see things differently. By recognizing the subjective nature of reality, we can strive for a more inclusive and empathetic understanding, fostering a greater appreciation for the diversity of human perception.