Different People, Different Views

Perspective is a beautiful thing, is it not?

I saw a meme online once where two people stood across from each other and a number was placed before them. One saw the number 6 and the other saw the number 9. The truth is they were both right from their perspective. Their views were affected by circumstances and their stance in that very moment. That alone is fascinating!

It really is something how one could attribute a different meaning to something that is almost common. The truth is everyone grew up a certain way, with different beliefs and inhibitions honed from either experiences or environment. I guess this is why the world is so diverse and hold several people who may share the same goals and passions but have very different views. I have seen it work. Two people from different backgrounds who operate on the same frequency on almost everything but then there is a bridge somewhere. It could be religion, culture, superstition, etc.

This would also be why we never know the full story. You know, we tend to judge and give verdicts from our own point of view. We see others as not so smart for not agreeing with us and looking at things the way we do. However, we may be too jaded to look at it from their point of view. There are so many factors playing in the development of a human being, it takes a lot more than just playing your cards right to get them to see the world the same as you do.

Photo by Lino Khim Medrina

Nevertheless, the beauty of life is the difference. I do not think anyone can learn if there is no debate and critical eye in looking at things. Engaging in meaningful conversations could be just enough to open your mind to certain ways of life and the gap between both parties. I know that what one man sees as bad might be a blessing in disguise to another. This, as simple as it is, might sound like gibberish to someone else who looks from the tunnel. For example, a man with strong religious beliefs would tailor his life and the way he does things to the principles taught by that religion. We have people who do not eat beef because Cows are “holy”. You tell that to someone else, say a Christian, and they have an entire argument as to why that does not make sense but then they would tell you they believed in “miracles”.

To some extent, they would have arguments to back up these claims. Still, it would all look like BS to someone who does not believe in or have any religious background whatsoever. I have spoken to a number of Africans especially ones from Nigeria and the gap in our backgrounds are visible. What I am getting at however, is the ability of people to meet the same situation and draw a completely different meaning from it. I can be in a field and be reminded of the summer in my childhood home while someone else is reminded of something entirely different. The most fascinating part of all this is how there is no limit to how far those conclusions can be drawn. Why? There are several factors that have played a role in our upbringing, both foreseen and unexpected.

Big question. Do you think it is possible for a man or woman advanced in years to have a radical change of perspective towards things? Is it remotely possible for people by some ‘miracle’ to have a change in worldviews? I would really like to know what others think because I have a few answers of my own.