How You Look At It
“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
—Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
The words that reach your ears are filtered through the biases and experiences of others.
It's a subjective echo, not an objective signal.
In your daily interactions, whether it's gossip at work, news on TV, or advice from friends, be a mindful listener.
Ask yourself, what's the intention behind the words? Is this an attempt to convey truth or an expression shaped by personal opinions and beliefs?
By discerning the difference, you'll develop the critical skill of judgment and prevent yourself from being swayed by every passing notion.
Similarly, the world revealed to your eyes is colored by your own perceptions. Your view is but one angle in a panorama of possibilities. Consider this when you're convinced you have the full picture.
Could you be missing another side of the story?
Pay attention to how your personal lens—your mood, prejudices, past experiences—might distort reality. Accept that others see things differently, not wrongly.
By embracing a multitude of perspectives, you not only gain a richer understanding of life but also foster empathy and open-mindedness in an often divided world.