It is almost too easy to view the world around us from a single perspective—our own. And why wouldn’t we? We truly are the center of our own universes; our thoughts and emotions feel so real—so tangible. What would be any more real than what we are experiencing? When we are upset, it is difficult to see past our own despair. The world seems like a dimmer place and it is hard to fathom that those around us do not feel the same way. When we are elated, it is difficult to see past our own glee. We wonder how others are not content with life and radiating happiness. Sometimes, it can be nearly impossible to grasp that our thoughts and feelings are not shared by everyone else—that every person is consumed with their own complex life and even more complicated mind. This seems simple, perhaps even common sense, but I often find myself unintentionally overlooking this fact, too wrapped up in my own problems—looking through my unique lens.
Is there a way to get past this? Probably not. Since we are the center of our own universe—one that we probably don’t even fully understand ourselves—how would we be able to understand another person’s universe? I don’t think I will ever be able to figure out another human being. I will never be able to thoroughly comprehend motivations behind the behaviors of others, nor will I ever be able to grasp exactly how another person may feel. And I don’t think we should pretend to do any of these things. The best thing we can do is consider alternate perspectives, never assume anything, and realize that things are invariably more complex than what meets the eye. Maybe admitting our own ignorance is the key to seeing the world as it really is as opposed to seeing it as we want to.
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