Perception is a crazy thing. You and 3 others can listen to the exact same person talking, in the exact same room, at the exact same time, and hear 4 different things being said. Of course, the words are the same to all of you, but the meaning may be completely different. That’s because your life has not been exactly the same as the other 3 people, and your experience with the person speaking may have been very different as well.
I’ve been gifted with the ability to shake hurt feelings off pretty quickly. In the moment someone says something that hits me wrong, it hurts. I might feel heat in my cheeks or a sting of embarrassment. But for me, that doesn’t tend to last more than a few hours at most. There are others who will go so far as to write off a friendship over a single perceived insult. Neither of us is right or wrong, because we have different perspectives. It’s important to understand that so you can either be empathetic to a person who can’t shake things off as easily as you can, or to be able to try and understand why another person thinks something is no big deal when you think it is.
The experiences you have growing up and in the course of your everyday life greatly influences how you perceive the world around you and the people you come into contact with. That’s just one of the reasons why it can be so easy to land in a difficult conversation with people when their reaction to something doesn’t match yours. In fact, their reaction may not make any sense to you at all. But by being mindful about the influences that can make a person think a certain way, you’re a step closer to understanding their reactions and having a better chance to share your perspective in a way that they will understand. That can lead to better communication and less chance for arguments or loss of relationships over something silly or petty or unnecessary (in your opinion).
What Researchers Say
Researchers have extensively studied the concept of perspective and its influence on human perception and cognition. According to cognitive psychologists, perspective refers to an individual’s unique point of view or frame of reference through which they interpret and make sense of the world. This perspective plays a crucial role in shaping one’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Researchers argue that perspective-taking, the ability to understand and empathize with others’ viewpoints, is essential for effective communication, social interaction, and conflict resolution. By adopting different perspectives, individuals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex situations and engage in more nuanced decision-making processes.
Is it a brain thing? What the Neuroscientists Say
Neuroscientists have delved into various areas of the brain to look at perspective. They suggest that specific brain regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex and the temporoparietal junction, are involved in processing and integrating diverse perspectives. Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, researchers have identified neural networks associated with perspective-taking, which involve the coordination of mentalizing, the ability to reflect on and interpret yours and other people’s behavior and empathy-related areas of the brain. The findings give insight into how we physiologically interpret other perspectives.
What the Sociologists Say
Sociologists and anthropologists have explored the cultural and social aspects of perspective. They argue that perspectives are not solely individualistic but are shaped by collective values, norms, and ideologies. Culture plays a crucial role in shaping the way individuals perceive and interpret their surroundings. Researchers emphasize that understanding different cultural perspectives is essential for promoting intercultural communication and reducing misunderstandings or conflicts. By recognizing and appreciating diverse perspectives, societies can foster empathy, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity, ultimately leading to more harmonious and cooperative relationships between individuals and communities.
Tips to Understand Another Person’s Perspective
- Put yourself in their shoes.
- Think about actual material differences, such as vantage point, that might impact their perspective.
- Ask yourself what you know about their life experiences and think about how close they are to yours.
- Think about their likely intentions and motives.
- Think about whether you’re just hearing, or you’re actually listening.
As you can see, someone’s particular attitude toward something or point of view can be influenced by a lot of different factor. Hopefully knowing that can help you feel more comfortable with accepting why they might be different than yours. If your goal is to get someone to change their perspective, it might be worth your time to get them to try and understand yours, not just hear it.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
