We see what we want to see, meaning what we choose to see.

[Meghan Soderholm]

This is the ultimate example of the book of how perception is key. If you are around angry people, you don't necessarily have to be angry. The book encourages us to be different and do what feels right for you regardless if that is how everyone else is feeling. This also can create a sense of loneliness but we never are afraid or discouraged by being alone.

[AkshiP]

I find that people often see what they except to see. A sad person expects more sadness to come along and only notices that.

[Leasa Ana Maria]

We are creatures driven by emotions. If we can see the answer to one of those emotions in an object, person, belief, etc., then that thing becomes what we want to see, what we choose.

[Shondranika Ford]

So very true. You think, therefore you are. You are called only what you answer to.

[book+lover-people]

While we do see what we want to see, it is also true that we are trained by the people around us to see things in a particular light. The more time you spend with someone negative, the more inclined you will be to allow thoughts that focus on the negative aspects of life. If, from youth, you observed your mom and dad constantly comparing where they are in life to others and concentrating on all the things they lack. Often you will find that you have developed some of these traits yourself.

Then, you have to be willing to analyze yourself, your mindset, and your perceptions of life, then decide whether or not you like yourself. Then it takes time and effort. You have to be vigilant and watch the thoughts that enter your mind.

My grandmother always had this habit; when she would find herself saying things aloud or having unkind thoughts, she would raise her right hand in the air and say, "Cancel. Cancel. Cancel." This method worked because it was a constant reminder to watch her thoughts. Whenever she allowed an unkind or self-deprecating thought, it was a verbal reminder to cancel the energy and the associated habit.

[Alice Fu]

I fully agree with this statement. While there are troubles in the world that create cases where there is no other way to perceive it beyond the concept of misery, the majority of the people who are frustrated by a situation are mainly feeling this negative emotion due to the default way that they choose to view their given situations.

[beckybelvin]

I disagree; I don't choose to see the world as it is today. I am a teacher and there has been a steady decline in student behavior, as well as respect from the parents. This has caused teacher burnout and the quality of education to go down. Also, we see wars, murders, rapes, the killing of innocent babies, etc. every day. I would like to think that no one chooses to see that. I know I don't, but it's our reality.

[AkshiP]

I remember writing something similar to this in another one of the forums here, and I totally agree. Mindset is perception.

[Masedi Mabilu]

This is true. We usually look at things from a certain perspective that determines how we see them. This is even more pronounced when we deal with matters that affect us. We are inclined to look at things in a manner that will lead to favorable outcomes for us or make us feel better. This implies that two people may look at the same thing differently depending on factors such as personal interests or expectations.

[OTrain M]

Yes, yes, yes, and yes. When you want to see yellow cars, you will see them when you step outside on the road. When you want to see red, the same thing will happen. Thinking is the first step to your reality. How you think, you have generated your mind to bring such results in front of your eyes, and unfortunately, or however you look at it, our minds are the slaves of us. Or we are slaves of our minds.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

If you look for reasons to be grateful, you will find them. You will find an infinite supply of them.

This is very true. In a world full of disturbances, one can forget sometimes to be grateful, instead, live it every time. As someone struggling with a health issue, I am seeing things differently now, and doing constant improvement to "massage" life into living it a whole life.

[Chris Alex Powell]

This is true, and it appears to be one reason who the world is it as it is. We all see things in the ways we wish to see them. A person may regard a particular something as offensive; another may believe that it should not be something to be offended about. Life is how we choose to see it. That is why some succeed and others don't especially because where some people are opportunities, others see closed doors.

[Jack King 2]

This is a discussion forum topic for the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All.


We see what we want to see, meaning what we choose to see.

The angry person will see reasons to be angry.

The unforgivingly resentful person will see unchangeable things worth resenting.

For others, the whole world is as beautiful as the beautiful eye and soul that beholds it.

If you look for reasons to be grateful, you will find them. You will find an infinite supply of them.



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This I 100% agree on. You can miss out on so much joy if you’re not careful. An example that feels relevant. I have a friend who is a movie geek. Loves everything about how movies are made, actors, facts about movies everything. But he is so focused on movies being “good” in a traditional/artistic way he can’t enjoy lots of films. He hates Marvel movies because the humour breaks up the action and the hero always saves the day etc. His absolute focus on the art of movies stops him from enjoying a large proportion of them. I enjoy lots of films because I take them for what they are, light hearted fun.

[Sugar Rush]

I think I may have to disagree a bit. Sometimes we see things not because that is what we want to see. For instance, I may be having a very good day only to discover that someone damaged my laptop, of course I would get offended, not because I wanted to be offended or set about seeking for what should offend me but because that is enough to get one offended don't you think?

[José Cortez]

Going through these forums, I have honestly learned more than I thought I could. We see what we want to see in the world. Personally, I have decided that where others see a breaking down, I will see a stepping stone. I have decided to use the opportunities I get no matter the light they appear in. If we choose to see a joy-filled world, then we can start by not letting tiny things affect us.