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

Discuss the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.

To post in this forum, you must buy and read the book. After buying the book, please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
Forum rules
This forum is for discussing the book In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All. Anyone can view the forum and read the post, but only people who purchased the book can post in the forum.

If your purchase has not already been verified (i.e. if you don't already have access to post in this forum), then please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
Post Reply
Caroline Atieno Ogango
Premium Member
Posts: 5
Joined: April 25th, 2024, 5:19 pm

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

Post by Caroline Atieno Ogango »

I agree that our perception of reality is intricately woven with our individual biases, experiences, and desires. What we choose to focus on, consciously or subconsciously, greatly influences how we interpret the world around us.
Tomy Chandrafrost
Premium Member
Posts: 12
Joined: April 29th, 2024, 7:58 am
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=492756

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

Post by Tomy Chandrafrost »

I agree. Perhaps this aligns with the law of attraction, where the universe will connect us with what we perceive, think, and seek. Interesting perspective.
BRIGID Wandera
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: April 30th, 2024, 4:52 pm

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

Post by BRIGID Wandera »

I'm not religious, but my first response to this post was, "PREACH!" I worry about this, sometimes. What am I missing because I'm not seeing it? How can I change my worldview so I see things differently? Am I missing a great thing because I'm focused on something else? It's a daily, perhaps lifelong, wrestling match with my brain.
rudi dani
Premium Member
Posts: 13
Joined: April 29th, 2024, 2:46 pm

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

Post by rudi dani »

I hear you, and positivity is a powerful tool. But let's not downplay the impact of real-world challenges. Sometimes life throws you curveballs - illness, loss, injustice. It's not always a choice to see those things as beautiful. Sure, gratitude can help us cope, but it shouldn't replace acknowledging the difficulties we face.
Barongo Mosera
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: May 1st, 2024, 8:07 am

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

Post by Barongo Mosera »

I'm not religious, but my first response to this post was, "PREACH!" I worry about this, sometimes. What am I missing because I'm not seeing it? How can I change my worldview so I see things differently? Am I missing a great thing because I'm focused on something else? It's a daily, perhaps lifelong, wrestling match with my brain.
Dickson Bricks
Premium Member
Posts: 11
Joined: May 2nd, 2024, 7:32 am
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=528180

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

Post by Dickson Bricks »

Ghats very true. Your mind is a map of how your life wants to to. You only go to where you can see.
Wilfred Patrick
Premium Member
Posts: 15
Joined: May 2nd, 2024, 7:30 am
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=536288

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

Post by Wilfred Patrick »

I believe that searching for what we want to perceive is a natural human instinct. When we're depressed, we tend to focus on the bad things in life. We anticipate being given the chance if we desire one.
Diana Akinyi Aginga 1
Premium Member
Posts: 5
Joined: April 28th, 2024, 1:23 pm

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

Post by Diana Akinyi Aginga 1 »

I agree with this! Our attention is limited, so we select (often subconsciously) where to focus it based on what we think is important. This selection is influenced by our priorities, fears, and desires, shaping our perception of what's happening around us.
Diana Akinyi Aginga 1
Premium Member
Posts: 5
Joined: April 28th, 2024, 1:23 pm

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

Post by Diana Akinyi Aginga 1 »

Also, the culture and society we grow up in can pre-determine the lenses through which we see the world. Norms, values, and expected behaviors can guide our perceptions and interpretations unconsciously.
Sonia Lurk
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: May 2nd, 2024, 7:28 am

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

Post by Sonia Lurk »

If only this truth could be discovered, it would offer much-needed comfort to countless people who are currently in pain. You are free to believe differently because you can always return to this reality. Your ego and your life experience up to this point may have led you to feel that you HAVE to think this way in a given circumstance. Nevertheless, that is untrue. You just have the choice to think as I have chosen to think. You can do anything you want with your mind since it is a free area.
Ray Thompson
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: April 26th, 2024, 6:02 am
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=538089

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

Post by Ray Thompson »

This is very correct. Many of us choose to see what we want to see in order to justify the reasons for our behaviors and actions.
Florence Amimo Osiema
Premium Member
Posts: 5
Joined: April 30th, 2024, 5:46 am

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

Post by Florence Amimo Osiema »

That's a thoughtful observation! Our perceptions may be influenced by our biases, experiences, and desires and our view of the world isn't just a reflection of reality, but also a construction shaped by our personal filters. I'm curious what led to this view/perspective.
Florence Amimo Osiema
Premium Member
Posts: 5
Joined: April 30th, 2024, 5:46 am

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

Post by Florence Amimo Osiema »

I always tend to think our brains are wired to take shortcuts in processing information, leading to cognitive biases. These biases can make us prone to seeing things in a way that confirms our pre-existing beliefs or desires—a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. For example, if someone believes that rainy days are more common than they actually are, they might be more likely to remember the rainy days over the sunny ones.
Florence Amimo Osiema
Premium Member
Posts: 5
Joined: April 30th, 2024, 5:46 am

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

Post by Florence Amimo Osiema »

And there's also selective attention when our focus is directed at certain important elements of our environment while other details fade into the background. This may be beneficial by helping us concentrate on key tasks at times but can also lead us to overlook important details, which is exactly what your point states.
Obiageli Udeh
Premium Member
Posts: 6
Joined: May 10th, 2024, 9:28 pm

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

Post by Obiageli Udeh »

The phrase "we see what we want to see" reflects the concept that our perceptions are often influenced by our beliefs, biases, and desires. Our minds have a tendency to filter and interpret information in a way that aligns with our preconceived notions or desires, shaping our understanding of reality. This phenomenon, known as confirmation bias, can lead us to selectively notice or interpret evidence that confirms our existing beliefs while disregarding conflicting information. Similarly, our emotional state, motivations, and personal experiences can color how we perceive the world around us, influencing the choices we make and the conclusions we draw. By recognizing the role of perception in shaping our reality, we can strive to approach situations with curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking, allowing us to see beyond our biases and gain a more nuanced understanding of the world.
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss "In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All" by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes”

Current Philosophy Book of the Month

Zen and the Art of Writing

Zen and the Art of Writing
by Ray Hodgson
September 2024

2025 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Riddle of Alchemy

The Riddle of Alchemy
by Paul Kiritsis
January 2025

They Love You Until You Start Thinking For Yourself

They Love You Until You Start Thinking For Yourself
by Monica Omorodion Swaida
February 2025

2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...
by Indignus Servus
November 2024

Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Digital Age

Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Digital Age
by Elliott B. Martin, Jr.
October 2024

Zen and the Art of Writing

Zen and the Art of Writing
by Ray Hodgson
September 2024

How is God Involved in Evolution?

How is God Involved in Evolution?
by Joe P. Provenzano, Ron D. Morgan, and Dan R. Provenzano
August 2024

Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters

Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters
by Howard Wolk
July 2024

Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side

Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side
by Thomas Richard Spradlin
June 2024

Neither Safe Nor Effective

Neither Safe Nor Effective
by Dr. Colleen Huber
May 2024

Now or Never

Now or Never
by Mary Wasche
April 2024

Meditations

Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius
March 2024

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

The In-Between: Life in the Micro

The In-Between: Life in the Micro
by Christian Espinosa
January 2024

2023 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021