#205
Over the last few weeks and months, I have been finding myself thinking more and more about the notion of perspective and specifically with regards to how - in certain circumstances - it can lead to misunderstandings. In my October 2020 blog post, Perspective, I shared some images (see below) and referenced the importance of being cognizant of differing perspectives and/or the experiences and understanding of others.
Recently I was reminded of the parable, The Six Blind Men and The Elephant*, in which each of the six men has a distinctly different understanding of an elephant as a result of their limited interaction. The one who touched the trunk, described an elephant as being like a rope. The man who touched the ears described an elephant as being like a fan, whilst the one who felt the leg was sure it was a tree. The last two respectively described the tusk and the side of the elephant as a spear and a wall. Each was partially right, yet each was wrong.
As a result, each of the men drew a conclusion based on their experience. This parable reminds us that so often we claim the truth and draw conclusions based upon our subjective knowledge, experiences and/or that which is directly in front of us whilst ignoring the knowledge, experience and evidence in front of others (it should be noted that these are equally subjective for others).
This parable reminds us of the importance of being aware that other perspectives may exist and, once aware, to be attentive to the various and differing perspectives.
* Two short videos on YouTube The Blind Men and Elephant read by Carrie Molinero and "The Blind Men and the Elephant" by John G. Saxe read by Tom O'Bedlam. Both videos are 150 seconds long.
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