Practitioners of choice theory appreciate that it is our perception of reality that matters. While each of us may claim to
know reality, our understanding
of reality is modulated by our senses, knowledge, and values.
Many people don’t like to hear that something as basic as reality is so nuanced. “I understand that we may see some
things differently,” they say, “but surely there is an objective reality we can
all agree upon.” With the US Presidential election only a little more than a
week away, let me share an example of how large groups can agree about reality and still cling to very different perceptions.
It’s what they agree on that
divides us the most. You see, they agree that he created Obamacare. They agree
that he bailed out Detroit. They agree that he passed the stimulus. That’s
where the clear choice comes because all the Republicans are saying is, “Our
country needed help and look what Obama did,” while the Democrats keep saying,
“Our country needed help and look what Obama did.”
The words are identical. Reality is the same. Despite that, as any “informed”
partisan will tell you, the all-important perceptions couldn’t be further apart.
When Americans go to the polls next week, the results will
tell us much more about perception than reality.
I’m not saying that reality doesn’t matter. But I reject
the simplistic mantra that “It is what it is.” More accurately, “It is
what we perceive it to be.”
***
As always, if you enjoyed this and found it useful, please
send the link to your friends. Thanks.
Bob Sullo
PO Box 1336
Sandwich, MA 02563
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