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Just browsing blogs early in the morning, storing links for future reference, but have stopped to read 2 or 3. One was on pesticides in agriculture, the real health dangers and the claimed need to use them or else. The second was a blog supporting AGW and the science thereof.
Thirdly, this Sott.net article by Manny Garza, ‘Nerd Trek’.
So I got to thinking about perception, in particular how it might apply to me but, arising from the other two posts, how it applies to others. Even, perhaps to Manny himself.
Here is his article, titled as above, (except for the “comments on”):
© Nerd Trek (The post offers share options so here it is).Consider the old saying that perception is 9/10th of reality. I was never a fan of this saying since it can be such an easy outlet to take everything at face value rather than to seek the truth. Instead, let us consider that reality is but 1/10th of reality.
It is important to note that early Greek philosophers made the common mistake of basing their reality on their often flawed sense perception since they lacked sophisticated scientific equipment capable of measuring and calculating the world around us. In fact, it was not until thousands of years later that humankind could more accurately calculate and determine atomic structure with microscopes while advanced telescopes were used to ascertain cosmic distance, to name a few examples.
Based on the leaps and bounds of modern science and the ability to closely examine the world around us, we now know that what we perceive, as humans, is only reliant on 5 human senses which remain greatly biased according to our own prejudices and beliefs (The 6th Sense is another topic for another time which still remains unknown)
Exploring the deeper realm of existence, as a whole, the sole reality in which we are aware is only a small granule in the grand scheme of existence. We are often guilty in assuming that humankind is the Alpha and Omega of this particular universe; mistakenly, we still believe that our acknowledgement of another realm of existence can only be validated by humans. However, many things exist independently from the human realm with no connection to the fate of humankind.
This goes back to the old argument which asks “If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?” Rather than define sound, it is much easier for us to think it does not make a sound because we, as humans, are not there to hear it. Pretty selfish, don you think? But the answer lies in the definition of sound which is a vibration of waves in a liquid or solid. Hearing is the ability to confirm the presence of sound. Therefore, it does still make a sound in the woods even if humans are not there to hear it.
I believe that in the grand scheme of what we don’t know and the little that we do know, perception is but a small grain of sand in the ocean of existence that is comprised of virtually endless realms of possibilities and realities, despite probability. Perception is but a small factor of thought in the grand scheme of the universe, a thought which is often based on one person’s view of one person’s reality. Unfortunately there lies the possibility that someone could be grossly wrong while managing to influence others that her or his view is correct.
It is true that perception by a human relies on our five senses, in particular vision and sound, to provide awareness that there is something to be perceived. But the thought process/brain, having received input from these senses then makes from it a result, a conclusion in the mind, which is completely an internal, personal, maybe unique outcome. Perhaps, the sixth sense mentioned does exist and does also play a part in this.
Manny says – “Perception is but a small factor of thought in the grand scheme of the universe, a thought which is often based on one person’s view of one person’s reality.”
So, using my own words, ‘perception’ is simply a reaction in our brain resulting from its processing of the input(s). A unique result, probably ‘flavoured’ by one’s intelligence, maybe education, logic processes, feelings and prejudices. An awareness of something external becoming a creation of our own, in our own mind.
Leading to Manny’s conclusion – “Unfortunately there lies the possibility that someone could be grossly wrong while managing to influence others that her or his view is correct.”
Now you might see where this is leading. My first inclination is to follow-up the example above, of whether a falling tree makes a noise if no-one hears it? He defines noise as the actual vibrations in air pressure (in this case caused by the tree colliding withe ground) and says therefore the noise exists. True the vibrations exist. However, I define noise as the perception of our brain via the ear system, of the vibrations. Therefore the ‘noise’ does not exist. So as he says, somebody can be grossly wrong (I would say maybe just wrong, or maybe just different). The problem arises when the view is imposed on some-one else! Or maybe when the wrong perception/impression/conception affects their health/welfare or that of others.
So thanks Manny, for awakening this response and thought process. Now to my issues.
In the case of the pesticides, the human behaviour patterns of the different “sides”, if you like, are absolutely filled with bias due to vested interests. The actual perceptions of the health dangers are different for the farmer, the pharma company, the retailer, the FDA, the consumer advocate and the consumer him/her self.
Even if the degree of health risk could be scientifically quantified to an agreed level like, say 5% of users will suffer asthma attacks, the perceptions would vary from insignificant by the first four, to unacceptable by an asthmatic customer. I realize I am talking about perceptions of something more abstract than a noise or vision but I believe this is still valid. Perception in the context of – “in the eyes of the beholder” or “ears”, or “mind”.
When the input information is not straightforward, the opportunity for perceptions to be many and varied is magnified immensely.
To be continued – refer Part 2.
Related articles
- Perception (fencesittingfool.wordpress.com)
- Do You Have a ‘Perception’ Problem? (psychologytoday.com)
- Lost in the Details or just paying attention? (blogs.scientificamerican.com)
- Leadership & Perception (customerthink.com)
- What if what I see as red, you see as blue? (metacognizant.wordpress.com)
The GOLDEN RULE 
So if people make statements about a health issue because they have an interest in it, and journalists report it because they want a story- often, heightening fear- how may I find the truth? Should I just think, I cannot know, it will probably be alright?
In most aspects of life what can be known for sure?
In general, it should be possible to rely on professional practitioners, but GP’s are liable to be influenced by pharma marketing, particularly in regards to vaccines.
There are some modern/progressive GP’s recognising alternative methods and practices.
It’s probably fair to say that the internet is a good way to learn what information is available.
This doesn’t help much but internet searching will give too much rather than too little.
Then its really up to your gut feeling.
Ideally, as JustMeinT says, good health is obtained and maintained by minimising processed foods, choosing fresh, organic fruit and veges, and regular excercise.
I think I saw Shiatzu massage mentioned on your blog. Highly recommended, by my experience.
Natural News blog is full-on with health issues but may be over the top a bit at times.
Best for you to remember – I am only a voice in the wilderness.
My comments are without any authority, just personal opinion, but perhaps might have some value.
Thanks for your interest in my site. Good luck!
Just bookmarked your blog. I’ve just started one of my own on gaining capital through forex markets. But it is also about learning price and what moves our world’s economy. Please browse it if you get a chance.
Thanks for that awesome posting. It saved MUCH time 🙂
Mohammad Shaikh
SALAAM / PEACE, ” VIEW THE CATEGORIZED LIST OF” ENGLISH VIDEOS LECTURES WITH THEIR LINKS”
IDENTIFY YOUR GOD.
http://fatimahussain92.wordpress.com
Hi Mohammad. I am very happy to receive your comments and to show your website address to our readers.
However, it is not appropriate to include all your information on this blog. That is why it was deleted.
There may come a time to run an article on Islam, but I would need to feel very brave. There is enormous importance to your religion and I respect it.
The themes of this site revolve around truth and injustices, and there are certainly such connections with Islam, its beliefs and its being subjected to injustices.
Be patient and let me “solve the rest of the world’s problems first”. (This statement is “lighthearted humour”, by the way.)
I now see that your web address has been challenged, access is denied. You need to sort this out with ‘wordpress.com’
I think it was a spam mail. I got one very similar, and very very long. The “cheap tickets” comment may be spam too.
Thanks Claire, for your comment.
I sometimes find it difficult to assess the value of many comments.
They may have no substance, nothing to add to the post, but are offering praise that appeals to one’s vanity, and offer their own services which may or may not be of use to a reader.
If I judge of no value, I remove the web address, but keep the praise.
Is there any value in this, do you think? Or is it just vanity which impresses nobody?
On the other hand, they may be genuinely involving themselves.
Once again, thanks!
Er, how can I put this…
You remove the web address, the link. That is actually quite clever. However, not realising that you had done this, I thought you were not taking care, I wrongly perceived you as foolish.
But there is no praise in a spam comment. The person posting has not read your post. Mohammed/Fatima posted to many blogs, accessing mine through the 33rd page of the tag finder.
Still, he/she is generous in this, I think, he tries to save us from Hell, and even if as I think he is mistaken, it is a kindly act. However, I do not want to associate with a God who would send all non-Muslims, or even an appreciable proportion of non-Muslims, to Hell.
Good comments! Thanks, Claire.
Foolish is as foolish does, or words to that effect. I am not above being foolish but hopefully not too often. Comments like yours help to keep a check on my exuberance. Self assessment needs to be tempered by outside monitoring.
BTW, please take the following as light-hearted, I don’t wish to start a serious debate here. One day I might tackle a post on the subject. (I have no allegiances). I am referring to your Muslim comment –
It is one thing to associate with someone else’s God and another to simply discuss or even study the topic.
I just need to say, (gently stirring), “Does not the Christian God not accept/reject those who do not worship Christ? In particular the Catholic persuasion where Hell awaits those ‘others’?
Regards, Ken
Many people think that the Christian God does; but I do not think that God does. I think I am still within Christianity, though some would disagree (Christians do disagree heartily among ourselves, even within tiny sects) and I think our descriptions of God may be wrong, and certainly do not circumscribe God.
Clare. What we are both saying about “God” shows how beliefs are more a matter of faith than anything of substance. Anything written has been done by man, no matter what religion.
If any writer was a scribe for God, I think the message would be more universal and address all sects more suitably.
On the other hand, there are common themes in different writings.But so many differences, variations – hard to believe they are the ‘word’ of God.
Pity Jesus didn’t get to write anything.
I believe in a God of the Universe, Universal Spirit, Divine design, if not of the universe, then of living things. IMHO.
That is good enough for me. Obviously, also in the sense of the third commandment.