The common misconception about perception

Perception feels like reality, but it isn’t. It’s a filter, not a fact. The common misconception? We think our view of the world is the truth.

But perception is shaped by biases, experiences, and assumptions. What you see depends on where you stand. German philosopher Immanuel Kant nailed this with his observation, "We see things not as they are, but as we are conditioned to see them."

Why does this matter? Because when we mistake perception for reality, we limit ourselves. We cling to our version of events and dismiss others. This creates conflict, misunderstanding, and missed opportunities. 

The fix is simple but not easy: Widen your lens. Seek out different perspectives. Ask questions like, “What might I be missing?” or “How does this look from their point of view?” The goal isn’t to abandon your perception but to enrich it.

Perception is powerful. It can inspire empathy, creativity, and connection—if we’re willing to challenge it. Truth doesn’t live in any single perspective. It lives in the spaces between them.

When we acknowledge the limits of our perception, we can open ourselves to a much broader understanding and solving the challenges we face – which always leads to better results.