A dinglehopper for your 'do'
I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may, - light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful - John Constable
You have this unique object in your hand, how would you describe it to a visually impaired person?
Perhaps knowing that this person can perceive shadows, you proceed to shine a bright light at it and this person can make out the different shapes like a triangle, a circle and a square. Unless this person is familiar with the object, chances are slim he would be able to discern the object based only on its silhouette.
Perhaps what really matters is the utility of the object. One might feel that he had always thought that what he had is a ‘square’ and wishes for a ‘circle’ to complete an important puzzle. A simple turn in angle could help him see the object in a new light and that could be all it takes to see that what he wished for was in his hands all along.
Perhaps most important is how it is perceived. Ariel in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ a procurer of ‘treasures untold’ brings her haul to a trusted friend ‘Scuttle’ to be evaluated. With the same flourish as a $1000/hour McKinsey consultant, he confidently proclaims she has found something rare, only possessed by the distinguished few. Pause for gravitas. Scuttle announces that it is undoubtedly a ‘dinglehopper’.
Knowing his audience, he makes reference to concepts only those living up top on land would know, like the word ‘dingle’ (meaning a small, deep, wooded valley or a deep, narrow cleft between hills) and ‘hopper’ (meaning a person or thing that hops) - are bizarre sounding words to a mermaid who has only known life beneath the sea. (p.s. high five how many of you have actually tried to comb your hair with a fork after watching this scene? Only me?). Scuttle’s perception has now been adopted by Ariel which leaves us in the audience tickled because we have a different perspective. We delight at their ignorance and our cleverness to know something that they do not. Even little children giggle at this. Of course it’s a fork and not a comb!
Perception versus Perspective
Perception: Refers to how we interpret and make sense of sensory information received from our environment. It involves the process of recognising, organising, and interpreting sensory stimuli such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch. Perception is influenced by individual factors like past experiences, beliefs, emotions, and expectations. For example, two people can perceive the same event differently based on their unique perspectives and interpretations of the situation.
Perspective: Refers to a particular way of viewing things or understanding situations. It involves broader cognitive frameworks or mental models that shape how we interpret events, ideas, or circumstances. Perspective encompasses our attitudes, beliefs, values, and assumptions, which collectively influence our understanding and decision-making. Having a different perspective can lead to alternative interpretations and solutions to problems.
Understanding the difference between the two is what ex-CIA Spy Andrew Bustamante describes as if he had only 5 minutes to share the one most important thing it would be discerning perception versus perspective.
Coming back to the ‘dinglehopper’ scenario, Scuttle was proud of being perceived as an expert on all things on land and Ariel had no other options but take on the same view if at least for the sake of friendship. We laughed because we could see where Scuttle probably got his perception from only observing humans from afar and could sympathise with Ariel having always lived underwater and closeted by her father’s wariness of land people (I think it was because land people love to eat fish). This gives us a broader framework to see the same situation from different angles. We have perspective.
Meandrousity
Imagine you met Ariel and you gave her a bowl of salad with a fork. Without skipping a beat she starts combing her hair happily with that fork. What would be your first reaction? Even grooming in public could be a signal that the person comes from a different culture with its own social norms.
Where would you find perspective? Being aware of the limits of our own perception and noticing the signals that trigger a reaction can be a good first signpost. Being curious about the perception of others takes us further another step. A question I would ask Ariel might be, “I like your beautiful red hair, how do you take good care of it?” Maybe I learn that from where she comes from (the sea) her hair is constantly moisturised and tangle free.
In essence, perception is more about the immediate interpretation of sensory information, while perspective is about the broader framework through which we interpret and understand the world around us. Both are essential for navigating life effectively and can influence our emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships.