Perspective

     The dictionary defines perspective as “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”  I think most of us can understand this concept when stated as “viewing a glass of water as half full or half empty.”  The situation as viewed in this manner will give us the summation that we are in trouble because of running out of water or we can be thankful because we still have half of our water left.

     I want to discuss a couple of the reasons why we may have the perspective that we do: one will be our background and the other will be our tendency to have a negative outlook on life.  Although in reality I guess that the two most often work in agreement for us to reach the point of view that we have.

     First we have to look at the way we “grew up.”  The region, the area, the community, and even our family and friends will have an effect on the way we view different matters.  Most people within the United States do not view it as “proper” to let their children (especially small children) drink alcoholic beverages at meals in their homes. However, this is very “normal” and acceptable for families in Europe and other areas.  Most families in the world (as well as communities) would view the killing of another human as something “highly unacceptable” and we learn these things as we grow up into adults.

     We generally also learn our prejudices as we grow into adulthood.  One meaning of this word is “preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.”  One historic example of this is within the United States that shows the perspective of many at that time was written by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence:  “all men are created equal.”  However, at the time of his writing this famous historic phrase he, himself, owned about 200 slaves and never set any of them free, even upon his death.  Jefferson’s words (or his perspective, as well as others) certainly had no reference to black people, of whom the majority at that time had no place in American society except as property.

     As for our second point: negative outlook.  Some people regardless of the circumstances or reasonable expectations, they will always look on the negative side of an issue.  They are the “glass half empty” type of individuals.  They will always look at things in the most doubtful of means.  It reminds me a story I once heard:  There was a man making his first parachute jump from a plane after training.  He was told prior to his exit from the plane:  “After you jump, count to three --- pull your rip cord.  If for some reason it fails to open, reach for your emergency chute cord and pull it.  The school truck will be on the ground waiting to take you back to the airport.”

     So the man jumped!  One – Two – Three!  Then he pulled the cord.  NOTHING happened!  So he reached to his side and pulled the cord for the emergency chute.  NOTHING happened!  Then he looked down and said:  “I bet that truck isn’t down there waiting for me either!”  His view was very grim.

     We need to develop a better outlook on life and about those around us.  Our perspective needs to be on the “glass half full” level and always see that there is still a reason to look to the future with hope.  Unfortunately our biggest problem is:  We’re Only Human!

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"When you look at the faults of others,

consider how they are looking at YOU!"