New Perpectives and why it matters

Introduction

Imagine if the way you saw the world was the only way it could ever be. How much would you miss out on? Would it be good for you? Perspectives are how someone or a group of people see the world and what they believe in. Growing up, we are exposed to a certain view of the world shaped by our parents, caretakers, and friends. Life seems straightforward because we only know what we’ve been taught. Then, as we grow into our teenage years, we meet new friends, and our perspectives and life views often change to align with theirs. Over time, we realize that the world is far more complex than we once thought. What if, growing up, we had been exposed to multiple perspectives or insights?

A Single Way of Knowing

All you know is what you do. For example, I only know how to do my homework, so all I know is how to finish my homework. I hope that makes sense. It’s a simple way to approach life: picking what’s best for you. Learning new ways to see the world is so important and refreshing.

The Influence of Social Media

Being stuck in the same perspective for a long period of time sucks. Nowadays, if you scroll through social media especially on X, people constantly post the same type of “life content.” Once you’ve been through that phase, you’ll realize, “Aha, I used to think the same way.” We jump from perspective to perspective, and going through these phases is so important. You’ll learn how others think and the flaws in their views. Accepting new perspectives helps you expand your way of thinking. It’s like a non religious person who suddenly finds God and feels enlightened, or how teenage boys get exposed to alpha male figures, thinking it will make them “better” or help them find the answers. These perspectives change over time, and reflecting on them helps you build your intuition.

For example, social media algorithms can trap you in one way of thinking. They feed you what you want to see or what your friends and target demographic like watching. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s worth asking whether it’s healthy for these things to dominate your life. When I used to consume TikTok and Instagram a lot, I didn’t bother to seek out new information or think from a different perspective, like in an echo chamber. For example, imagine if you had only ate your countries cuisine your entire life, then you finally tasted Japanese food, complete life changer.

Broadening Horizons Through Art and Media

Reading, movies, and art help you see perspectives you’ve never considered, broadening your thinking and views. For example, a movie might show a sad, depressed man ready to end it all, only to meet someone who helps him see how beautiful life can be. That kind of story helps you view the world through someone else’s lens and appreciate it.

Putting new perspectives every few months gets you a new insight towards your current life. What could be improved or changed. Especially when your life is dynamic.