On perspective

In the studio where my kids take their art class, there is a quote on the wall that reads, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”    Of course it is referring to art, but it applies to life as well.   It’s all about perspective.

In writing last night’s entry, I spent a lot of time reading articles on the predominant state of mind here in the U.S. and the most disappointing part of the whole thing was realizing how incapable we seem to be of changing our perspective.   We see the words ‘social policies’ and think Nazi Germany or Communist Soviet Union.   We can’t seem to adjust perspective to realize that’s not the kind of socialism found in Sweden today, where people are much happier than we are, much more satisfied with their lives as a whole.    People hear the word homeschoolers and think religious fanatics.   They hear unschoolers or life learners and think hippie lunatic fringe.   And you can sit down in front of them and say, “No, that’s not right.  Look at us.  We’re life learners and we aren’t hippies.”   And they will look you dead in the eye and tell you that you are the only exception to a rule that is otherwise set in stone.

It makes me wonder what will happen.  We have a country of people who are by and large good people.   Honest, hardworking, and completely indoctrinated into a way of thinking that is so rigid it allows for no digression, no independent thought.    Or not enough to cause any real trouble.

That said, I’m taking a night or two off from blogging in order to do some fun things and gain back my good humor.   To get some perspective, if you will.

Also, in case you tried to comment yesterday, I had to change the settings so that in order to comment you must register and sign in.   This is the only way to weed out the spam comments, and I apologize if it inconveniences anyone.

Have a great Friday!

2 comments on “On perspective

  1. Joos Myars says:

    I have enjoyed reading your posts about the “Pursuit of Happiness” and “Perspective”. When I came to this country from the Netherlands, I was shocked about the importance placed on “where you work” in the USA. Americans do seem fixated on “what you do” as opposed to an individuals character and morals. In Holland, it would be considered rude and too personal to ask those questions of a person you’ve just met.

    I have learned over the years living here to not sweat the cultural differences. I do think most Americans just use the “where do you work”? as an ice breaker.

    Anyway, I enjoy reading your writings and wish you well in New Amsterdam (now known as New York…thanks to the English…ha,ha.)

    -Joos

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