This quote encapsulates the idea of perception and knowledge as an ongoing, dynamic process that continually influences each other. The first part, "What we see changes what we know," suggests that our observations and experiences can alter our existing knowledge or understanding of the world. For example, if we see a species of bird we’ve never seen before, our knowledge of bird species expands.
The second part, "What we know changes what we see," implies that our existing knowledge or beliefs can shape our perception of reality. For instance, if we have knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking, we may perceive someone smoking differently compared to someone who lacks that knowledge.
This cyclical relationship between seeing and knowing reflects the process of learning and understanding, where each new piece of information we gather either builds on or challenges our existing knowledge, and in turn, reshapes our perception of the world.
In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant in the realm of social media and news consumption. With the proliferation of information and diverse viewpoints available online, what we see on these platforms can significantly change our knowledge about various issues. Conversely, our existing knowledge and beliefs can affect how we interpret and react to the information we encounter online. This dynamic can either broaden our understanding of the world or reinforce our existing biases, depending on how open we are to different perspectives.
In terms of personal development, understanding this interplay between perception and knowledge can help us become more self-aware and open-minded. It encourages us to continually question and expand our knowledge and to be mindful of how our existing beliefs can influence our perception. It also underscores the importance of critical thinking and continuous learning in personal growth.