A Subjective Reality

“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”
― Edgar Allen Poe, A Dream within a Dream

The above quote is a line that, more or less, explicitly states what it’s trying to say: a commentary of humans’ subjective perception.

What is a subjective reality?

How the world processes through your mind and how you choose to perceive it. These converge to create your own personal, subjective, reality. Hence, your perceived reality may just be likened to someone else’s illusion of it. The way you see the world, could be considered an idealistic fantasy or even as a pessimistic wasteland, depending on who you ask.

“The world ultimately is what we say it is.”
― David Friedrich Strauss

In my 16 years of life, I’ve heard many people say the phrase “objective reality”. They speak so highly of this “objective reality” which is simply their subjective perception of reality that they attempt to force onto others. I’m no professional, but shoving ideals onto someone else always feels like a desperate attempt to have the one thing that the universe will never allow you to have: order.

Human brains are wired to thrive off symmetry, and hence, our own subjective reality can be viewed as an objective one for the sake of a shred of this elusive order. This makes humans yearn to give others who do not share this perception, a glimpse of it; without realizing that reality as a concept, is an entirely abstract one. This results in the infamous “shoving your own beliefs down someone’s throat” syndrome™.

Why is this subjectivity of humanity’s perception of reality such a big deal?

Our perception and processing of the world around us shapes our beliefs, ideals and personality. Everything that makes one human entirely unique from the next is a difference of perception; albeit, it’s possible for one human to share perceptions, but of course, not entirely. In obvious fact, people tend to flock to those who share their views, feeling safe in a small bubble that only encourages their opinions even if another group would deem it a backwards way of thinking. Surrounding oneself in a bubble of common beliefs shuts out the rest of the views since there’s no way for those opinions to be challenged. This renders one close-minded to other thought processes and possibilities, resulting in many people physically unable to comprehend that it does or why another belief exists.

This initial discourse in humanity is the epicentre of hate and fear in the world. A differing reality gives way to different ideals; ideals that some other’s may not understand. And by human nature, we fear and hate what we do not understand. We try to smother the embers of something new to let that we agree with, that which makes us feel more comfortable, burn on. Hence, killing the “threat” before it takes root.

“Maybe just a case of one person’s ‘normal’ being another person’s Twilight Zone.”
― Angela N. Blount, Once Upon A Road Trip

That one line by Poe has never really been more true than today. In this age of information where we see everything happening globally and are exposed to so many different world views, experiences and cultures, it’s essential to keep those words in mind. It’s truly a fascinating existence, to be connected to everything, but that also allows more avenues of hatred; mostly on, what I would deem, redundant grounds.

It is imperative to remember that no matter how right you feel, someone will disagree with you. Someone will be different and have different beliefs; to put it into terms I’ve been using through this post: Your subjective reality would be seen as an illusion in theirs. It’s vital to try to understand different viewpoints without shoving your own agenda into it. Bear no hatred to a belief or ideal as long as said belief doesn’t hurt anyone, physically or emotionally.

Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. Learn to respect those beliefs, learn to understand those views, and even then, if you still wholeheartedly disagree with it: leave it alone. As long as it’s not hurting anybody, in which case, do what you feel is right.