Understanding the Power of Perspective

"It is necessary to caution against over generalizing... For ultimately oral testimony is no more than 'prisms on the past' refracted by personality, human necessities, social background and position, ethnic identity, social affiliation, and a bundle of other sources that provide the light by which one sees and remembers."

- Rastafari: Roots and Ideology

I've read so many novels this summer that I thought I'd begin the fall (however 90+ degrees hot it's been so far!) with something a bit more educational. I've only just begun to read this book, but I'm loving it so far. The above quote resonates with those of us who wish to question what is true in reality and what is true based on the perspective of the person telling the story and writing the history. This can be applied in so many different situations, most of them controversial to the point that it divides people, pits them against each other. This should not be. Too many bad vibes as a byproduct of misinterpretation.

We all need to be reminded that there are many facets and undertones to what people say, and that we must sometimes understand where people come from and how they've lived before we can know what they mean. Ask questions. Learn the background. I am making a valiant effort in my own life to be more open-minded and receptive to people's opinions and views, however different they are from my own. It's best to at least try.

My beautiful Monday under the sun.