Reality and Perception

The words we use influences the way we think. The way we think also influences the words we use. It's sort of a circular statement. In the beginning though, the words we know and learn, influences the way we think.

For example, let's say parents are fighting in front of their 5 year old child. Words that came out of their mouths would have a negative connotation to the child because they have been associated with anger and hate among other things. This may have an impact on the child's way of perceiving things, his idea of reality if you will. It is because children in general are very vulnerable. They have not formed their own ideas of what reality is yet, they understand us just to a certain degree which is sufficient for their learning process to take place, and they are a bit primal, if you will.

In this stage a child's world view is very simplistic:
- All is fine as long as I get fed.
- Everything is new to me so I'll do my best to learn a lot of things.
- Unreachable places hold the most appeal since I can't reach them.

Later when he grows up and becomes a teenager, words that he picks up from the environment, television, anywhere really, excites him. Especially the vulgar ones, why? Because it's taboo, they don't allow him to use such language in a formal setting. But he'll learn. He'll learn what to say and when to say it. What is appropriate and what isn't. And soon the way he thinks will influence the words he uses.

During adolescence, the boy's views will change quite a bit:
- I have a pretty good idea of what's going on
- I MUST try EVERYTHING no matter what the cost.
- The media and their ideas are generally correct.
- I feel insecure on my own; therefore I must go with the flow of the mainstream to make myself feel secure

Yes, they begin to act up. Of course I’m just generalizing; a teenager’s perception of reality all comes down to how they were brought up by their parents. And there’s the environment. But I digress.

Teenagers grow up to become adults. Not much to say here because their perceptions of reality are already formed. They start to deal with adult things like paying taxes, worrying about getting married, worrying about their children and their future, etc2. By this stage, the words he uses are influenced by the way he thinks. He must be careful in the usage of his words. Some may consider them to be offensive, some may not. It all comes down to how well he can perceive another’s perception.

Therefore, I conclude that the words we know do influence the way we think. But the words we use are influenced by the way we think.

Here’s to all our twisted perceptions of reality.

Cheers.