Perception vs Reality
Most of us do not see the difference between perception and reality since both terms appear to have the same meaning. However, in reality, there is a difference between the two terms, perception and reality. In this article, we will look into these differences. Perception, in simple terms, can be defined as the way an individual thinks. The thinking patterns differ from one individual to another and the way of thinking is decided by several factors. Reality, on the other hand, refers to the true state of something that may not be realized by individuals easily. However, these two play a major role in our lives since we all have perceptions and realities all through.
What does Perception mean?
Perception is the way how a person understands something. Different people may have different perceptions for the same thing since most of the times, the perception is shaped by the society in which the person lives. Thinking pattern of an individual is decided by a number of factors. Cultural values, beliefs, myths, attitudes, education, rules, laws, etc. in a particular community may have a major impact on the way of a person thinks. Further, the thinking pattern may be characterized by the past generations as well. For example, the myths and legends of Gods have passed from one generation to another, affecting the individual perception in a great deal. Most of the times, individuals believe that what they think is true and they understand most of the things based on the surface level only. For example, let us take the mirage. A person who is in the desert may see the mirage and he/she might consider it water and follow it until they reach there. However, it may take a lot of time for them to understand that it is just an illusion. Also, some perceptions are really hard to prove false.
What does Reality mean?
Realty is the truth and the actual existence of something. Sometimes, truth is hidden by misconceptions and also it might be difficult to bring out the truth in certain instances. For example, earlier people thought the earth to be flat since in the horizon it seems to be a flat sphere. In our history, we can find some rulers who prohibited scientists from proving the earth to be round because they did not want to change their perception of the world. However, at a later period, the earth was proved to be round and now we know the reality. Likewise, most of the times, the truth is buried in misconception and nobody wants to look into the depth and find the reality. The main reason for this is that it is really easy to follow what others believe because it saves people from hard work of finding the reality.
What is the difference between Perception and Reality?
• Perception is the way how a person understands something and different people may have different perceptions for the same thing. Realty, on the other hand, is the truth and the actual existence of something.
• Perception may be controlled by external factors, but reality cannot be controlled by anyone or anything.
• Perception is directly related to individual’s attitudes, beliefs and knowledge whereas reality exists by itself.
However, it should be noted that not all perceptions are wrong. Sometimes, our perception may reflect the reality itself. Also, it is our perception that shows how we understand the reality. Both, perception and reality, play a major role in an individual’s life and the person should be clever enough to have a real perception in something that reflects the reality itself.