Which Lens Are You?

We all naturally assume that people see the world the way we do.

After all, our personal experiences, values, and perceptions feel so intuitive that it’s hard to imagine someone else operating from a completely different framework.

But the truth is that people filter reality through various lenses shaped by culture, upbringing, education, personal experiences, and even biology. What we think of as “the way things are” is often just “the way things are for us.”

The Challenge of Different Perspectives

Think about a heated debate you’ve had—maybe about politics, religion, or even something as simple as the best way to raise children. Have you ever walked away shaking your head, wondering how the other person could think the way they do?

That reaction highlights an important reality: we each carry a worldview, a mental model of how the world works, and we assume (often wrongly) that it’s a shared reality.

Take, for example, cultural perspectives.

In Western cultures, independence is highly valued. People are taught to make their own choices, stand out, and assert their individuality.

By contrast, interdependence and communal harmony are emphasised in many Eastern cultures. Decisions are often made with family or society in mind rather than individual desires.

Both perspectives make perfect sense within their respective contexts, yet to someone from the other culture, they can seem odd, restrictive, or even wrong.

And even within the same culture, perspectives vary widely.

A person who grew up in poverty may see money as fragile and fleeting, making them frugal or anxious about spending. However, someone who grew up wealthy might take financial security for granted, approaching money with a completely different mindset.

Neither perspective is inherently wrong, but they can shape behaviours in ways that are difficult for the other person to understand.

The Benefits of Appreciating Different Perspectives

So, why does this matter? Why should we bother trying to see the world through someone else’s eyes?

For one, understanding different perspectives makes us more empathetic. When we recognise that people’s views are shaped by their experiences, we’re less likely to dismiss them outright or assume bad intentions.

It also makes us better problem-solvers.

Consider international diplomacy. A Western diplomat might struggle to negotiate with an Eastern counterpart if they assume everyone values confrontation and individualism.

However, by understanding the other side’s cultural norms—where indirect communication and group consensus is preferred—they can approach the conversation in a way that fosters cooperation rather than conflict.

On a more personal level, appreciating different perspectives can make our relationships stronger.

A couple in a relationship might have fundamentally different ways of expressing love—one might value words of affirmation, while the other shows love through actions.

If they fail to recognise these differences, they might feel unappreciated or misunderstood. However, by acknowledging their different “love languages” (Chapman, 1995), they can deepen their connection rather than grow frustrated with each other.

When Should We Accept a Different Worldview?

Of course, just because someone sees the world differently doesn’t mean their perspective is necessarily valid or worth adopting.

Some perspectives are rooted in misinformation, bias, or even outright delusion.

So, how do we determine whether a different worldview is something we should consider or discard?

A helpful approach is to ask a few key questions:

1. Is their perspective based on verifiable evidence?

If someone believes the Earth is flat, we can assess that belief by looking at scientific evidence. In this case, overwhelming evidence supports a spherical Earth, so we can confidently dismiss the flat-Earth perspective as incorrect.

However, if someone argues for a different economic policy, that might be more nuanced and open to debate.

2. Is their perspective internally consistent?

Does their worldview make logical sense within itself?

If someone claims to value human rights but also believes in denying those rights to certain groups, this contradicts their perspective.

If, on the other hand, their worldview is internally coherent, it may be worth exploring further.

3. Does their perspective improve understanding or cause harm?

Some perspectives are actively harmful—racist ideologies, for example, are based on flawed assumptions and lead to real-world harm.

In contrast, perspectives that challenge our assumptions constructively—like alternative approaches to education or mental health treatment—can broaden our thinking without being destructive.

4. Does their perspective hold up under scrutiny?

A healthy worldview should be able to withstand questioning. If someone’s beliefs crumble when examined critically, that’s a sign they might be based on weak foundations.

But if their ideas hold up under thoughtful discussion, they might have something valuable to offer.

Expanding Our Perspective

Recognising the value of different worldviews doesn’t mean we must accept every perspective.

But it does mean we should approach new ideas with curiosity rather than defensiveness.

Here are some practical ways to do that:

1. Expose Yourself to Different Ideas.

Read books and articles from authors with different backgrounds. Watch documentaries that challenge your beliefs. Have conversations with people from other cultures, professions, or political affiliations.

2. Practice Active Listening.

Instead of waiting for your turn to speak in a debate, really listen to what the other person is saying. Try to understand why they see things the way they do.

3. Question Your Assumptions.

We all have biases. The more we acknowledge them, the more we can challenge our blind spots.

4. Engage in Thoughtful Debate.

Healthy discussions with people who think differently can help refine your perspective and expose you to new ways of thinking.

Conclusion

We all see the world through different lenses shaped by our experiences, culture, and beliefs.

Recognising this can make us more empathetic, better problem-solvers, and more open-minded individuals.

However, not all perspectives are equally valid, and we must critically evaluate which worldviews deserve our consideration. We can expand our understanding of the world by approaching differences with curiosity rather than hostility.

Until next time, keep polishing your lens and consider swapping it for another occasionally.

Dion Le Roux

References

1. Chapman, G. (1995). The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Northfield Publishing.