by Đỗ Quốc Khánh - Thursday, 30 April 2015, 10:44 PM
The Holistic Perspective Why Wholeness and Perspective are So Important
Many of the problems we encounter in life are the result of simple misunderstandings. Because misunderstandings often occur as a result of differences in perspective, if only we were more aware of the effects of perspective many of our problems could be easily solved, if not avoided entirely!
In dealing with the physical world most of us recognize the importance of perspective. We even understand the importance of a (w)holistic perspective. None of us would buy a used car without inspecting the whole car--at least as much as is reasonably accessible. Typically, that would include such things as an inspection of the tires and body work, the engine compartment and the odometer, and a check for leaks. We are willing to make this effort because we recognize the value of physical wholeness--of having a whole vehicle, one with an engine and transmission and tires, etc. We know our effort will minimize error and deception, and help keep costs down over the long run. Unfortunately, when ideas are the subject of our inspection we often forget to employ this simple pattern.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize that mental realities, like physical realities, are more completely and accurately understood when viewed from multiple perspectives. The conclusions we draw from our observations and experiences with ideas, and the resulting beliefs that we form, depend on where we are positioned in relation to the subject of our investigation. Once we recognize this it becomes apparent that our perception of life is largely a function of our perspective. By shifting our perspective so that we acquire additional perspectives we can often bring opportunities and problems (and their solutions) into clearer focus and accelerate learning.
Differences in perspective are normally difficult to overcome. First, there's the problem of determining the perspective that has produced a person's ideas and beliefs. Second, in most cases we must experience a perspective before we can correctly understand--and intelligently discuss--it. Fortunately, we have a perspective we share: the holistic perspective. And while it too is subject to confusion (due to its greater complexity), at a minimum it gives us an additional perspective to work with. Unfortunately, as a society we have yet to appreciate the valuable contribution the holistic perspective makes to understanding and give it the respect it warrants.
