Robertson Davies "The eye can only see what the mind is prepared to comprehend."

Robertson Davies: "The eye can only see what the mind is prepared to comprehend."

 

Meaning:

This profound quote goes beyond mere physical sight. It suggests that our perception of the world is heavily influenced by our mental state, beliefs, expectations, biases, and past experiences. Essentially, what we are mentally equipped to understand and accept dictates what we actually perceive and notice in the world around us. Our minds act as filters, selectively highlighting certain aspects while overlooking others.

Detailed Explanation:

1. Selective Perception: Our brains constantly process a vast amount of external information. To manage this, they filter out what is deemed less important and focus on what aligns with our current mental focus or preparedness. If our mind is attuned to something, we are more likely to notice related information. For instance, once you decide to buy a red car, you suddenly start seeing more red cars on the road.
2. Influence of Beliefs and Expectations: What we believe to be true and what we expect to happen can significantly shape our perception. If we hold a negative opinion about someone, we might only focus on their negative behaviors. Conversely, a positive predisposition can lead us to see their positive traits. This is closely related to the concept of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
3. Framework of Experience: Past experiences create strong frameworks for understanding the world. Similar situations can trigger emotions and judgments from the past, influencing how we perceive the present. Positive past experiences might lead us to see the positive aspects of a new situation, while negative ones could make us more attuned to potential downsides.
4. Mental Readiness: When we are mentally prepared and willing to learn or understand something, we absorb and recognize related information more effectively. Just as we need to focus our minds before studying, our mental readiness influences what we can perceive and comprehend.

Examples:

1. Being in Love: People in love often experience the world as more beautiful and positive. They might notice more couples around them or feel that love songs resonate more deeply. This is because the emotion of love acts as a mental filter, highlighting positive aspects.
2. Scientific Research: A scientist proposing a new theory might be more likely to observe and discover evidence that supports their theory. Conversely, a scientist adhering to an existing theory might focus more on evidence that contradicts the new one. The mind's predisposition influences the interpretation of observations.
3. Appreciating Art: Individuals perceive the same artwork or piece of music differently based on their unique experiences, knowledge, and emotional states. What our minds are prepared to appreciate and understand shapes the emotional impact and meaning we derive from the art.
4. Misunderstandings in Daily Life: If we harbor a negative bias towards someone, we might interpret their actions negatively, regardless of their actual intentions. Our mind's pre-existing negative framework influences our perception.
5. Self-Improvement: When reading self-help books or attending motivational speeches, individuals with a strong desire for change are more likely to absorb new ideas and apply them to their lives. However, those who are not mentally ready for change might dismiss even valuable information.

In essence, Robertson Davies' quote highlights that while we believe our perception is objective, it is significantly shaped by our internal mental landscape. It suggests that to achieve a broader and deeper understanding, we need to be aware of our own mental state and strive to view the world with an open mind.

 

William Robertson Davies (August 28, 1913 – December 2, 1995) was a Canadian novelist, playwright, critic, journalist, and professor. He was one of Canada's 1 most well-known and beloved authors and is widely considered a "man of letters."     His major works include The Deptford Trilogy, The Salterton Trilogy, and The Cornish Trilogy. He wrote novels that explored Canadian society and human nature with sharp satire and profound psychological insight. Davies was also active as a playwright and served as editor and publisher of The Peterborough Examiner as a journalist. Additionally, he was the first Master of Massey College at the University of Toronto, contributing to education. He received numerous awards for his contributions to Canadian literature and was a Companion of the Order of Canada.