How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
Each of us tends to think we see things as they are, that we are objective. But this is not the case. We see the world, not as it is, but as we are - or as we are conditioned to see it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our perceptions of reality are shaped by our beliefs and conditioning.
This quote by Stephen Covey emphasizes the idea that our interpretation of the world is influenced by our personal experiences, biases, and conditioning. Rather than seeing objective reality, we filter our perceptions through our individual lenses, which can distort the truth and lead to misunderstandings. It calls for self-awareness and the recognition that our views are subjective, shaped by our backgrounds and environments.
Themes
PerceptionSubjectivityRealityConditioningSelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about cultural differences, this quote can help illustrate how our upbringing affects our viewpoint.
More from Stephen Covey
All quotes →If you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
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Listen with your eyes for feelings.
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If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
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Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
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Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
Stephen CoveyRead
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