QuoteProject
We see the world, not as it is, but as we are -- or, as we are conditioned to see it. When we open our mouths to describe what we see, we in effect describe ourselves, our perceptions, our paradigms.
Stephen Covey
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Our perceptions shape how we view the world around us, reflecting our internal beliefs and conditioning.

This quote by Stephen Covey emphasizes that our understanding of the world is not an objective truth, but rather a reflection of our own perceptions, experiences, and conditioning. When we communicate our views, we reveal more about ourselves and the frameworks through which we interpret reality, highlighting the subjective nature of human understanding.

Themes

PerceptionSelf-AwarenessConditioningRealityUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about self-awareness and personal growth.

More from Stephen Covey

How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
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.
Stephen CoveyRead
Listen with your eyes for feelings.
Stephen CoveyRead
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.
Stephen CoveyRead
Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
Stephen CoveyRead
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

Similar quotes

Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war.
John AdamsRead
What most needs explanation is not why some people are criminals, but why most people are not.
James Q. WilsonRead
Je est un autre. (I is someone else).
Arthur RimbaudRead
Dreams are the touchstones of our character.
Henry David ThoreauRead
He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God's providence to lead him aright.
Blaise PascalRead
Some people are born good-looking. Some have the gift of gab. And some are lucky enough to be born smarter than the rest of us. Whether we like it or not, Mother Nature does not dole these characteristics out evenly.
Simon SinekRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.