How does perception influence our thinking?

Our perception does influence our thinking and vice versa. Someone said that the eye is the window of our body. That makes sense because we use our eye most of the time. What we see affects what we think. Eventually, what we think influences how we live.

Encarta World Encyclopedia defines perception as "the process of using the senses to acquire information about the surrounding environment or situation." In other words, perception is the act of gaining information through our senses. That means not only the sense of sight is used in perceiving, we use our sense of smell, touch, hearing, and taste as well.

Another definition of perception is "the result of the process of perception." It is the information acquired by the interpretation of the senses.

Probably the most common definition of what perception is the "attitude or understanding based on what is observed or thought." In short, an "impression."

As was stated earlier, what we see affects what we think. The information we acquired from the interpretation of our senses either alter the way we usually think or fortify the way we think about things. That's what the expression "Aha!" is for.

However, the process could be done in reverse. What we think will sometimes, if not all the time, influence how we view new information. That is why we sometimes are skeptical when foreign ideas invade our minds. Our thinking or current perception of things or an idea filters the new perception or information so that it fits the perception that our mind is willing to retain.

There are factors that can affect the way perception influences our thinking. The most common is logic or reason. Human reason can filter out or accept new perceptions. Another is values. Human values and culture can also filter or accommodate new perceptions regardless of the logicality of new information. These values may come from religion or faith, education, or superstitions.

The mass media is an important transporter of new information. Thus, it contributes a lion's share of proliferating new ideas and perception of almost everything around us. Since perception affects our thinking, values and beliefs, almost everyday we are challenged with various perceptions through the media. Well, there is something we should be thankful for, our freedom to choose. We can choose to accommodate the perceptions bombarded on us or we can filter them out. Be reminded: what we think will influence what we do.