Perspective

Perspective is the change in perception relating to a different angle or view. Perspective alters the internal reality and adds layers to understanding of some thing, some idea, some person. The layers are facets of the “real” thing, idea or person. (Were these already there, or do they depend on our seeing them?). Let us imagine for the moment that the “ideal” or “reality” exists without us knowing it, then these aspects lie waiting hidden, curled up, as dimensions to be discovered.

However, that which is perceived is altered by observation. (As demonstrated by quantum mechanics). Therefore perspective weaves together both prior existence and new creation. The angles or perspectives that we as individuals have yet to discover have a proto-existence. Not yet within reality, yet potent. (With high potential), which we activate through perception, and with that – create something entirely new.

Is this what Bion understands in his insight (perspective?) that ideas exist independently and before thought?

“Thinking is a development forced upon the psyche by the pressure of thoughts, and not the other way around” WR BION 1962

Perspective therefore involves processes of discovery (or rediscovery) of what already exists – AND creation since the observation changes what is real. The pressure of pre-existing thoughts create the apparatus for thinking. The thinking transforms the thoughts.

There are two further aspects. Firstly externality. The very nature of perspective requires a boundary. One has to have an observer and observed. Secondly change. Perspective is most useful when there is something new – a change of angle. This allows and opens up the possibility of comparison. This viewpoint ADDED to and COMPARED with that viewpoint. It is this accretion of understanding that is useful and most probably implied when we use the word – perspective.

Perspective. A word with four attendants. Potential, Creation. Externality. Change.