perception

Different people have different perception. The way we perceive others or vice versa defines the way we communicate with each other. Sometimes, i would think, why must we live under the perception of other people? where is our true self? To me, the answer is there is no True Self. The way we are right now is created by the people around us. This is somehow related to the self-fulfilling prophecy. Because we want to live up to the expectation of others; we want to confirm by the people around us; we want to praise by the others; we want to avoid punishment, therefore, we are what we are right now. Do you get what i m trying to say?



This makes me think of a story that is quite interesting.



A couple bought a donkey from the market. On the way home,a boy commented, "Very stupid. Why neither of them ride on the donkey?"Upon hearing that, the husband let the wife ride on the donkey. He walked besides them.

Later, an old man saw it and commented, "The husband is the head of family. How can the wife ride on the donkey while the husband is on foot?" Hearing this, the wife quickly got down and let the husband ride on the donkey.
Further on the way home, they met an old Lady. She commented, "How can the man ride on the donkey but let the wife walk. He is no gentleman."The husband thus quickly asked the wife to join him on the donkey.

Then, they met a young man. He commented, "Poor donkey, how can you hold up the weight of two persons. They are cruel to you." Hearing that, the husband and wife immediately climbed down from the donkey and carried it on their shoulders.
It seems to be the only choice left. Later, on a narrow bridge, the donkey was frightened and struggled. They lost their balance and fell into the river.



This story tell us that we cannot always live to the expectation of others. Although we are what we are because we want to confirm by other people, we just cannot fulfill the expectation of every people. Sometimes, we have to choose. You can never have everyone praise you, nor will everyone condemn you. Never in the past, not at present, and never will be in the future.