We see only what we know.

Question

do you agree with this quote? what do you think it means?

Answer 1

if that's true then how do we see new things?

Answer 2

Ridiculous exaggeration!! A newly born child knows nothing of the external world.... does it therefore see nothing of it? It is true that unless we can understand and know, mere seeing is like meaningless seeing, almost equivalent of not seeing at all. Moreover, our mind plays a major role in what we see..... we only see what we want to or are willing to... this is a subconscious process that filters what we see!! The quote makes sense that way.

Answer 3

If we are not in tune to 'see' something, then we are not looking for it.  For example, remember those fuzzy pics that were in the center of the mall years ago?  They looked like tv static, but then a pic would 'pop' out if you stared at it right way.  It took all of us a minute to learn how to view the pic, but then it was easy to see the hidden picture.  This is exactly how life is.  

Answer 4

I think there is a little confusion here. We all see what we want to see - and this is caused by filtration in the eyes and mind. For instance a javelin enthusiast  will mainly see the javelin - but  a lecher will  mainly see the body movements.

Answer 5

It means, we can only see or learn what we know. If we can't understand something, then we will not learn it. You need to watch the movies "what the bleep do we know" and "apostolic fathers"

Answer 6

Actually it's we see only what we want to see, not what we know or understand.