"Your emotion is validated, but it is not the fact." – Lyric
Lyric, a server at the restaurant Café Flora in Seattle, unexpectedly shared this wisdom with us during a lunch with the Huayruro team. Her words have stuck with us so much that we periodically recall them. This simple yet profound statement captures how our emotions and interpretations, while valid, are not necessarily objective facts. It perfectly introduces the topic at hand—the difference between facts and interpretation and how our perception shapes our reality.
In our daily lives, we often accept what we see in front of us as “facts” without questioning them. But, let’s take a moment to pause and think—Is the world we see truly made up of “facts”? In reality, much of what we perceive may actually be filtered through our own “interpretations.” So, how do these interpretations form, and how do they affect us?
For example, most of us have likely experienced conflict due to differing perspectives. This often happens because we judge situations based on our upbringing, learned values, beliefs, and sense of morality. We decide what is “good” or “bad,” “right” or “wrong” through this lens. These judgments are one of the main reasons why our interpretations differ, and we often take our own interpretation as truth. Even when conflicts don’t arise, everyday conversations can easily lead to misunderstandings. Take this example: when someone says, “I like mountains,” a mountaineer might picture a 10,000-foot peak, while another person might envision a small hill nearby. The limitations of language highlight how easily interpretations can vary.
So, where does interpretation begin?
Interpretation starts the moment we recognize something. Simply put, recognition is “knowing what is there,” while interpretation is “understanding what it means.” For instance, imagine a dog barking “woof woof,” and you find it annoying. Initially, all you hear is the sound “woof woof.” But based on past experiences, you recognize it as “a dog barking” and interpret it as “annoying.”
Similarly, when you look up at the sky and think, “That cloud is beautiful,” you’re recognizing a fluffy white object as a “cloud.” You observe its shape and movement, then interpret it as “a beautiful cloud.” The word “cloud” itself is just a label we’ve learned from childhood. We are taught to label things to understand the world around us. These labels create boundaries between us and the world, shaping our perception of reality.
The key point here is that interpretations themselves aren’t inherently bad. What’s important is to realize that what we believe to be “reality” is often constructed through our interpretations. We unconsciously view the world through our own lens, assuming that perspective is “fact.”
So, ask yourself: “Where do facts end, and where does interpretation begin?” This question can help you uncover the illusions or misunderstandings you may have created. By becoming aware of this, your communication with others can become smoother, and misunderstandings or conflicts can be minimized. Additionally, you’ll find that you’re less likely to be swayed by your thoughts, allowing you to live a more free and flexible life.
Words and Photo by K E I K O
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