Merriam-Webster Dictionary: per•spec•tive
noun \pər-ˈspek-tiv\
1a – the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye; specifically : representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance
1b – a picture in perspective
2a – the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed <places the issues in proper perspective>; also: point of view
2b – the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance <trying to maintain my perspective>
3a – a visible scene; especially: one giving a distinctive impression of distance: vista
3b – a mental view or prospect <to gain a broader perspective on the international scene-Current Biography>
4 – the appearance to the eye of objects in respect to their relative distance and positions
Perspective can mean a lot of things. My excruciating experience with Atlanta traffic last Thursday was put into perspective when I read Sunday’s AJC; in particular definition 2b “the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance.”
A woman died last Thursday; and it was gruesome. I’ll never know why she was walking on a dangerous 10-lane highway at rush hour. My personal frustration and annoyance was put into perspective. That day will soon be a lost memory for me. But for her it was tragic; a day that her loved ones will never forget.
It’s easy to be flippant sometimes; and I can be quite the smart-ass. This Sunday I was reminded that life is about where you are standing, and I only experience my view. The view from your perspective is very different.
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“It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.” ― Andrew J. Holmes, Wisdom in Small Doses
