Pause and Pounder- Emphasis On Timeless Value Of Perspective. People around Orita University of Ibadan – Agbowo in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and its environs called him a madman.
Still, I was surprised when he moved close to me years ago and said, “Can I ask you a fundamental question?” I nodded, in acceptance, and then he asked, “Am I a madman?”
Meanwhile, I had this encounter with him, when he came begging for food in my auntie’s restaurant at Agbowo where I went to visit her and probably assisted her for the day.
Before I narrate my ordeal with him, let me explain what perspective means to me.
perspective is a tool from which we can see life, situations, problems, people, from many different views.
It thus create an understanding which can create a union where there was none.
The obvious answer, from a sane person, will be, “no”, and that was what I said. “Thank you!” he replied; then he said, “Just because I don’t see things the way other people do, does that make me a mad man?” “No”, I answered again. By this time, people have started gathering to hear him speak as he seldom communicates sane words to people.
He then bent down, wrote “W”, and asked me what he wrote. At this point, I was already feeling ashamed, getting involved in a lengthy conversation with him (a mad man).
In a hurry to leave, I said “w”, but I was amazed when he replied to my answer:
“You only see ‘W’, because of the angle at which you are looking at it.
If you turn the letter upside down, you’ll see “M”; from the right side, it is “3”, and from the left side, it is “E”.
Pause and Pounder- Emphasis on Timeless Value of Perspective
Photo Credit : @olayemiagboola
The fact that I don’t see things from the perspective that everyone is seeing it doesn’t make me a mad man, he said. Then he left.
I pondered for so long about this thought; and more, its application to life which can actually be a clear lesson for individuals regardless of their gender, age or status, business leaders, and employers of labour.
We act, and relate to people, based on the perspective at which we are looking at their situation.
Have you taken your time to look at other possible perspectives, views and angles?
Maybe, a little from their own view before we judge them?
I then decided that, before I get angry with, or act against, or judge, anyone that has done something unfavourable to me, I will view it from at least three possible perspectives, mine, theirs and others.
So, before you judge people before you rage your anger on them, take a little time to view their angle or perspective, and, if you still cannot see a reasonable reason, then you may act REASONABLY.
Pause and Pounder- Emphasis on Timeless Value of Perspective
WAYS TO ACT REASONABLY?
1. Developing a reasonable thinking process is far above an intellectual process. It is located in the world of thought and not in the world of action. Its objective is to change the way we see things and not the things themselves.
For example, a lady in her forties who arrives late to work daily.
she could set up an alarm clock to wake up earlier or cut down on her early morning chores.
But change is not just a matter of promptness.
If she limits her change to action only, then she will arrive late again within weeks, back to her old habits.
To make a permanent change, she needs to change the way she looks at punctuality.
2. All prospective or reflection is based on a system of values that we construct from what we believe is desirable and right.
3. Good communication is very vital so as to harmonize the way others see things.
4. This exists only if it can be shared among those it concerns.
It exists only if they take ownership of their thought. It has to motivate.
This gives everyone involved room to be creative and space for personal development and thinking outside the box.
5. Acting reasonably – it’s an ambitious image of a future state that is radically preferable to the current state.
It becomes a reference and thereby provides a set of concepts that allow all (man, woman, old or young) regardless of who you are to approach life, work, vision, home thoughtfully and effectively.
Pause and Pounder- Emphasis on Timeless Value of Perspective
