How Do You Perceive The World?
There’s a little old man sitting on his porch in his rocking chair. He’s relaxing and enjoying the beautiful sunny day.
A car pulls up with Dad, Mom and kids aboard. Dad pokes his head out the window and asks the old man “What kind of town is this? I’m looking for a new place to live.”
The old man replies: “What kind of town did you just leave?”
The Dad answers “It was a horrible place. People were always in each others business, constantly bickering, selfish and rude.”
To which the old man replied: “Well Son, I’m afraid you’ll find the same things here.”
The Dad thanked the old man and went on down the road.
A couple of hours later another car pulls up with a family aboard. The Dad gets out of the car and walks up to the old man. He extends his hand saying “Howdy, my family and I are looking for a new town to reside in. Can you tell me what this quaint little town is like?”
The old man replies: “What kind of town did you just leave?”
“It was a fantastic place to live! Everyone knew each other, and looked out for one another. We were one big happy family. Never had to worry about my kids, because I knew they were always being looked after. The townsfolk were the nicest, kindest people you could ever hope to meet.”
The old man smiles and nods in agreement, “You’ll find the same things here. Would you like me to show you around town?”
Are you wondering why the old man gave the two men opposite answers?
It’s simply a matter of how we perceive the world. People treat us the way we expect them to …
Thus, if we believe people are rude and nasty – that’s the way we will be treated.
On the other hand, if we believe people are friendly and generous – we will be welcomed with open arms.
