Reality constructed from "summary" of Decoding the Universe by Charles Seife
Reality is not a fixed entity that exists independently of us. It is, in fact, a construct that we create through our observations and interactions with the world around us. Our perception of reality is shaped by our senses, our experiences, and our beliefs. As we go about our lives, we are constantly interpreting the information that comes to us through our senses and constructing a mental model of the world. This mental model is not a perfect representation of reality; it is a simplified version that helps us make sense of the world. We filter out information that is irrelevant or confusing, and we fill in gaps in our knowledge with assumptions and guesses. In this way, our perception of reality is always incomplete and imperfect. The process of constructing reality is not a passive one; it is an active, ongoing process that requires constant input from us. We are constantly updating our mental model of the world as we gather new information and have new experiences. Our beliefs and assumptions also play a significant role in shaping our perception of reality. If we believe something to be true, we are more likely to interpret the information that comes to us in a way that confirms our beliefs. This process of constructing reality has profound implications for how we understand the world. It means that reality is not something that is fixed and immutable; it is something that is constantly being shaped and reshaped by our perceptions and beliefs. It also means that there is no single, objective reality that exists independently of us. Instead, reality is a subjective and ever-changing construct that is unique to each individual.- We can gain insight into how our perceptions are shaped and how we can potentially change them. We can become more aware of the biases and assumptions that influence our perception of reality, and we can work to overcome them. Ultimately, by recognizing that reality is constructed, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it.
