Do you just look, or really see?

Question

When you look around you, or stare out of the window i.e. on a train, at work, do you actually take in all the little things that are happening, or do you just look and not see anything?

I notice everything, and study people in such depth! The world is a fascinating place, don't you think?

Answer 1

I do the same thing . When I drive by houses I wonder what kind of family lives there or when I see someone eating in a restaurant by themselves , I wonder if they are lonely...I love looking at elderly couples that still hold hands and watching dads make over their children ! It is definetely a fascinating world !!

Answer 2

From reading above answers your question seems
to have provoked a rather large number of different
and contrary opinions. Well, I believe that most of
us "see" but not in depth which is perception. Those
that actually "see" are photographers and artists
whose perception goes beyond the image. This is
made clear if you go to a photo exhibition since you
will be able to sense the difference between a "Good"
or "gifted" photographer since the static image will
tell you a lot more than a simple image. I suppose it
can be described as the the difference between the
simple pop-and-shoot photographer to the gifted
professional. I don‘t want to name any particular
professional over another although I do have a clear
"in depth" vision of one from the other. Now, I would to
mention the difference between "art" and "journalistic"
photography from advertising imagery since the latter
is "tricking" your mind to sense the difference from one
hamburger as more "tasty" than the other when,
perhaps it may not be true. "Art" photography will
tell you a story which goes beyond the the still image.
"Journalistic" photography should provoke the same
senses at a given moment but there is no set-up, it
is the "fleeting" moment as it happens.

Now, I am well aware that some readers will think that
I am swaying far from your specific question. I am only
trying to draw your attention to the last phrase in small
print which reads "I notice everything, and study people
in such depth! The world is a fascinating place, don‘t
you think?" This phrase contains the answer to your own
question and should be in bold letters. I am pleased that
you asked this question as I know that you are not the
only one. I also feel and see the same, as do most others
but are not interested enough to sense the "depth" of the
perceived image. My opinion is that with the moving image
(cinema) has changed people‘s preferences and believe
that they should go back to their original senses. Keep
looking "into" people and not simply "at" them.
Hope this long answer will help others to see beyond the
"make up". Iain Ritchie

Answer 3

I look and try to read between the lines of everything, even if it's just the flowers blowing in the breeze. It makes you feel so calm and (I know it sounds goofy) but 'at one' with nature, that's the only way I can describe it. It is so easy to get carried away in the rat race of life, but what's the rush?........even if you run the fastest, at the end of it you're still a rat!! When I'm diving I love to spend the time really looking at the creatures I find, watching where their little hide-aways are and realizing that I'm on the same wonderful planet that they are. Or when I'm riding, I love the feeling that you and your horse really work together to achieve what you want. Yes, the world IS a fascinating place!

Answer 4

Hi, I love people watching, all those different lives, different families. When i am on holiday or just people watching i also think that i will never see these people again in my life. I notice a lot of details as well, i think it's just how you are some people let the world go by, others sit up and take notice. People are so fascinating...........

Answer 5

Well, I've always assumed that everybody sees around them. I think it's very easy to think that you're the only one and that everyone else is just going through the motions of their day. Saying that I have found that depending on what's happening in your own life can effect how often and how much you actually see around you. People also 'notice' different things. I have a friend who would notice every little thing and everybody's physical movements within her visual range but she can be oblivious to the feelings and thoughts of those around her, whereas I would be likely to pick up on peoples feelings, emotions and thoughts by just being near them but would be less likely to notice what colour they were wearing or whether they crossed the road or not.

Answer 6

Regardless of how much we percieve, we only get a fraction of the information that is floating around. We can see only a fraction of the EM Spectrum, we can only hear certain frequencies. We can't feel anything that we haven't got physical contact with. These are just a few examples.

We can percieve more by analysing what we know and estimating what we know is missing but there is an immense volume of information that we cannot even measure with all the technology we have at our disposal.

We are effectively in the womb of existence.

Answer 7

I think if you're artistic then you tend to 'see' more than most people do, you become fascinated by the tiniest of details. I'm like you,I observe and take in a lot when I'm out and about. Airports are wonderful places for studying people!

Answer 8

It depends where I am. If I'm occupied I tend not to notice as much unless an unexpected or unusual distraction arrives. But when I have nothing to do I sit and think...I look at the world around me and my train of thought begins. A lot of things can be very interesting when you get the chance to really look.

Answer 9

I tend to take in everything, i stare and notice quite a lot at the unusual things that people would just ignore, especially on the train to and home from work as people are so so different and the things they do........ I think that was a very strange but good question you asked......

Answer 10

I tend to take in everything I hear or see. Trouble is you might spend half your time analysing things. Sometimes you can pick up on things you wish you hadn't. I'm like you, I like to study people it's intriguing. It's a pity some people don't take more time to really see and listen, this would help people understand others better and maybe solve some of the problems of today! Happy people watching!