Perception and Perspective or How to be a sniper.

I have been a big fan of sniper movies. It started with video game playing. But its fascinating to watch a bullet travelling in slow motion as often shown in movies like Wanted 2008. I can tell you hundreds of best sniper scenes from the tip of my tongue. Latest being the series "The day of the Jackal" where I learned how to sympathise with a killer. Yet one important thing that every sniper is capable of is predicting the future. And it is all about perception and perspective.

The sniper: https://unsplash.com/@visualsbyroyalz

What is perception and perspective? 

Perception is what you feel about the world through your senses. Five senses and thoughts let you create your own reflections about the world and interpret. And this is the subjectivity. Perspective on the other hand is to think from someone else's point of view. In healthcare we call it empathy. And just like singing and dancing some people are inherently good at picking up perspectives. And definitely philosophers and snipers. As if you want to become a good sniper you have to master the perspective.

Imagine a sniper scene, where a duo of snipers are on a mission. They wait observing their enemies. And when they observe their target, they are going to be in the perspective mode. As far as distance matters, from the time they shoot a bullet to the hit there is about a few seconds gap. Essentially they are shooting into the future, and they have to predict where their enemy is going to be in a few seconds. To do this they have to think like the enemy. Hence perspectives are important in becoming a better sniper.

Perspective is essential in understanding human nature. And it is an inherent part of philosophy. It's the famous bus example. When a pretty looking girl boards a bus everyone will look at her. That is human nature and perception. But if you are a sniper or a philosopher you would look at others' faces when it happens. And that is because you are inherently curious about their perspective. And this will give you an advantage, as now you posses someone's perspective you can try predicting the future. Often someone who is more aware of perspectives is hard to fool.

Perspectives: https://unsplash.com/@visualsbyroyalz

Why you should learn others' perspectives.

If you are inherently not curious about someone else's perspective still I suggest you learn and train about it. As a motivation I would say it's cashable. Some would say it's cunning. But I would label it as an evolutionary advantage over others. Obviously not only snipers and philosophers, but teachers, doctors, even cops use it in interrogation rooms. You might lure someone into your agenda even without them knowing when you know their perspective. It seems unethical, but it happens all the time, in every human encounter. Even with your partner. And I am sure you will use this weapon only for "peaceful purposes". 😅

Generally, I do not want to limit myself in imagination. So I would say, just imagine for the fun of it. Imagine the perspective of a Jew, in autzwichtz. Think about the perspective of Larry Holmes when he was beaten by Mike Tyson. Feel what it means to be the person sitting next to you in the bus. And do not stop there.

Think about the world from the point of view of a crow. An earthworm. Or a jellyfish. What it is like to be a crab in the clutches of a kingfisher. 

Think some more. Think like a wave. Think like a tree. I can see there are much more interesting things if you consider the possibilities. Write a poem from the perspective of an Alien, or feel what if death is a friend. And most importantly write them down before you forget. Maybe you should comment.