Dr. Rachel Altvater

This psychological, self-insight ‘think book’ aims to shed light on the complexities of human perspective. Each person filters their perceptions and reality through their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The method in which we view the world, ourselves, and one another varies person to person. While humans have commonalities, each person is truly unique; no two people have the same structure within which they perceive and evaluate their lived experiences. A vast array of perspectives adds immense depth and opportunity for growth as a species; however, human beings in our polarized society often struggle to empathize with or understand one another. Deep rooted human injustices and suffering combined with ignorance to and invalidation of others’ lived experiences exacerbates misunderstanding and division. This makes reaching a unified ground exceptionally challenging. This writing draws from various social and brain science frameworks to provide insight into how perspective develops and shapes one’s reality. It offers additional guidance for how to strengthen empathy, understanding, and connection. It also includes excerpts from scholars with specialties and expertise in disciplines both directly and indirectly relevant to the topic of perspective. Writing purely from the author’s perspective would perpetuate what this text is attempting to combat — remaining like-minded and only speaking from our lens. Adding others’ personal and professional perspectives deepens the value of and wisdom within these pages.