The brain is a filter, like a sluice box. And that tiny amount of sensory input that shakes out of the final micro-screen is further edited by the brain. In short, the brain is a powerful filter and real-time editor. Seeing is believing. Believing is seeing. Both of those statements have merit.
The edits are shaped by belief. For example, if you fear people of a certain race, you are more likely to pick them out of a perp lineup. Memory is largely comprised of fabrications.
Buddhism was mentioned, and Alan Watts. Buddhism stresses the concept of maya (illusion). Our brains work very hard to keep us living in the ego-self. There, we perceive the universe as made up of separate elements. We identify as 'individuals'. On the one hand, it is true that I am separate from that tree or rock. On the other hand, the universe is one indivisible continuous unity. Paradox.
The edits are shaped by belief. For example, if you fear people of a certain race, you are more likely to pick them out of a perp lineup. Memory is largely comprised of fabrications.
Buddhism was mentioned, and Alan Watts. Buddhism stresses the concept of maya (illusion). Our brains work very hard to keep us living in the ego-self. There, we perceive the universe as made up of separate elements. We identify as 'individuals'. On the one hand, it is true that I am separate from that tree or rock. On the other hand, the universe is one indivisible continuous unity. Paradox.