We are all trapped inside of ourselves. In perceiving their environment, most men (referring to the human race collectively and not the male gender exclusively) interpret their surroundings based on how it directly or indirectly relates to them and their circle of influence. When a statement is made to a person or about a person, the individual is immediately inclined to question not only the validity of the statement, but also how this statement (and its underlining intentions) may impact the “existence” of the individual. When perceived poorly, or with a cynical/pessimistic attitude, the individual then “takes offense” at the statement. Regardless of the intentions of the person delivering the statement, it is the individual’s sole discretion on how the statement will be perceived.
Our perspective often begins from this view point. How does this or that relate to me? If I were the one initiating that action, it would be because of “X”. I really like/dislike “Y” therefore, the chances that individual likes/dislikes “Y” are higher. Friends, lovers, enemies and those despised are often chosen in this manner. We perceive a “piece” of ourselves in another person and we choose whether or not we agree with the way that individual responded.
Somewhere within ourselves we can relate to another’s thoughts, actions or intentions. Even if it is a simple peripheral understanding, we can still view the choices of another and decide how we would respond (or think we would/should) and then we decide how best to judge the actions or perceived intentions of the observed individual. Sympathy is often a very simple form of this phenomenon that we can recognize, and relate to.
The less obvious situation occurs when others respond in a way that is contrary to our chosen perspective. We don’t attribute our feelings toward an offending individual to any part of ourselves or the choices we have made. Our thoughts, feelings or actions declare the opposite, but these negative gestures are our way of taking our perspective and forcibly willing it upon another, directly or indirectly when subconsciously we are attempting it upon ourselves. This is how we maintain a perception of control in our lives that would otherwise be lost.
The next step is to take our perspective outside of ourselves. Have you ever observed another person unaware of your gaze, unacquainted with yourself, and wondered what their thoughts and perspective were at that time? You try to see how they respond to their environment, the people around them, and the ones they seem to care about. They seem worried, frustrated, happy, content, excited. They are late for the bus, a train. It’s their anniversary. His first time to a baseball game. As we are all trapped within ourselves, we are still left to perceive these individuals through our own eyes. The character of these individuals was formed by events, feelings and choices that you never experienced. We can’t read minds, or truly perceive intentions but we can attempt to understand the lives and cares of others independent of how they may affect us. Encounters of this type lend to love, loathing or apathetic indifference.
We then take this perspective one step further and apply it to individuals that we are acquainted with. We have a certain foundation of knowledge and understanding that allows us to take our perspective one step outside of ourselves. We know of this person’s cares, concerns and passions; their choices and experiences. We are still left to interpret the knowledge that we have based on our own understanding but the advantage that we have is the opportunity to dialogue with the individual, experience their experiences with them and gain a greater understanding of that individual and how they perceive life. Initially our attention is drawn and contoured by how this individual, their actions and intentions, relate to us. Similar to our initial perspective only this time we have a priori knowledge that takes the interpretation partially out of our head. As our understanding matures our perspective follows in like manner. We learn to see life and our environment as it relates to more than just ourselves.
As we cultivate and nurture this perspective we can attempt to apply this to others. From our understanding of how we relate to our close friends and family, we can appreciate more fully, from the third person’s perspective, the subtleties of how others with these intentions interact. An appreciation (almost independent of ourselves) is cultivated.
Unfortunately some use this perspective for their own selfish gain. With knowledge of these interactions (or purely by devious chance) mankind can inflict damning harm. When a person opens themselves up to these intimate mental and emotional connections they find themselves vulnerable to an attack on the 1st person perspective. In this state the individual gladly welcomes and incorporates the aforementioned “piece” of ourselves perceived in others. That gives another direct access to a part of ourselves that we use to define ourselves. An attack on this is a direct affront to our very existence, as we perceive it. Unfortunately, for this reason, many people choose not to live their lives with this kind of attachment.
The final and grandest perspective is, the love of God.
“They who dwell in his presence are the church of the Firstborn; and they see as they are seen, and know as they are known, having received of his fulness and of his grace;” (D&C 76:94).
We will see God in our eternal state and we will be like Him. How different is God’s perspective today? All things are continually before His face (“He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever. D&C 88:41). Can He see us in our eternal state, today? Can He see others in their eternal state? Can we see as we are seen, now? Can we see others are they are seen, now? Viewing the world through the eyes of God, now, is to "know" God, to "receive" God, to feel the love of God! All other perspectives are shallow and baseless when compared to this exalted view.
How can we gain this exalted view while in mortality? The Holy Ghost grants us access to the will of the Father and if we are worthy, and it is His will, we can "know" of His love.
The adversary’s goal is to keep us from this eternal perspective. When our perspective and desires leave ourselves we are freed from sin and his influence is thwarted.
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