As we read throughout our day, we assign meaning to the words. Then we give value to that meaning. Then we make a judgment about that value – to make a decision one way or another. All within milliseconds. And all based on what we already perceive to be true.
Albert Einstein was curious about this idea:
Are things in life consistent and predictable?
Or do we determine the state of things depending on our perspective?
Or do we determine the state of things depending on our perspective?
All of us make thousands of decisions every day based on our perception of meaning and how that meaning fits with what we already know or perceive in our lives.
For example, think of that time you were sitting at a red light. Suddenly, you stomped on the brake pedal. You knew something was moving, but for a split second, you weren’t sure if it was your Subaru or the other guy’s Honda.
That, in one sense, is relativity. You are only able to determine motion – the Honda, by first determining non-motion – your Subaru.
Time and space are relative.