On Perspective
From the moment I reached an age where I could start comprehending life and its intricacies, I’ve been captivated by the vast spectrum of the human experience.
I genuinely enjoy traveling around America (although I don’t do it very often). When I find myself in a new environment or on a train ride across the country, I become highly observant of the scenery, infrastructure, and, for lack of a better word, the vibes of society. In a weird way it’s quite instructive on life. It takes you out of the echo-chamber of your life and offers you a new perspective.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I had the chance to visit New York for the first time alongside my friends. We booked an Airbnb in Brooklyn, which was a completely unfamiliar setting for me. Choosing a direction, I walked for hours, deeply captivated by the local culture, ways of life, and the diverse range of attitudes. Our Airbnb was situated in a predominantly black working-class neighborhood. As I strolled, I gained insights into their lifestyles, interactions, sources of joy, and triggers of anxieties. Just a couple of blocks away, I entered a Jewish area of similar socio-economic background, which presented me with an entirely different perspective on their world, distinct from the community I had left behind. There’s something inexplicable about this experience that made me feel like I was learning something — perhaps fostering a more profound appreciation for humanity itself
Also, earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit my good friend Adam in San Francisco. He lived downtown. Walking through the streets of downtown San Francisco allowed me to directly experience the issue of homelessness. While I had heard about this problem on podcasts and stuff, witnessing it firsthand deepened my empathy for the situation, seeing these people as they are not as the portrayed. Continuing the theme of this narrative, it turned out to be quite an enlightening experience. The impact it had on me isn’t entirely clear, but I’m certain it left a mark. Being a devoted Golden State Warriors fan, I often walked or jogged to the Chase Center, conveniently located near the Uber offices. During these transitions, I observed the transformation from the downtown San Francisco dystopia, as you might call it, to a kind of tech-centered utopia (a slight exaggeration) in the vicinity of the Chase Center. Occasionally, I strolled through the financial district, which had its own unique quirks that held my interest. Much like my time in Brooklyn, navigating these entirely distinct worlds within such close quarters was an incredibly informative experience.
I’ve become more vigilant about little things, like the buildings in an area and what they can tell us about the human lives they house or serve, or whatever.
As someone who is deeply consumed by my anxieties, this exercise in gaining perspective is strange yet surprisingly soothing. I make an effort to observe more, whether I’m at an auto shop I haven’t been to before or at a new restaurant. This practice helps me develop a greater appreciation for my own life and for the beauty of humanity that surrounds me.
Cheers!
