Hubble image of the Carina Nebula where scientists believe stars and planets are formed. Photo by NASA.

The way we see other people changes our relationships with them. This isn’t just true with human beings. It affects scientific studies of the universe as well. Our lenses of perception frame everything.

We need lenses to make sense of the world. We can’t understand anything without them.

The problem is that lenses develop unconsciously. This means our perceptions are shaped at deeper levels than we realize. Rational thought and scientific objectivity can’t save us from these influences.

Beliefs are not the main cause of these distortions and biases. We’ve been seeing this backwards. Lenses are the main factor defining our beliefs, not the other way around.

So how do we get past the limitations of our lenses? Is it possible to find truth when our ways of seeing filter everything we experience? Yes there is, and it’s a simple solution: Changing lenses.

By looking at the world in different ways, we see things we couldn’t see before. If we then compare new perspectives with old ones, we can gain insights and a deeper understanding.

This site explores the discoveries that come from using this simple tool, as explained in the book, Lenses of Perception: A Surprising New Look at the Origin of Life, the Laws of Nature, and Our Universe. It assumes the reader here has read this book. In other words, this site is a continuation of the discussion and its far reaching implications.

Using this approach offers solutions to some of science’s biggest problems.

The Importance of Dialogue

Dialogue is one of the best ways to discover new lenses. By listening deeply to others and making the effort to see from their point of view, we often find completely new perspectives. These perceptions expand our awareness.

Since true dialogue begins with profound listening, this site is a place for respectful discussions. Please express everything you say here in a way that respects others.

Disagreements and differing points of view are valuable. They are great ways of sparking a dialogue and making it more interesting for everyone, but only if they also give space for those who see things differently.

Constructive criticism is welcome. We love feedback of all kinds, but anger and attacks on others will be removed, since their purpose is to end dialogue, and we want this to be a place for beginnings not endings, where we can each make discoveries that deepen our experience of life.