“To be is to be perceived or to perceive.”
— Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
Simplified Meaning:
Our existence is tied to how we see the world and how the world sees us. Think about when a tree falls in a forest. If nobody hears it, did it really make a sound? This means that we are real because other people notice us and we notice the things around us. For example, a famous artist becomes recognized because people see their work; the art exists and has meaning because it is observed and appreciated. Similarly, when we interact with others, we feel more alive and connected. This idea encourages us to engage more with our surroundings and with other people, making our experiences more meaningful. By staying aware and mindful of our interactions, we add value to our lives and the lives of those around us.
Related tags
Being Consciousness Epistemology Existence Metaphysics Ontology Perception Philosophy Reality
FEATURED QUOTES