Sherlock Holmes, rings truer than ever: “The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.”
You might think that seeing is synonymous with observing, but the truth is far more complex. While seeing is a passive act, observing is an active process that requires not only visual acuity but also analytical skills.
At a basic level, “seeing” is merely the act of noticing or becoming aware of something through the senses. “Observing,” however, involves far deeper levels of engagement.
Human brains are hardwired to prioritize information; we can’t possibly process everything we see. This cognitive filtering is known as ‘selective attention,’ and it’s both a blessing and a curse.
Take the “invisible gorilla” experiment, for example. Participants were asked to watch a video of people passing basketballs and to count the number of passes.
You may wonder, “Why does it even matter if we notice the ‘obvious’? Isn’t it, by definition, not that important?” On the contrary, the ability to observe the obvious can have far-reaching implications in various aspects of our lives.
When we attune ourselves to see what’s obvious but often overlooked, we unlock a treasure trove of opportunities.
Artists, writers, and other creative individuals often excel at observing the subtleties that most people ignore. The texture of a leaf, the play of light and shadow in a room.
Being an active observer is closely tied to being an active listener. When we really observe someone in a conversation—catching the nuances of their tone.
In a world where everyone is rushed and attention spans are dwindling, the ability to observe becomes a competitive advantage.