Quote by Sidney Jourard

We begin life with the world presenting itself to us as it is. Someone - our parents, teachers, analysts - hypnotizes us to see the world and construe it in the right way. These others label the world, attach names and give voices to the beings and events in it, so that thereafter, we cannot read the world in any other language or hear it saying other things to us. The task is to break the hypnotic spell, so that we become undeaf, unblind and multilingual, thereby letting the world speak to us in new voices and write all its possible meanings in the new book of our existence. Be careful in your choice of hypnotists.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the power of influence and perception in shaping our understanding of the world. It suggests that from the moment we are born, others have the ability to shape our understanding of reality through language and labeling. Breaking free from this "hypnotic spell" requires the conscious effort to challenge the established ways of seeing and to become open to new perspectives. By doing so, we can become aware, receptive, and open-minded, allowing the world to communicate with us in diverse voices and reveal its array of meanings. The quote also reminds us to carefully choose those who shape our perceptions, as their influence can greatly impact our ability to understand the world.