Sensory Perception / A Different View of Perception

Six Blind Men From India (Hindustan) - A Folk Tale         

Six old men who were born blind lived in a village in India. They were entertained by kind people of the village who told them stories and news events. One day they were told that the Rajah’s daughter was going to visit the village riding on an elephant. They were told that elephants were used to doing hard work, such as carrying heavy loads and knocking down trees. They wondered how an animal could be so strong and yet be so gentle.         

So they were very excited when they were told that the Rajah and his daughter were traveling to a nearby city and they would be taken there to meet an elephant. An old friend from their village took them to where the elephant was resting and they were allowed to touch the large creature.         

The first blind man reached out and touched the side of the huge animal.  "An elephant is smooth and solid like a wall!," he declared.         

The second blind man put his hand on the elephant's trunk. "An elephant is like a giant snake," he declared.         

The third blind man felt the elephant's pointed tusk. "This creature is as sharp and deadly as a spear," he declared.         

The fourth blind man touched one of the elephant's four legs. “This animal is much like a tree,” he declared.         

The fifth blind man felt the elephant's giant ear. "I believe an elephant is like a huge fan,” he declared.         

The sixth blind man gave a tug on the elephant's coarse tail. "Why, this elephant is nothing more than a piece of old rope," he declared.         

The gardener led his friends to the shade of a tree. "Sit here and rest for the long journey home," he said. "I will bring you some water to drink."         

While they waited, the six blind men talked about the elephant. Each of them strongly and loudly defended his version of the elephant The discourse was loud enough that it awoke the Rajah from his afternoon nap,         

"How can each of you be so certain you are right?" The ruler asked them.         

The six blind men considered the question. And then, knowing the Rajah to be a very wise man, they decided to say nothing at all.        

 "The elephant is a very large animal," said the Rajah kindly. "Each of you touched only one part. Perhaps if you put your parts together and work together, you will see the truth. Now, let me finish my nap in peace."

Sports Example

Sometimes we don’t have all the information we need or the ability to get the job done. We can ask for help.

Problem:

Your soccer team is not coming together as a team.  You have done all you can to have them accept “I’m a member of  this team. We all work together to make the team get better.” What else can I do to get that message across?

You called your cousin, Jim, who is a psychologist and told him your problem. He gave you an idea. This is what you do.

“Okay, guys. All of you get together out at mid-field. Good. Now lay down on your backs, close your eyes and keep them closed. Good. I’m going to walk around and give you some things to do while you are playing soccer. Now, just relax and keep in touch with my voice. You are dribbling down the center of the field. You’re passing the ball to your right wing  and getting a pass back. passing if back to you, leading your teammate to you left, getting a pass back, taking a shot at goal."