I wrote a quote about this some time ago; this post is a revised version.

I’ve always wondered how big an aircraft can be. Standing near one feels so massive that it could hold hundreds of people as they board. I often imagine the passengers inside a passing plane from the ground. Where are they headed? What are they listening to or watching? Who are these people, generally? I figure some of them must be lost in thought or already asleep, just like I often am, and I wonder if anyone ever really takes the time to watch the aircraft when I’m high up in the sky. I’m sure they do, since airplanes always seem to attract attention when they fly. It’s fascinating how thinking about others’ perspectives can change our views and understanding.

How can a huge aircraft on the ground seem so small when it’s in the sky? I understand: physics, distance, speed, and so on. However, when I imagine it soaring above in my mind, it barely fits in my palms when on the ground! What one person considers big might seem small to someone else. People inside the aircraft will see how vast the world is and realize how tiny their huge aircraft appears among the clouds. What makes sense to one person might not to another. Some may see a weed as a flower, and one person’s food can be another’s poison. A fragrance, or an ingredient in a tasty dish, can trigger allergies for some. Blue might look purple to certain people, and nine can appear as 6 when flipped upside down. It’s all about perspective. Still, it’s also helpful to observe people’s reactions to unfamiliar things. Are they curious or rebellious?

We must acknowledge that the world is much broader in terms of its people, perspectives, and diversity than we often realize. If we aim to understand how others think, we should try stepping into their shoes. Anyway, recognizing that we know little or nothing about anything or everything is the first step toward understanding.