Seeing from the very beginning of humankind was fundamental to our perception and understanding of the world.
What we can observe, we know that it exists, without a doubt. Indeed, observational facts, events, occurrences are the primary source of our knowledge of the world. We take our understanding from what we see. Without seeing something (e.g., a dark matter or Black Holes), we mostly speculate that something exists. Or, we somehow try to present it as an image. This kind of picture is an abstract one, practically an artistic one. Ok, let’s back to the topic of the correlation between watching and learning.
What’s the most astonishing proof that we learn the world (especially the Universe) by observing?
It is humans’ astronomic observation of the two Magellanic Clouds. These space objects are among the nearest galaxies to our Milky Way Galaxy. We can observe them from the outside looking in. Thus, it is often more comfortable for astronomers to understand what is going on there than in our own Galaxy. For me, the Magellanic Clouds case is the enchanting proof that we would not know the world, and even the Universe, as much as we would like to without seeing and observing. The interesting is the fact that we can better analyze Magellanic Clouds than Milky Way Galaxy. Why? Because we cannot follow the latter from the outside. Thus, it is more precise for scientists to explain what is happening in the Magellanic Clouds than in our Galaxy. In this case, seeing is crucial to understand what is happening.
The second famous example and proof that learning by seeing is the most fundamental way to get to know the world is infants’ case.
I do not have a child, but I am convinced that seeing and observing the infant’s surroundings is an excellent way to learn the surroundings. Of course, hearing for an infant is, undoubtedly, another one of the best ways to understand the world. Still, seeing and observing is the fundamental skill to develop to get to know the world. Thus, I recommend you, my Dear Friend, to watch your surroundings and monitor and analyze, e.g., works of art. If you do not know where to start, I recommend Taschen’s books. If you do not want to buy these books, you can search for the portfolio on the www.adammazek.com website.
