Language is a wonderful thing. Using the power of language, mankind has been to space. We’ve built incredible civilizations and wonderful art. I love language!
But now and then, it’s helpful to remember that language, and the civilization it carries, puts layers and layers of occlusion over fundamental truths.
We so often follow the words, and we stop looking at anything else. Want a real trip? Watch a foreign language film – or even better, TV show. Don’t put the subtitles on. Let yourself be totally lost in terms of words, but leave yourself every other element. The visuals, the tone of voice, the setting. Let your gut instincts tell you what’s going on.
You won’t pick up every nuance. But you’ll notice things you never did before. You may not know what the bad guy did, but you’ll know who the bad guy is, for sure. If it’s a secret, you’ll probably figure it out before someone who understands the words!
Go to a part of the world where you can’t understand what’s being said, and just observe. You’ll see who leads social groups, you’ll see who’s in love, you’ll see all sorts of things that the words hid from you.
Keep that observation sharp. Even with the words, those are helpful skills.
The Opportunity Machine 