- 7/16/2009 7:41:14 PMPerception and RealityOne of the main problems with lying, deception and in this case - exaggeration - is that the consequences always catches up with you. In today's episode of "Michael knows best", Michael convinces Grandma that he can swim.
Michael: Grandma I can swim!
Grandma: Really? Oh that's great!
Mom: Michael, you cannot swim.
Michael: Well I can a little bit
Truth: Michael cannot swim at all. He is skinny, bony and has almost no fat on his body. He sinks like a rock.
The following day, Mom brings Michael to swimming lessons at the local beach. While in the 4 foot area, Michael plays with a flotation board. It slips from his grip and begins to drift past the buoys and into slightly deeper water.
This is not a problem for our self-deceived swimming pro. Michael bounces up and down a few times, moves over to the board and begins to grasp for it. With all of his flailing around, he unintentionally pushes the board a little farther out. Then... the drop off. Whoops! Under he goes.
Bob up, Bob down, Bob up, Bob down... still down.
SPLASH! Into the water goes the life guard. Michael is safe and saved from the near fatal consequences of his own actions.
Lifeguard: Mom, Did you see that? Michael had some trouble and I had to jump in and get him.
Mom: That's funny, he was just telling Grandma that he knew how to swim.
Lifeguard: How did that work out for you Michael?
Michael: Not so good.
Once upon a time I was told by a former boss of mine that "Perception Is Reality". In truth, they are not the same but the practicality of it is that what a person perceives to be true can have the same or nearly the same effect as if it were actually true. Perceived truth can invoke the same response as actual truth. This sort of psychobabble is all fine and good until you get into deep water.
