The world is a blur. Edges are fuzzy. Things that are close and things that are far away are smudged. I can see, but not clearly. Until I put my glasses on. Then the world becomes distinct. Beliefs are like that as well. They influence our perception, they change how we see the world and how we view ourselves.
Taking this idea further, I realise that the aide belief provides can come in two flavours. Belief can function as eyes or as glasses. If belief is our eyes, then it is all we need to see. It is responsible for every observation—big and small—concerning the world around us. If belief is a pair of glasses then it is a device that alters our perception, but it is one that can be taken off, put on, and changed.
The difference is stark. Those with beliefs as eyes cannot see the world any other way. Take an avid follower of a religion or philosophy. Every thing they see—and don’t see—is measured against and by their belief. Those who wear various glasses of belief, while operating from the same data set, will see different things. Further, they will be able to see without glasses. For them, vision is not the same as belief.
Take away my eyes and I can’t see a thing. Take away my glasses, however, and I can still see—even if the world is a little blurred.
Swell & Cut 