California Academy of Science

Every time I try to write about this experience I get lost in the words. I feel like it is hard to describe the experience. Everything we looked at surrounded life and the different interactions between objects in environments. While I love the idea of discussing how impactful we are on the world it isn't my forte. And like stated above I get lost in the words and concepts of how I personally fit into the topic. It seems very self-centered to try and relate all of life to me, but everything we know and understand starts with us. Without us at the center there is (in concept) nothing. “I think therefore I am” - Descartes

Confused?

Everything in this world is relative, even if it doesn't seem to be - don’t be fooled! We as individuals learn in a myriad of different ways...how we learn or how we best understand concepts is on us. No one else can understand things for us... That is the beauty of being an individual and being self aware. We control our reality. We accept, we trust, we deny, we refuse, we choose what we believe.

But understanding self awareness is only half the battle. The other part is taking that concept and relating it to everyone else in the world. Our reality unfortunately is limited to us. While something may seem so obvious to you - it isn’t always to someone else. I know I’ve found myself in a position where my mind was blown because someone didn’t know or understand a simple concept. It seemed unfathomable to me, but their relative experiences are not the same as mine.

I remember in high school sitting at the lunch table eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a German Exchange student. She was appalled by what I was eating! She looked at me and said “Salty and Sweet! You do not mix salty and sweet!” My mind was blown! In what world would you not mix salty and sweet?? It was near impossible for me to understand how someone could never have mixed peanut butter and jelly, especially knowing what both of them are?!?! I remember having her taste it and the look of pure disgust on her face again blew me away.

That was actually a life altering moment for me. It was the first time I had really understood the cultural impact societies have on individuals. It helped me understand the different systems in place to control and shape people. Not only had she never had or heard of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich she didn’t like it. Something so simple as food turned into how else can cultures impact people and at what level does it actually become biological?

The other moment that comes to mind when thinking about choices- was the first time I watched the Devil Wear’s Prada. You might think I’m crazy for bringing this movie up, but it actually does a really good job at bringing to light an individual’s choice when constructs are put into place to shape people’s decisions. I don’t really want to give away the movie plot - So I’ll simply state not every decision is easy. It becomes even more difficult when those constructs are put into place.

Once again I feel lost in my words. I feel like I could go on and on down the rabbit hole. Talking about life, relativity, reality, learning...So rather than drone on and on I think I’ll end it here. If you are ever in the San Francisco area definitely check out the museum. It has several well crafted exhibits and the planetarium is breathtaking.