Why Your Perception of the Future May Differ from What You Assume
The reasons behind why individuals depict the past, present, and future in varying ways remain uncertain among scientists. Image Credit: Unspluash.
Contemplating the future invites us to consider its spatial location—Is it in front, behind, or above? Cultural backgrounds are pivotal in shaping these perceptions, influencing whether one envisions themselves striding towards it or glimpsing it overhead.
Divergent Temporal Visions: Linear Outlooks in the West versus Aymara Anomalies
A prevailing linear perspective prevails in the UK, the US, and much of Europe. The future unfolds in front while the past recedes behind, an outlook rooted in a continuous forward march through time.
Contrastingly, the Aymara people of the Andes challenge this norm. Their gestures during discussions about ancestors and traditions suggest a unique perspective—perceiving the past in front of them and the future behind them.
Diverse Perspectives on Time: Beyond Aymara
This divergence is not exclusive to the Aymara. Darij and some Vietnamese speakers in Morocco also align with this inverted chronology. Conversely, Mandarin speakers introduce another dimension, conceptualizing the future as down and the past as up.
It’s not just where the future is located; cultural influence extends to how individuals perceive their journey toward it. Westerners often envision themselves striding forward with their faces toward the future. In contrast, the Māori of New Zealand embody a unique perspective—they walk backward into the future, eyes fixed on the past.
For the Māori, the past and present lie in front, visible and known, while the future remains unseen and, therefore, behind. Their proverb “Kia whakatōmuri te haere wakame” encapsulates this mindset, emphasizing a backward walk into the future guided by lessons from the past.
Unraveling Temporal Perspectives: The Role of Origins and Cultural Values
Researchers speculate on the origins of these varied perspectives. Reading and writing patterns may contribute, as evidenced by left-to-right readers envisioning timelines with the past on the left. Cultural values, especially regarding tradition and progress, further shape our temporal orientation.
Understanding these diverse perspectives holds implications for addressing global challenges. Western-centric mantras of “moving forward” may not resonate universally. By embracing insights from various cultural representations of time, we may pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future that acknowledges the significance of learning from the past while progressing into the unknown.
Read the original article on Liverpool John Moores University.
Read more: Women are Less Happy than Men, Insights from a Psychologist and Four Actionable Steps.
