And it sticks. I mean, focus your attention in that little world of meanings and symbols long enough and you’ll tend to get stuck there.
But reality is infinitely larger than that little world. So to stay there, in that little world, to have your perspective altered like that all the time, is a bit unhealthy and insane.
But this is considered normal. Encouraged even.
Abstract thinking is what differentiates humans from most animals.
Lots of animals can think abstractly.
What separates humans from animals is communication and tool use. Obviously other animals can, but none come close to humans in either category.
Books is a huge example of both. Humans don’t have to figure out complicated concepts each on our own. The Internet is that on steroids, someone on the other side of the planet can read this post the second I hit “reply”.
That exchange of information through tools is why we’re ordering Taco Bell thru Uber from the couch instead of still chasing animals till they pass out.
Whether or not that’s a good thing for us and the planet tho…
I think it is a certain perspective. A perspective that includes the option of abstract thought.