Famous quote by Paul Simon

"A man sees what he wants to see, And disregards the rest"

About this Quote

Perception isn’t just a passive reception of the world; it’s a complex process shaped by desires, intentions, and often, unconscious biases. When confronted with a flood of information, people select, filter, and interpret according to their pre-existing beliefs, hopes, or fears. The line “A man sees what he wants to see, And disregards the rest” from Paul Simon’s “The Boxer” touches on this subtle yet profound human tendency to unconsciously filter out what doesn’t fit with one’s internal narrative.

Consider everyday conversations: often, individuals latch onto points that support their arguments and brush aside inconvenient facts. In personal relationships, one may focus on admirable traits in a loved one, overlooking flaws until reality forces acknowledgment. Sometimes, the process is not willful ignorance but self-preservation, protecting oneself from uncomfortable truths or challenges to deeply held convictions. On a societal scale, this principle is evident in echo chambers, where communities reinforce a singular worldview and resist contradictory evidence.

This selective perception extends beyond the personal or social. Policy makers, authority figures, or even whole institutions might ignore data or voices that challenge their positions, not out of malice but due to the subtle pull of confirmation bias. Art, memory, and storytelling are colored the same way: people remember details that fit their sense of self or destiny and let the rest slip into obscurity.

Yet, there’s poignancy in the insight, humans are not always rational observers but active participants in shaping their understanding of the world. The phrase serves as a quiet admonition, urging mindfulness and humility. By recognizing the tendency to see just what is sought, there’s an opportunity to grow, remaining open to new truths, embracing discomfort, and pursuing a broader, more honest vision of reality.

More details

SourceLyric from the song "The Boxer" (Simon & Garfunkel), 1969 , original line: "A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest".

About the Author

Paul Simon This quote is from Paul Simon somewhere between October 13, 1941 and today. He was a famous Musician from USA. The author also have 44 other quotes.
See more from Paul Simon

Similar Quotes

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Critic
Shortlist

No items yet. Click "Add" on a Quote.