Unaccustomed to direct experience, we can come to fear it. We don't want to read a book or see a museum show until we've read the reviews so that we know what to think. We lose the confidence to perceive ourselves. We want to know the meaning of an experience before we have it. We become frightened of direct experience, and we will go to elaborate lengths to avoid it.
The quote highlights how people often shy away from firsthand experiences due to a lack of familiarity. Instead of engaging directly with books, art, or new encounters, many rely on reviews and external opinions to guide their perceptions. This tendency reflects a deeper issue where individuals fear the unknown, leading them to prioritize others' interpretations over their own feelings and insights.
This avoidance can hinder personal growth and understanding. By seeking meaning before experiencing something, individuals miss the richness of direct engagement. The quote suggests that in our quest for reassurance, we stifle our ability to form authentic connections with the world around us, ultimately diminishing our confidence in our perceptions and experiences.
