Vision: The Essence of Seeing

Seeing Beyond Sight: Understanding the Power and Purpose of Vision

What Does it Mean to See?

What does it truly mean to see? This is one of the most perplexing questions I’ve ever pondered. How can an artist visualize a masterpiece in their mind before the first stroke of the brush? How does an architect transform structured lines on a blueprint into an iconic edifice?

What allows a museum curator to distinguish an authentic masterpiece from a near-flawless counterfeit? How can a radiologist detect the faint signs of a developing stroke in a brain scan? Or, as I’ve often wondered, how do African mothers intuitively sense a pregnancy long before the baby bump becomes visible to the natural eye?

The answer lies in one word: Vision.

The Oxford Dictionary defines “see” as “to perceive with the eyes and discern visually.” However, another definition captivated me: “to discern or deduce mentally after reflection or from information — to understand.” If seeing also means to understand, then true sight begins in the mind, where perception and meaning take form.

The Difference Between Sight and Vision

There’s often confusion between sight and vision, but the two are not the same. Sight is the physiological ability to perceive light and visual stimuli. It’s a biological function that allows us to register the physical world around us.

Vision, however, transcends the physical. It is the interpretation of what we see, enriched by imagination, foresight, and understanding. Vision is the ability to perceive possibilities beyond what is immediately visible — a way of seeing with the heart, mind, and soul.

In essence, vision is seeing beyond sight.

The Process of Seeing

To fully grasp vision, it’s important to understand how we see the world, both physically and mentally. Seeing occurs in two stages:

1. Physiological Reception: The eyes capture light and send signals to the brain.
2. Cognitive Perception: The brain processes and interprets these signals, creating meaning.

This process is not just about the mechanics of vision but also about our personal lens — the beliefs, experiences, and emotions that shape how we perceive the world. As Anaïs Nin aptly said, “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.”

“We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.” — Khalil Gibran

Types of Vision

Through observation and reflection, I’ve identified five distinct types of vision. Each reflects a different way of interpreting the world and profoundly influences how we live.

1. Blindsightedness

Blindsightedness is the absence of vision — a life lived without direction or purpose. It’s like navigating without a map or building without a blueprint. This lack of foresight breeds chaos and stagnation in families, businesses, and communities.

Albert Einstein famously said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This aptly describes the reality of blindsightedness: repetitive actions with no meaningful outcome.

In the business world, I often encounter leaders struggling to keep their organizations afloat. When I ask, “What is the vision for this company?” The lack of clarity is startling. Without a vision, actions are uncoordinated, and progress becomes impossible.

As Helen Keller wisely observed, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” Vision gives life direction, purpose, and meaning.

2. Blurred Vision

Blurred vision occurs when we see the world through distorted lenses — our past experiences, past failures, prejudices, or fears. This type of vision leads to misguided judgments, broken relationships, and missed opportunities.

For example, someone who views every new relationship through the lens of a previous heartbreak or a company that blindly imitates competitors instead of innovating is trapped in blurred vision.

Similar to the biological condition of astigmatism, blurred vision creates a divided focus. Healing and reframing are necessary to correct this distortion.

Consider the rivalry between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. For decades, these companies have been locked in competition, focusing so intently on each other that they risk missing the innovations of smaller, more agile competitors. Blurred vision prevents growth and originality.

“Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose, instead of the expectations and opinions of others.” — Roy T. Bennett

3. Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is the inability to see beyond the present. It manifests in individuals and organizations that focus solely on immediate concerns, neglecting long-term goals.

A prime example is the downfall of Blockbuster. The company failed to envision a future shaped by digital streaming, allowing Netflix to dominate the market. Similarly, people trapped in the daily grind, content with mediocrity, miss out on greater opportunities.

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave captures this perfectly. A group of prisoners, chained in a cave, perceive shadows on a wall as their only reality. When one prisoner escapes and sees the world beyond, he discovers a greater truth. Yet, when he returns to share his revelation, the others reject it.

To break free from nearsightedness, we must dare to see beyond the surface, embracing change and innovation.

4. Long Sightedness

Long-sightedness is the hallmark of visionaries — those who see a future more vividly than the present. These individuals are driven by a sense of purpose that transcends current obstacles.

Long-sighted individuals possess the extraordinary ability to envision a future that others cannot yet see. They dream big, think ahead, and act decisively to turn their visions into reality.

Steve Jobs epitomized longsightedness. He envisioned a world transformed by user-friendly technology, a world where technology would empower individuals to achieve greatness. Walt Disney imagined Disneyland long before it materialized, driven by a vision so vivid that it inspired generations.

Longsightedness isn’t just about dreaming; it’s about relentless pursuit. Visionaries like Jobs and Disney didn’t wait for the perfect conditions; they created them. They are fueled by what I call a “driving insight.”

“If you’re working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” — Steve Jobs

As Melanie Perkins, the founder of Canva, demonstrated, a clear vision can disrupt entire industries and empower millions. Long-sightedness is the driving force behind progress and innovation.

5. Vision 20:20

Vision 20:20 represents the ideal state of seeing. It is the ultimate clarity — a harmonious alignment of sight, purpose, and divine understanding. It’s seeing the world as it was meant to be, with all its beauty and potential.

In the biblical creation story, light symbolizes understanding and revelation. Vision 20:20 is a spiritual awakening, a call to see ourselves and the world through the lens of God’s purpose.

This level of vision requires faith and imagination. As Hebrews 11:1 states, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It brings clarity, alignment, and creativity into our lives.

When we align our vision with divine purpose, we unlock the creativity and confidence to live boldly. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

To truly see, we must embrace continuous imagination. We must look beyond the physical, beyond the immediate, and dare to envision a future that aligns with our highest purpose.

Action Steps

1. Imagine Your Desired Future: Take time to envision the person you truly want to become.
2. Write the Vision: Clarify your goals and make them tangible.
3. Plan and Act: Break your vision into actionable steps and pursue them relentlessly.

Very soon, you’ll find yourself standing at the door of your dreams.

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change.”

What’s your vision for 2025?