Why to GIVE a look?
By Anna Atsu
“The face is a picture of the mind with the eyes as its interpreter.”
— Marcus Tulles Cicero
The eyes often deemed the mirror reflections of the soul, carry immense weight in our interactions. They express emotions, intentions, and truths that words can only attempt to convey. As Alfred Hitchcock once remarked,
"Dialogue should simply be a sound among other sounds, just something that comes out of the mouths of people whose eyes tell the story in visual terms."
This sentiment underscores the pivotal role of eye contact in communication.
When individuals overlook the significance of locking eyes, they forfeit a crucial avenue of connection. Without this nonverbal exchange, misunderstandings can proliferate, escalating into conflicts and even wars. Eye contact nurtures empathy, understanding, and mutual respect — indispensable elements for peaceful coexistence.
I often employ the phrase "give it a look" to seek consensus in collaborative efforts. It's my way of ensuring everyone involved is content with the final outcome. However, I readily admit that deciphering written messages can be challenging for me, underscoring not only my preference for face-to-face communication but lack of ability to discern feelings and intentions. When circumstances don't allow for direct interaction, giving someone a look, which I consider the most precious form of mutual generosity because of the visual support — that is the eyes which cannot lie, voice recordings serve as a valuable alternative, offering insights into intentions albeit not as profoundly as eye contact.
Otto Von Bismarck's words strike a chord:
"Anyone who ever looked in the eyes of another person has seen the depths of their humanity."
In the gaze of another, we acknowledge our shared humanity, transcending differences to embrace our commonalities.
“Common” means “occurring, found, or done often” so it is a matter of prevalent habit “to make the best of what is in our power, and take the rest as it occurs” (Epictetus).
Bismarck's sombre reflection,
"Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war,"
impels me to ponder the consequences of the lack of habit to truly meet eyes leading to discord. Discord does not pull the right cords in us. In my perception, the French word “cordialement” has a wider radius than just a cordial “kind regards”. It reflects respectability. The image of life slipping away from glazed eyes can only serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of discord, urging all of us to pursue real-life dialogue and understanding instead of lasting harm.
In a world fraught with division, the simple act of meeting someone's gaze becomes a radical assertion of our shared humanity. It signifies a willingness to bridge divides and cultivate harmony.
Let us find more opportunities to bravely seek out each other's eyes. For in that fleeting connection lies the promise of a more unified humanity.
Why just look or TAKE a look when we can OFFER a look?
It costs so much to truly look into someone’s eyes to seek a common understanding
but the cost of discord is much higher.
In the blink of an eye, all might become clear…