In biology, Umwelt refers to the unique and subjective sensory world experienced by an individual species.
Like –
- Bat’s ultrasonic navigation as opposed to our limited audible range
- Snake’s infrared vision as opposed to our limited vision
Similarly, every species has its own limited metaphoric vision of reality.
Put simply, it underscores that different species perceive reality in distinct ways, each interacting with the world through its own sensory lens.
But we, Homo sapiens, are the only species to expand our biological Umwelt. Through our cognitive abilities and technological advancements, we can peer into multiple subjective realities and make sense out of them. Take, for example – The Hubble telescope, The Supercomputer, and humans in outer space!
I propose that we extend the notion of expanding our biological Umwelt to our cognitive processes, emotions, reasoning, mental models, and decision-making—this is what I refer to as “Psyche Umwelt.”
Given our limited knowledge, experiences, and time as individuals, we all reside within our unique Psyche Umwelts. To delve deeper into understanding and experiencing life, we must endeavor to expand our Psyche Umwelts.
By exposing ourselves to new experiences and fresh ideas, we can unlock nuanced feelings, a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts, and a richer experience of being a conscious being.
The quest to expand the Psyche umwelt is in itself rewarding. It ties to our innately curious nature. Conscious efforts to expand our Psyche Umwelt brings us closer to reality itself!