Henri Bergson: 'And I also see how this body influences external images: it gives back movement to them.'

And I also see how this body influences external images: it gives back movement to them.

In his quote, Henri Bergson beautifully captures the dynamic relationship between our bodies and the external world. He suggests that our bodies not only perceive external images but also play an active role in shaping and giving movement to them. This concept highlights the profound influence our physical selves have on our perception of the world around us.At first glance, Bergson's quote seems straightforward – our bodies act as conduits through which we receive and engage with external images. Our eyes capture images, which our brain processes into representations of the world. However, Bergson goes beyond this basic understanding, emphasizing that our bodies do more than passively receive these images; they, in fact, contribute movement back to the external world.To truly grasp the import of Bergson's idea, let us explore an unexpected philosophical concept: phenomenology. Phenomenology is a philosophical school of thought that focuses on the study of consciousness and the lived experience. It seeks to understand the relationship between the mind, body, and the external world while acknowledging the active role each plays in shaping our reality.Phenomenology asserts that our bodies are not mere vessels through which images pass, but rather integral components of our perception. When we see an object, we do not merely observe it visually; we engage with it through a holistic bodily experience. Our bodies contribute movement, gesture, and even emotion, all of which imbue the external image with a deeper meaning and significance.To illustrate this concept, imagine standing in front of a stunning piece of artwork. As you observe the painting, your body may instinctively lean forward, your eyes may move in different directions, and your facial expressions may change in response to what you see. In this interaction, your body generates a physical dialogue with the artwork, adding dimensions of movement and expression to the static image. Through your bodily engagement, the external image is transformed into a rich and dynamic experience.Bergson's quote and the philosophical concept of phenomenology converge, as they both recognize the active role our bodies play in shaping our experience of the external world. By acknowledging the reciprocal relationship between our bodies and external images, we embrace a more holistic understanding of perception. Our bodies, with their inherent movements and expressive capabilities, infuse meaning and life into the seemingly static external images we encounter.This realization invites us to consider the profundity of our bodily existence. Our bodies are not mere vehicles through which we navigate the world; they are powerful instruments that contribute movement, vitality, and interpretation to our perception. By appreciating this dynamic interplay, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human experience and our role in co-creating our reality.In conclusion, Bergson's quote encourages us to recognize the transformative power of our bodies in shaping our perception of external images. By embracing the philosophical concept of phenomenology, we understand that our bodies offer much more than passive observation – they actively engage, contribute movement, and infuse life into the images we encounter. This realization opens doors to a more integrated and profound understanding of our existence as embodied beings, reminding us that our physical selves are not only vessels but active agents in the creation of our reality.