Henri Bergson: 'To perceive means to immobilize... we seize, in the act of perception, something which outruns perception itself.'

To perceive means to immobilize... we seize, in the act of perception, something which outruns perception itself.

In his insightful quote, Henri Bergson presents a thought-provoking perspective on the act of perception. He suggests that perceiving something entails immobilizing it, as if capturing a fleeting moment. However, he goes on to propose that within this act of perception lies something beyond its own grasp. This profound idea delves into the complex nature of perception and challenges our conventional understanding of the world we perceive around us.At first glance, Bergson's quote may seem somewhat contradictory. How can perceiving something require immobilizing it when perception is inherently an active process? To comprehend this concept, we must consider perception not merely as a passive observation, but as an active involvement with the world around us. When we perceive something, we are not merely receiving sensory input but also actively engaging with it.To put it simply, when we perceive an object or an event, we mentally grasp and hold onto it, effectively immobilizing it within our awareness. This process allows us to analyze, interpret, and make meaning from our perceptions. Without this "immobilization," everything we sense might become an indistinguishable blur, impossible to understand or navigate.However, Bergson introduces a captivating twist to this notion. He suggests that within the act of perception lies something that evades its own capture. It is as if we are grasping at the essence of something, only to find that it slips through our fingers, existing beyond the boundaries of our perception itself. This idea beckons us to consider what lies beneath the surface, what escapes our immediate recognition, and what remains concealed within the fabric of reality.To further unravel this concept, let us introduce the philosophical idea of phenomenology. Phenomenology, as explored by philosophers such as Edmund Husserl and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, delves into the lived experience of consciousness and the ways in which we perceive and interpret the world. It emphasizes that our perception is subjective, shaped by our unique perspectives, memories, and cultural backgrounds.Contrasting with Bergson's notion of immobilization, phenomenology brings attention to the dynamic and fluid nature of perception. It suggests that rather than capturing and immobilizing something, perception is an ongoing process of engagement and interpretation. Instead of seeking to hold onto an object, phenomenology encourages us to embrace the ebb and flow of our perceptual experiences, allowing the world and our understanding of it to evolve with each moment.These two philosophical concepts intertwine to provide a richer understanding of the ways in which we perceive the world around us. Bergson's idea that perception requires immobilization prompts us to appreciate the significance of actively engaging with our surroundings to make sense of them. Meanwhile, phenomenology invites us to let go of our fixation on fixity and embrace the fluidity of perception, understanding that what we perceive is constantly evolving and changing.Ultimately, Bergson's quote serves as a starting point for a profound exploration of the complexities of perception. It challenges us to question our assumptions and delve into the depths of our understanding. By considering the act of perception as both an immobilizing and dynamic process, we open ourselves to a deeper appreciation of the world and our place within it. So, let us embark upon this philosophical journey, where perception becomes an ever-unfolding quest for meaning, a dance between the known and the elusive.