Professor Hong Soon-beom discusses the complexities of understanding others' minds and the psychological challenges that arise from misconceptions in his new book.
In a recent discussion with Hong Soon-beom, a professor of psychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital, he emphasizes the distinction between the external world and our internal psychological realities. His new book, 'The World of Others,' explores how individuals often misinterpret others' intentions and feelings, leading to misunderstandings that are rooted in our own biases and mental processes. According to him, people tend to overlook their inner psychological world, which can make them more susceptible to misconceptions and mental health issues like depression.
Professor Hong further elaborates that understanding others requires knowledge of the 'theory of mind,' a concept that explains how we attribute intentions and beliefs to others. He points out that many individuals struggle to connect with others on a personal level, contributing to a societal environment that feels filled with prejudice and hatred. Through the lens of neuroscience, he identifies the theory of mind as a common root of these individual and societal challenges, highlighting the importance of recognizing how our perceptions often stem from our imagination rather than objective truths.
Ultimately, Hong stresses that we should not mistake our interpretations of others for reality. He encourages individuals to continuously evaluate how close their thoughts about others align with factual information. The ability to empathize and communicate with others hinges on the effective use of the 'theory of mind' while acknowledging that our perceptions are primarily reconstructed imaginations rather than factual truths.
