To a professional cinematographer, an Arri Master Prime 35mm lens and a Cooke S4/i 35mm lens produce distinctly different images. To most others, however, the pictures are indistinguishable. The difference exists, and an inability to perceive it only highlights a lack of sensitivity.

There are countless distinctions in life that many overlook because they're operating on a simple level, unable to appreciate nuance.

Take language, for instance. Different words might describe what seems to be the same thing but carry unique meanings. "Sorry" and "excuse me" are often used interchangeably, yet they communicate completely different intentions.

The same goes for "sacrificing" something to achieve a goal versus "paying the price" for it. While they might seem identical, they lead to entirely different outcomes. Sacrifice is driven by loss (a negative motivator), while paying the price is driven by gain (a positive motivator). Since we’re naturally averse to loss, viewing something as a sacrifice often leads to self-sabotage. On the other hand, seeing it as an investment propels progress and builds momentum.

Another example is discipline versus understanding. When you force yourself to do something you dislike but need, you call it discipline. When you understand why it’s necessary, you start wanting it. Forcing yourself isn’t the same as wanting to do it, yet the distinction is often missed by those who don't look deeply.

An unintelligent person might look at two images shot with different lenses and see no difference, assuming there’s none to be found. An intelligent person, however, sees similarity yet thinks, "I need to look closer and understand the difference." This is how learning happens — through seeking to understand the insights of others who see more deeply.