Tabula Rasa

From the Latin meaning “blank slate,” this term in philosophy and psychology refers to the idea that we humans are born without any built-in emotional, personality, or intellectual traits. Instead, these attributes are shaped by the environment and learned as we develop. The concept of tabula rasa falls on the “nurture” side of the nature vs nurture debate.

 

I took this shot as we were driving into New York City to visit my daughter. With the city whizzing by us on the BQE, I set my shutter speed as high as I could, kept my eye trained for an interesting view, and hoped for the best as I quickly took a shot of something that caught my attention. It’s one of those situations where you can’t think too much about what you’re seeing, or second guess yourself. Notice, shoot. Notice, shoot. Even a fraction of a second delay allows a scene to slip away, but you can’t bemoan the fact that this is going to happen, otherwise you’ll miss other opportunities. Let it go, and continue to notice, shoot.

 

I wonder, is this set of attitudes and skills inborn or learned?

 

Done