Everyone has some way of looking at things, a representation of the world, that they use to analyze new information and decide on courses of action. Call it an 'inner model', based on past experiences, maybe on other people's models and ideas that we've read, stories that we've heard. When something new happens it triggers part of that model. Even a small outside event can trigger a big internal reaction, if it seems to fit with a model inside. Sometimes things conflict with our inner models, and sometimes they even conflict with each other. Some people may have more specific, concrete 'instance' type models, and some may have more abstract ones. One is not 'right' or 'wrong', but useful in different circumstances.

This project, the 'worldview project', is just an attempt to collect some models, perspectives that people have. I like to know how other people think.

One could start in a number of ways. The easiest for me was simply to start by listing categories, then filling in with keywords that have meaning to me; and as time permits writing fuller text and descriptions of certain parts. Another way would be chronological/autobiographical, following the development of your perspective throughout your life. Yet another is by answering some questions, like an interview:

Open-ended questions...

- When you first meet a new person, how do you size them up? Are their people you've met in the past, that act like 'icons' you compare new people to? Are there characteristics or categories? Can you describe some of them?

- When you read an item in the news or hear a story, how do you react to it? Are there criteria or categories you use right away? What kinds of things trigger a strong reaction, and why?

- When you are planning a course of action or trying to accomplish a goal, how do you go about it? What is most important? Are there things you've done in the past that give you a roadmap for how to do things in the future?

- How do you choose your short and long term goals, what to spend your time on? Do you have conscious priorities, comfortable routines? How do you decide what to do every day?

- What are your 'prime directives' or internal motivations, what do you care about? Are there events or people in the past or present that give rise to these in some way?

- Is there something you would like your children/grandchildren/others to know, values, stories or ideas you want to pass on?