Meaning: The quote "Key metaphors help determine what and how we perceive and how we think about our perceptions" by M. Abrams, a noted critic, encapsulates the significant impact of metaphors on our cognitive processes and understanding of the world around us. Metaphors, as linguistic devices, play a fundamental role in shaping our perceptions and influencing our thought processes. This quote highlights the profound influence of metaphors on human cognition and how they can shape our understanding of the world.

Metaphors are figurative expressions that create a comparison between two seemingly unrelated concepts, often by using words or phrases that are not meant to be taken literally. They are deeply embedded in language and are pervasive in everyday communication. Metaphors serve as cognitive tools that allow us to make sense of abstract or complex ideas by drawing parallels with more familiar or concrete concepts. In doing so, metaphors facilitate the transfer of knowledge and understanding by linking new or unfamiliar ideas to existing mental frameworks.

The quote suggests that key metaphors are not just linguistic embellishments, but rather essential components of our cognitive processes. They act as cognitive filters through which we interpret and make sense of the world. Metaphors influence our perceptions by framing our understanding of various phenomena, shaping the way we conceptualize and interpret reality. For example, the metaphor of "time as a valuable commodity" influences how we perceive and manage time in our daily lives, emphasizing the notion of time as a limited resource that can be spent, saved, or wasted.

Furthermore, metaphors not only influence what we perceive but also how we think about our perceptions. They provide a lens through which we interpret and make sense of the world, influencing our attitudes, beliefs, and decision-making processes. Metaphors can evoke emotions, trigger associations, and shape our mental models of reality. For instance, the use of the metaphor "the economy is a living organism" can lead to a perception of economic systems as dynamic, interconnected entities, impacting how we approach economic policies and interventions.

M. Abrams, a prominent literary critic, emphasizes the pivotal role of metaphors in shaping our cognitive landscape. His assertion underscores the idea that metaphors are not just rhetorical devices but powerful cognitive tools that influence our understanding of the world. Metaphors are deeply ingrained in our language and culture, permeating various aspects of human experience, from art and literature to science and everyday communication.

In conclusion, M. Abrams' quote underscores the profound impact of metaphors on human cognition and perception. Metaphors serve as cognitive filters that shape our understanding of the world and influence our thought processes. They not only determine what we perceive but also how we think about our perceptions, playing a crucial role in framing our interpretations of reality. Understanding the significance of key metaphors can provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between language, cognition, and perception, shedding light on the ways in which language shapes our understanding of the world.