The science of selective perception

To see only what you want to see, to hear only what you want to hear, is a real science.  It requires great concentration to filter out unwanted data, massive amounts of energy to stay alert to that which fits the parameters of our inquiry while wilfully ignoring that which might call it into question. Since the more rigidly we adhere to these standards, the more "noise" the universe is likely to offer to throw us off the track, so we must build in a "fudge factor" to compensate. In the end the world we come up with must fit the predicted outcome; otherwise, all is lost. It is a delicate balancing act, and one that the human race is apparently well equipped to manage; for most people appear to be veritable Einsteins in figuring out how to ignore 99.99% of the data that they are presented with.