This concept has probably been discussed before in philosophy circles, but I haven't seen it articulated anywhere... If anyone can point me in the direction of some relevant reading, that would be great.
It occurred to me recently that in a very real sense, I am what I am looking at.
By this I mean that because my visual experience dominates my perception, and because my cognitive focus is largely on what I'm looking at, I actually "become" what I am looking at. While your consciousness is focused on something - you are that thing. That's why I'm including a nice picture of something I think is beautiful below.
(Just FYI, this was taken by me)
I don't feel as though I have articulated this particularly well, but I hope you understand my meaning.
This concept also applies to other senses, and also, of course also to thoughts. This idea has ramifications on how one ought to live life, as it is important to surround youself with things of beauty/wisdom etc because in doing so, a substantial part of yourself becomes wise and beautiful.
Ok, I'm starting to sound like a hippy now so I'll shut up, but I'd be very interested to hear other people's thoughts on this...