How do you think our individual perceptions shape our understanding of reality?

Everybody's perception is different because our life experiences up to this point are vastly different.

Why should any two people think exactly the same ?

Problems start when individuals with a feeling of 'hard done by' take over institutions like banks or political parties or insurance companies start dictating their own perception as the only reality.

Our individual perceptions are our interpretation of the stimuli we encounter. The through which we see the world. Idk if I believe there is a universal truth per say. More like a collective connectedness that we all can tap into if we so choose. Not sure if that makes sense.

I believe they have a large impact, based on several factors. Also our Preconceptions play a large part.

Yes I tend to believe there is a/one truth.

...our individual perceptions ARE our individual perceptions/understanding of reality.

They have a huge influence on it. You know if you've actively changed your mindset over your lifetime, which I feel like you have.

A lot and yes.

Has a lot to do with it. Perception is reality.

I think so.