The Duality of Human Perception

In the world of human relationships, each of our perceptions is captured in the finest nuances of spirit and actions. On one hand, a person radiating high creative ambitions, nobility, and spiritual maturity appears before us as a symbol of light, embodying a sincere pursuit of perfection. On the other hand, when darker, suppressed qualities prevail—qualities capable of overshadowing true inner greatness—he is perceived as a bearer of negative impulses, deprived of the power of creative self-expression. This contrast explains why the same person can be seen in two diametrically opposed images: that of an angel, awakening hope and inspiration, and that of a demon, reflecting the fallen aspects of his essence. It is through the prism of our worldview, spiritual experience, and personal values that we are able to see both the bright and the shadowy sides of every individual, allowing us to grasp the depth and complexity of the human soul. Ultimately, every encounter with a person becomes an invitation to reflect on the eternal struggle between good and evil within ourselves, reminding us that true strength lies in the ability to balance the luminous and the dark, thus opening the path to inner freedom and creative growth.

Why can the perception of the same person be so contradictory: for some, he is an angel, and for others, a demon?

The perception of the same person as either an angel or a demon largely depends on the lens through which people view his inner essence and actions. On one hand, if a person exhibits qualities akin to the highest creative force, nobility, and spiritual maturity, he will be seen as an angel embodying light and the power of a higher purpose. On the other hand, if shadowy, fallen qualities, an absence of true spiritual freedom, and a tendency to succumb to negative impulses dominate, such a person may be perceived as a demon.

For example, one source stresses that a person might lose his creative power if he gives precedence to fallen influences:
"Instead of daring to define himself as a free creator, the person subordinated himself to a fallen angel. The devil is deprived of creative, dynamic power, because even an angel does not possess it and is not destined for it. The fallen Angel lives by lies and deceit, concealing his impotence. Yet neither man nor the fallen one completely loses his creative power. Apostasy and fall are, in fact, a substitution of the divine-human hierarchy with an angel-beastly hierarchy. The angelic substitutes the divine, the bestial substitutes the human." (source: link , page: 80)

Moreover, another source points to the inner duality inherent in every person, where both luminous and dark elements are always present:
"The Holy Scriptures testify that within each of us there are two angels—one good and one evil. The Savior speaks of the good ones: look, do not despise any of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels are always in the presence of My Heavenly Father in heaven. Furthermore, the angel of the Lord rallies around those who fear Him and delivers them." (source: link , pages: 1312-1314)

Thus, depending on which aspects of human nature and which actions impact us—be they bright or shadowy—the same person can be perceived in completely opposite ways. What one party sees as an expression of the highest spiritual ideals (the image of an angel), another may regard as a reflection of the fall or distortion of true human nature (the image of a demon). Ultimately, perception depends on the worldview, spiritual experience, and personal values of those observing the individual.