More people need to have a deeper knowledge and practical understanding of perception, and your post does a great job of explaining some aspects of it. I think it is smart to focus on the idea of the settlement, and how that is really wrapped up at the core of the story.
Yes, I agree. I am thankful to now be able to slow things down a bit and recognize the process actually happening. The practical understanding of perception helps tremendously when communicating in all areas of life. "Think before you speak/act" is a popular lesson taught to us while growing up. Although, truly understanding this lesson is harder if you are not able to utilize the understanding of perception during the thinking process.