Sometimes some folks see connections that are not there and miss those that are. Why? Is everything we perceive based on what we need and not what is there?

Just watched a pretty interesting doc by Richard Dawkins where he briefly talked about this. Apparently, we're kind of hardwired to make sense out things, and I guess one of the easiest ways to make sense out of them is by creating patterns even when they're not there. I think it comes from our perception that's we so supremely important and everything that happens to us must have a meaning and an explanation.. it's a self ego thing. But why we don't see patterns where there are some, I really can't answer this at all.

That's a possibility.

Thank you for your thoughtful answer STG.  I think we don't see patterns that are there if they go against our political or religious beliefs. We automatically filter out anything that is contrary to our views and deny them or ignore them or revile them. Truth is not welcome when it  discredits/disproves one's beliefs. That's my guess. Happy Sunday to thee! :)