Prejudging Others

“Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real caliber is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others.” William J. H. Boetcker

In life we have a tendency to prejudge others prior to ever knowing or understanding them. It is sometimes our way of quickly assessing a situation or condition we encounter. Doing this can have a very negative effect not only on the other person but as a reflection of you. Prejudging others says you are not capable of being able to adapt or accept differences you may have with another person.

Certainly it is human nature to be guarded when we meet someone new. You will have to figure out who this other person is, what their story is and in turn they are doing the same. It is this process of learning about the other that creates great relationships. You may find each other to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, yet allowing yourself to learn about them you are learning about yourself.

To go through life placing others in pre-defined categories without understanding them leaves you uninformed and less capable of growing as a person. You will be surprised by how much you learn and how much you pass on to others. Prejudging cuts off the discussion before it even starts. Allow yourself to meet new people and find out about their place in life. It will strengthen your understanding of life.