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How many platitudes have you heard about not judging people? Point a finger at someone else and you have three pointing right back at you. Glass houses, throwing stones. Judge not lest ye be judged.

First of all, criticizing or condemning someone else is almost always a form of self-aggrandizing. "He did this, which I would never do, so I'm better than he is." Pointing out another persons faults frankly never particularly endeared me to the critic. It's kind of like trying to make your own house look better by breaking up all your neighbor's furniture.

Second, we almost always judge other people by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions. So even if we do something bad, it's not so bad in our own eyes. "I only lied to protect your feelings, whereas he lied because he is dishonest." We can never know what someone else is thinking or feeling, and when we make value judgments about others, then at best we are just guessing as to their intentions. At worst we are just plain lying to ourselves and others.

Third, if you were that person, you would have done the exact same thing. If you had their genetic makeup and their upbringing, then let's face it, you would have made all the same decisions, hence the expression "There but for the grace of God go I."

Fourth, we can never see the big picture. We are victims of our own perceptions. Something that may seem like a tragedy may have great unseen rewards. And someone who we deem as evil, unworthy, untrustworthy, or just plain mean-may from a big picture perspective, be a good, worthy, honorable, nice person in history.

For example, let's say that we are electing a new world leader. Who would you cast your vote for?

Candidate A.
Associates with crooked politicians, consults with an astrologist, has had two mistresses, chain smokes, and drinks 8 martinis a day.

Candidate B.
Was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening.

Candidate C.
Is a decorated war hero, a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife.

So who do you vote for based on your perspective?

Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Candidate B is Winston Churchill.

Candidate C is Adolph Hitler

Think first before judging others.

Learn more about this author, Matt Lau.
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