How Judgment and Mistakes Coexist: A Balanced Perspective on Human Nature

It is a common assumption that making mistakes disqualifies one from judging others. However, this could not be further from the truth. Making mistakes is an inherent part of being human, and we are all expected to form judgments based on our experiences and observations. This article explores the intricate relationship between judgment and mistakes, questioning why judgmental people exist when everyone, including those who make mistakes, have the right and the need to judge.

Perfection and Judgment

The necessity of judgment is key to our safety and navigation of the world. Perfection is not a prerequisite for forming judgments. It is through our experiences, both mistakes and triumphs, that we gather the knowledge required to form opinions and conclusions. This knowledge serves as a foundation for making judgments, which is essential for daily decision-making. Thus, it is flawed to assume that only those who are perfect can judge others. If we waited for perfection before judging, we would indeed be waiting for an eternity.

Beyond Judgmental Behavior

Despite the common usage of the term, there is a difference between forming a judgment and being judgmental. Forming a judgment is about reaching a conclusion based on various factors. For example, a person may form a judgment that a colleague is not suited for a certain role after observing their performance over time. On the other hand, being judgmental involves making harsh, unfair, or overly critical assessments of others based on superficial traits or snap judgments. The line between these two behaviors has often been blurred, leading to an exaggerated notion that no one should make judgments at all.

The Value of Mistakes in Judgment

Those who have made mistakes have a basis to form opinions and judgments that is even more informed than those who have had no experience. Experience teaches us valuable lessons, including the consequences of our actions. Having made mistakes allows a person to empathize with others who make mistakes, as they understand the nature of human fallibility. Trying to avoid making mistakes altogether can lead to a comatose or dead existence, as it is through experiences, both positive and negative, that we learn and grow.

Humanity and Judgment

The quality of being human, rather than the quality of perfection, should be the basis of our judgments. A person who has made mistakes can offer a more balanced and compassionate judgment because they understand the complexities of human behavior. A person who has made no mistakes, on the other hand, might be overly critical, lacking the empathy and understanding that come from personal experiences. For instance, a person who has committed a crime might be more empathetic towards those who have committed lesser offenses, recognizing the potential for redemption and understanding the pressures that influence human behavior.

Conclusion

It is important not to fear judgment or to be afraid of judging others, but to be mindful of the impact of our judgments. Instead, we should strive to form judgments wisely, learning from our own and others' mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable, and they offer us an opportunity to gain wisdom and understanding. It is the quality of our judgments that matters most, not the absence of mistakes. We should embrace the complexity of human nature and the value of judgment that stems from our personal experiences, both positive and negative.