Read the following passage carefully.
1. We are all judgmental. Yes, even you. I certainly am, many times. I think it’s human nature.
2. And yet, while it is in our nature to be judgmental, I don’t think it’s always useful to us. We look down on others, as if we are so much better and that creates division between people.
3. Think about it for a second: we see someone, and based on their looks or actions, we pass judgment on them. Not good judgment, either. Usually without even knowing the person. And that’s it — that’s usually the extent of our interaction with that person. We don’t make an effort to get to know the person, or understand them, or see whether our judgment was right or not.
4. And let’s consider what happens when we pass judgment on people we do know. We see something they do, and get angry at it, or disappointed in the person, or think worse of them. We judge, without understanding. And that’s the end of it — we don’t try to find out more, and through communication begin to understand, and through understanding begin to build a bridge between two human beings.
5. Can you build a bridge with every single person you meet? Probably not. That takes time and effort, two things we’re usually short on any ways. But I’ve found that taking that extra time, even just once a day, can make a huge difference.
6. Avoid passing judgment and instead build a bridge between two human beings. If you find yourself being judgmental, stop yourself. This takes a greater awareness than we usually have, so the first step (and an important one) is to observe your thoughts for a few days, trying to notice when you’re being judgmental. This can be a difficult step. Remind yourself to observe.
7. Once you’re more aware, you can then stop yourself when you feel yourself being judgmental. Then move to the next step. Instead of judging someone for what he’s done or how he looks, try to understand the person. Put yourself in their shoes. Try to imagine their background. If possible, talk to them. Find out their back-story. Everyone has one. If not, try to imagine the circumstances that might have led to the person acting or looking like they do.
8. Once you begin to understand, or at least try to understand, try to accept him. Accept that person for who he is, without trying to change him. Accept that he will act the way he does, without wanting him to change. The world is what it is, and as much as you try, you can only change a little bit of it. It will continue to be as it is long after you’re gone. Accept that, because otherwise, you’re in for a world of frustration. Once you’ve accepted someone for who he is, try to love him. Even if you don’t know him. Even if you’ve hated him in the past. Love him as a brother, or love her as a sister, no matter who they are—old or young, light skinned or dark skinned, male or female, rich or poor.
9. What good will loving someone do? Your love will likely only be limited. But it could have an effect on two people: yourself, and possibly on the person you’ve found love for. Loving others will serve to make you happier. Trust me on this one.
And loving others can change the lives of others, if you choose to express that love and take action on it. I can’t guarantee what will happen, but it can be life-changing.
I. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option.
(a) When we pass judgment on known people we:
1. try to find out more about them.
2. communicate with them.
3. build bridges with them.
4. give them time and effort.
(b) Stopping oneself from being judgmental is:
1. not easy.
2. is not required to build bridges.
3. does not take greater awareness.
4. does not require observing oneself.
(c) Understanding people requires:
1. putting yourself in their shoes.
2. finding out their back story.
3. imagining the circumsatances which may have led them to act in a particular manner.
4. all of the above.
(d) Non acceptance can lead to frustration because:
1. the world can’t change much.
2. all people are different.
3. both (1) and (2).
4. people have a back story.
II. Answer the following questions as briefly as possible.
(a) Why does the writer say that being judgmental is not useful to us?
(b) How do we pass judgement on unknown people?
(c) What is essential to build bridges with people?
(d) How does loving others make you happier?
(e) Why is it difficult to observe one’s thoughts?
III. Find words from the passage which mean the same as:
(a) assurance (para 9)
(b) critical (para 1)
(c) reconcile (para 5)
