Through the Looking Glass: A Journey into Judging Character”

“Through the Looking Glass: A Journey into Judging Character”

In the theatre of life, we often find ourselves thrust into roles as impromptu judges—deciphering the cryptic scripts of others’ behaviours and motives. The art of judging character, much like gazing into a mirror clouded by time, demands a blend of discernment, empathy, and philosophy. Yet, how often do we reflect on the prism through which we view others?

The Philosopher’s Lens

Plato, in his musings, believed that one could not truly know another without walking alongside them in the tempest and tranquillity of existence. To judge a character is not merely to skim the surface but to wade into the river of their experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. It requires a certain poetry of the soul—a willingness to listen not just to words but to the silences between them.

For instance, in Indian philosophy, the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) reminds us that every individual carries their universe within. Judging character, therefore, is an act of navigating these myriad galaxies, understanding that what appears as a star to one may be a shadow to another.

The Poet’s Eye

As a lover of the poetic, I liken judging character to reading an ancient, weathered manuscript. The ink may have faded, the pages may be torn, but the story remains if one is patient enough to piece it together. In Shakespeare’s words, “All the world’s a stage,” and each of us plays our part. Some wear masks, others let their raw selves be seen. The challenge lies in discerning which is which without prejudice or haste.

Judging or Misjudging?

The greatest folly in judging character is mistaking the fleeting for the eternal. A single act, a solitary moment, cannot encapsulate the breadth of a person’s being. Here, the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius echoes: “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”

Judging someone hastily is akin to appraising a symphony by its opening note. True understanding comes with time, observation, and an openness to seeing beyond our biases.

A Test of Time

In my own journey, I have erred, as all humans do, in assessing others. Yet, life has taught me the invaluable lesson of patience. Some friendships, forged in the fire of misunderstanding, have revealed depths I never anticipated. Conversely, alliances built on quick judgements have sometimes crumbled like castles of sand.

The Ultimate Mirror

The irony of judging character is that it often reveals more about the observer than the observed. Our perceptions, shaped by our experiences, values, and insecurities, are the filters through which we interpret others. To judge wisely, therefore, one must first examine the self.

As the Sufi poet Rumi eloquently stated, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” Perhaps the greatest judge of character is the one who approaches others not with the gavel of judgement but with the lamp of understanding.

A Call to Reflection

So, are we good judges of character? The answer, I believe, lies not in perfection but in progression. Let us strive to see others as they are, not as we wish them to be. Let us temper judgement with kindness and balance criticism with compassion. For in the end, it is not how we judge others but how we nurture the bond between souls that defines our character.

The Closing Note

Judging character is an art—a blend of intuition, wisdom, and empathy. Like a poet crafting verses, we must tread carefully, letting each encounter add a stanza to our understanding. And in this journey, may we find that the truest reflection lies not in others but within ourselves.

“Through the Looking Glass,” indeed, for every judgement is a mirror reflecting our own essence.