Judgment by Sight Is Lazy Work
The Friday Forge
We’re quick to judge what we see. It’s easy—almost automatic. But that’s also what makes it lazy.
This week, our dog—a Shih Tzu—came back from the groomer completely shaved. He looked ridiculous. Thin little body, fluffy head. I almost laughed… but more than that, I didn’t recognize him. Even after I saw his face.
I knew him by his look. Not his nature.
And that’s a problem we carry into our relationships. We reduce people to their image. Their weight. Their clothes. Their expression. We base our treatment of others—if we’re not careful—on something that doesn’t reveal the truth.
Refine Your Judgements
Real judgment, refined judgment, isn’t about what you see. It’s about what you’re willing to see past. It’s about looking at someone and choosing to search for their soul—their character, their essence.
Forging your character starts with forging your vision.
You can’t grow stronger while clinging to shallow habits. And judging people by how they look? That’s as shallow as it gets.
Practice
So here’s your Friday forgework:
Think of one person you’re quick to judge. Flip the script.
Assume something good about them. Something beautiful.
Let your character guide your perception—not the other way around.
The dog is still the dog. You are still you. And people? They’re more than the fur they wear.
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