The phrase "Be curious, not judgmental",
often attributed to Walt Whitman, encourages an open-minded approach to life,
people, and experiences.
Curiosity involves a desire to learn, explore, and understand. It’s about
asking questions, gaining knowledge, and trying to understand the world and
people around you in a deeper way. To be curious is to approach life with an
open heart and mind, free from assumptions or preconceived notions. Curiosity
opens the door to new experiences, growth, and learning.
Being judgmental often means
making quick, rigid assessments about others based on incomplete information,
personal biases, or societal norms. Judgment tends to shut down further
exploration or understanding, creating barriers between people or ideas. It’s
an attitude that involves labeling others or situations without the effort to
understand a person.
When we approach the world with curiosity,
we allow ourselves the opportunity to understand before forming opinions.
Curiosity invites us to suspend the attitude of judgment, to withhold conclusions
until we have explored all perspectives. The act of being curious about others
allows us to ask questions, listen more, and be open to changing our viewpoints
based on new information. In contrast, being judgmental often leads to
close-mindedness and an inability to connect with others in a meaningful way
creating a hurdle to ourselves.
In everyday life too, adopting the attitude
of being curious rather than judgmental can transform interactions and foster
personal growth.
"Be curious, not judgmental" is a
call for openness, empathy, humility and understanding the world better. It
encourages people to approach the world and others with a desire to understand,
learn, and connect, rather than with quick assessments and labels.
