Character and Conduct – 29 June – Judging

IT is my way when I observe any instance of folly, any queer or absurd illusion, straightway to look for something of the same type in myself, feeling sure that amid all differences there will be a certain correspondence;  just as there is more or less correspondence in the natural history even of continents widely apart, and of islands in opposite zones…

Introspection which starts with the purpose of finding out one’s own absurdities is not likely to be very mischievous, yet of course it is not free from dangers any more than breathing is, or the other functions that keep us alive or active.   To judge of others by oneself is in its most innocent meaning the briefest expression for our only method of knowing mankind;  yet, we perceive, it has come to mean in many cases either the vulgar mistake which reduces every man’s value to the very low figure at which the valuer himself happens to stand;  or else, the amiable illusion of the higher nature misled by a too generous construction of the lower.   One cannot give a recipe for wise judgment:  it resembles appropriate muscular action, which is attained by the myriad lessons in nicety of balance and of aim that only practice can give.

GEORGE ELIOT

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These quotes are from ‘Character and Conduct’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1905 as a follow up to her volume of Daily Readings for members of the Being and Doing Guild who asked for an additional volume

In her preface Whishaw writes:

‘This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it.’

It is my hope in publishing them here readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.