"保留判断是一种无限的希望。"

Holding off on making judgments is essentially about harboring endless optimism. When we refrain from jumping to conclusions about people or situations, we're basically saying, "Hey, I believe there's more to this story." It's a mindset that keeps the door open to new possibilities, encourages understanding, and fosters a bit of hope that there's always room for change, growth, or simply more information that we don't yet have.

Let's dive into some context. This line comes from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." Nick Carraway, the narrator, mentions it early in the novel. Why? Because he's preparing us for a tale that's full of flawed characters and complex situations. By reserving judgment, Nick gives himself—and us—the chance to see these characters in their full humanity, not just as one-dimensional beings. It’s a reminder that people are more than just their worst actions or best moments.

Now, think about a real-life situation. Imagine you're at work, and a colleague repeatedly shows up late for meetings. It’s easy to label them as lazy or unprofessional. But what if, instead, you choose to reserve judgment? Maybe they're dealing with a sick child, or perhaps they're grappling with something you're completely unaware of. By not rushing to a negative conclusion, you're leaving space for understanding and empathy. And sometimes, that can change the entire dynamic of your relationship with that person.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? Start with pausing. When you catch yourself jumping to a conclusion, take a step back and ask yourself if you have the whole picture. Most of the time, you don't. Challenge yourself to find three possible explanations for the behavior or situation. Not only does this make you more empathetic, but it often reduces stress and conflict in your life.

Alright, let’s put this into a story. Imagine you're at the airport. Your flight's delayed, and everyone’s getting pretty antsy. There's a woman standing by the gate agent, raising her voice. The first thought? "Wow, she's really rude." But what if you took a moment to reserve that judgment? Maybe she's been traveling for 24 hours straight, trying to get home to a sick relative. Maybe she's just received some bad news. By holding off on that snap judgment, you open up a tiny space for empathy. You might even find yourself feeling a bit more patient about the situation, understanding that we're all just trying to get by.

Reserving judgment isn't about being naïve or ignoring bad behavior. It's about recognizing that we all have our stories—many which aren't immediately visible. It’s about maintaining a sense of hope that people can surprise you, that there’s often more beneath the surface. Next time you’re tempted to judge, take a breath. Remember that we’re all complex beings with intricate lives. Who knows? You might just find that your patience and open-mindedness pay off in unexpected ways.