"Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself "

It's all about forming your own opinions based on your own experiences rather than relying on what others tell you. Essentially, we're all bombarded with opinions, gossip, and judgments from other people. But the key piece of wisdom here is to take all that with a grain of salt. Instead, we should observe, experience, and judge for ourselves.

This piece of advice might resonate on a personal level if you've ever been caught up in someone else’s negative talk about another person, only to later realize that their perspective was skewed. In historical context, consider how many wars and conflicts were fueled by misleading information and second-hand opinions. It's a timeless lesson that holds true whether you’re navigating high school friendships or international politics.

Let’s dive into a real-life scenario. Imagine you're starting a new job. On your first day, a colleague pulls you aside and says, "Watch out for Mark. He’s super difficult to work with." Now, if you take their word for it, you'll approach Mark with an inherent bias. But, what if you ignore that advice and decide to interact with Mark yourself? Over time, you might find that Mark is not only easy to work with but a great mentor. Your own judgment could lead to a fruitful professional relationship that might have been otherwise tainted by someone else's opinion.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by being open-minded. When someone shares their views about another person or a situation, listen politely but keep your judgment in reserve. Make your own evaluations based on direct interactions and personal experiences. It’s about cultivating a mindset where you trust your own perceptions over the hearsay of others. Also, reflect on your own biases. Are you prone to taking sides quickly? Practice patience and give yourself the grace to form well-rounded opinions.

Here’s a little story to illustrate this. Picture a high school freshman named Alex. Alex is new in school and hears from a classmate, "Don’t hang out with Jamie. She's so stuck up." Despite the warning, Alex decides to sit next to Jamie in biology class. Over time, Alex realizes that Jamie is not only friendly but shares similar interests. They end up becoming best friends. If Alex had listened to the initial advice, he would've missed out on a valuable friendship.

It's really about taking ownership of your own perceptions. Think of it this way—life is like a giant art gallery, filled with different pieces. Some people might walk by a painting and think it's ugly or meaningless. But when you stand before it, maybe you see beauty or a story that resonates deeply with you. Should you let someone else's opinion diminish your own experience? Absolutely not. Trust your own eyes and judgement. It’s not always easy, but it’s a surefire way to lead a more genuine, untainted life.

So, next time you’re faced with someone’s unsolicited advice about another person or situation, take a step back. Consider it, but don’t let it be the final word. Your own judgment is powerful—lean into it.