"عامل الناس كما لو كانوا ما ينبغي أن يكونوا وستساعدهم على أن يصبحوا ما هم قادرون على أن يكونوا"

The heart of this quote is all about seeing the potential in others and treating them not just as they are now, but as who they could become. By doing this, you help them rise to meet those expectations and grow into their best selves. It's kind of like being a personal cheerleader, but with the added magic of believing in their future greatness.

Let’s take a quick trip back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This idea is often attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer and statesman. He was a guy known for his wisdom and understanding of human nature. His insight was that people often live up—or down—to the expectations placed upon them. So, if you treat someone as though they’re already the person they have the potential to be, you’re giving them a boost up the ladder to that higher version of themselves.

Now, let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Picture a teacher in a classroom. She’s got a student, John, who struggles with math. Instead of focusing on his current difficulties, she sees him as a mathematician in training. She encourages him, praises his efforts, and gives him challenging problems because she believes he can handle them. Over time, John starts to believe in his own potential. He works harder, asks more questions, and, slowly but surely, his skills improve. By the end of the year, he’s not just passing math—he’s excelling.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life? Start by looking at the people around you—your friends, family, colleagues. See them not just for who they are right now, but for who they could be. Speak to that future person. Encourage them, support them, and challenge them in ways that align with their potential. It might feel a bit weird at first, but you’ll be amazed at how people respond to genuine belief in their abilities.

Imagine you're managing a team at work. One of your team members, Sarah, is always a bit shy during meetings. Instead of assuming she’s just not cut out for leadership roles, you start giving her small opportunities to lead. You compliment her when she speaks up and make it clear you believe in her potential. Over time, Sarah starts to take on more responsibility and grows into a confident leader. Your belief in her helps her see herself in a new light.

Think about it like being a gardener. You don’t just see a seed for what it is—a tiny, unremarkable thing. You see the blooming flower or the towering tree it can become. You water it, give it sunlight, and care for it with the belief that it will grow. People are a lot like that. When you treat them as they could be, you’re giving them the sunlight and water they need to grow into their fullest selves. So, go out there and be that positive force for someone. It’s a win-win—you get to see them flourish, and they get to become the best version of themselves.