"Be curious, not judgmental."

Being curious instead of judgmental is about keeping an open mind and seeking to understand rather than jumping to conclusions. It's a mindset that encourages exploration and learning rather than shutting down conversations and experiences with preconceived notions.

This idea, often attributed to Walt Whitman, hinges on the belief that curiosity leads to growth, while judgment only fosters division and misunderstanding. Think about it: when we're curious, we're like children exploring the world for the first time—everything is new and fascinating. We're driven to ask questions, to learn, and to see things from different perspectives. On the flip side, being judgmental often means we've made up our minds without knowing all the facts. It's a form of mental laziness, where we rely on stereotypes or past experiences instead of engaging with the present moment and the people in it.

Take, for instance, the example of Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist. Back in the 1960s, she went to Tanzania to study chimpanzees. At the time, the scientific community had a very rigid view of animal behavior. They believed that humans were vastly different and superior to animals. But Jane was curious. She observed the chimps, lived among them, and refrained from imposing human judgments on their behavior. Her curiosity led to groundbreaking discoveries, like the fact that chimps make and use tools—something thought to be uniquely human. If she'd been judgmental, dismissing the chimps as just "animals," she would've missed out on uncovering these remarkable insights.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by checking your initial reactions. When you meet someone new or encounter an unfamiliar situation, pause and ask questions. Get the full story before forming an opinion. Let’s say you have a coworker who always seems to be late. Instead of labeling them as lazy or unreliable, be curious. Maybe they have a long commute, or they're dealing with personal issues. By asking and understanding, you open the door to empathy and better relationships.

Here's a relatable scenario to bring it home. Imagine you're at a family dinner, and your uncle starts talking about a political issue you strongly disagree with. Your first instinct might be to argue or dismiss his views out of hand. But what if, instead, you got curious? Ask him why he feels that way. What experiences led him to his current perspective? You might not change your mind, and he might not change his, but you'll both walk away with a deeper understanding of each other.

In short, being curious rather than judgmental is about embracing the world with an open heart and mind. It’s about seeking to understand before you form an opinion, and it can transform your relationships and your personal growth. So next time you catch yourself jumping to a conclusion, take a step back. Get curious. You might be surprised by what you learn.