By: Victoria Adekunle
We cannot see an apple from a distance and confidently call it an orange. In the same way, we should not judge people or situations based on appearances alone. Someone’s facial expression or behavior from afar may seem arrogant, yet the reality could be entirely different.
The French philosopher René Descartes encouraged people to avoid precipitation (rushing to conclusions) and prejudice (accepting ideas without proper examination). Rather than accepting every impression as true, he believed we should carefully examine the evidence before making judgments.
This lesson remains relevant today. Before making someone a close friend, take time to know the person. Learn about their character, values, and actions instead of relying on first impressions.
The same principle applies when joining a new organization or starting a new job. Study the environment, understand the culture, and learn how things are done. Doing so can save you from unnecessary stress, avoidable conflicts, and poor decisions.
Research also demands careful thinking. A good researcher does not jump to conclusions. Instead, they observe, formulate a hypothesis, conduct experiments, analyze the findings, and verify the results before reaching a conclusion.
Likewise, before speaking about someone, whether positively or negatively, we should first establish the facts. Rumours and assumptions often lead to unfair judgments and damaged relationships.
When beginning a new job, do not rush to criticize or make major decisions. Take time to learn, adapt, and understand your responsibilities. Patience, careful observation, and critical thinking will help you perform at your best.
In a world where people are often quick to judge, Descartes’ lesson remains valuable: examine carefully, think critically, and avoid hasty conclusions.
