A Thought On Cynics, Critics, and Others Who Judge Too Harshly

by Robert Wilkinson

I was reading a review of the Scorsese documentary on George Harrison, and one of the commenters made a brilliant remark.

It struck a chord with me due to recent events where I found myself confronting someone who was harshly critical of what was and wasn't. I've never liked unduly harsh criticism, even if true, since the brutality of harsh treatment negates any possible good that could come out of such a confrontation.

Anyway, the commenter offered a prayer from their youth:

"Protect me from the cynical mind
That scoffs at Truth and Beauty
And makes of no account
Those things which are of good report."

So often we humans take a one-sided approach to how we view and interpret things. So often we humans only see that which we believe is in error, and forget to praise the good, true, and beautiful. So often we humans offer a stronger negative to what our minds judge rather than offer an acknowledgment of "those things which are of good report."

That's why network news is usually a giant drag, as well as political dialog which condemns opposing views while turning a blind eye to the inconsistencies and flaws in their own. There is certainly too much scoffing at truth and beauty, while not acknowledging that there are "things of good report" in any approach that benefits the whole, whether we see it or not.

We humans certainly do this when judging our own aspirations against our apparent failures. Too often we put a spotlight on our perceived flaws while not giving equal weight and time to that which we have accomplished, done right, done well, or improved on, whether it's the ideal or not.

Anyway, the next time you're judging yourself harshly, or being judged by another harshly, detach, don't take it personally, and remember there are many ways to view any given thing in our lives or on this Earth. We certainly should not tolerate abuse directed at us, whether from another or ourselves. And it helps to remember that while some things are not likeable, nothing should be able to pull us into a non-loving state.

© Copyright 2011 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Nicolas]

Brief and Brilliant!
To be taken into account, and it so practical and "easy" too.

[Donna]

An excellant start to this day.

[dcu]

Thank you Robert. Very well said. For those of us actively involved with the "occupy everywhere" movement it is so important to remember that Steve Stills once said in an extended version of "For What it's Worth" - If we can't do it with love in our hearts then we have no right to do it at all.

[caliban]

This reminds me of discernment. As I considered discernment, I became aware of judgement. To be discerning without judgement? Discernment seems to be about choice. If I go to insecurity and defensiveness, and then prejudice and discrimination which is very much like revenge to me, it drains me.

[Micheline]

Amen

[ull]

Critical thinking is important - but cynical thinking is just negative. You use critical thinking only to improve.