Marcus Aurelius: Every soul lacks truth unwillingly; the…

People often act badly because they are confused about what is good, useful, or deserved. That does not make harmful behavior harmless, and it does not require you to tolerate abuse. It does offer a better starting point than hatred. Instead of assuming another person is evil for its own sake, ask what fear, false belief, pressure, or ignorance may be steering them. This question can soften your tone without weakening your boundaries. A customer who snaps may be overwhelmed; a coworker who hoards information may be insecure; a family member who repeats a hurtful view may have never examined it. Respond to the actual behavior—correct it, leave, refuse, or protect yourself when needed. But do not poison your own mind by taking pleasure in contempt. Gentleness is the discipline of remembering that people are often lost before they are malicious. It lets you act firmly without losing your humanity.