Marcus Aurelius: Everything depends on the judgment you…

An event and our first interpretation of it often arrive so close together that we mistake them for one thing. A delayed reply becomes rejection. A short comment becomes contempt. A mistake becomes proof that we are incapable. These judgments can create more distress than the original event. We do not need to pretend that nothing matters; we need to leave room for alternatives before declaring a verdict. Perhaps the person is distracted. Perhaps the work needs revision, not abandonment. Perhaps there is information we have not received. Today, catch one conclusion while it is still forming. State only the observable facts, then list one or two other possible explanations. This simple pause does not solve every difficulty, but it prevents imagination from steering the ship. More generous judgments make steadier action possible.