In most social contexts, what individuals perceive as right or wrong depends less on fixed truths and more on the meaning, context, and logic they’ve applied, whether consciously or not. It’s incredibly useful—both relationally and for developing emotional intelligence—to try and understand why someone has adopted a particular view.

A considered life involves looking at oneself in depth, and this encourages the same attitude towards others. By appreciating our own complex narratives and judgements, we can recognise that such things exist to the same degree in those who offend us, rather than perceiving only idiocy or evil. When we consider, in place of feeling angry with each

... See more

Everyone looks at life through a window.

Some windows are fogged by pain.

Some are tinted by upbringing.

Some cracked by loss.

Some wide open.

Some barely let in light.

So when someone says something that doesn’t make sense to you, it probably does make sense to them.

They’re not being difficult.

They’re just seeing from a different window.

The goal isn’t... See more