Background
The concept of being “curious, not judgemental” is closely associated with the famous poet, Walt Whitman. As one of the most influential poets of the 19th century, many of Whitman’s words and phrases have become iconic and continue to be repeated and adopted today. While it’s often attributed to him, the phrase “be curious, not judgemental” has been the source of some debate.
Origins
It does not appear that Whitman himself wrote or uttered the words “be curious, not judgemental” anywhere in his published collections of works. Similar phrases such as “Be tender, rather than judgmental” can be found in several of his poems, and Whitman was widely-known as a compassionate and welcoming presence to those outside of societal norms. This points to the fact that he likely would have stood behind the sentiment of the phrase.
Context In Walt Whitman’s Work
Some experts suggest that the phrase may have been derived from his famous work “Leaves Of Grass,” which consists of several short poems. The work consists of audacious and vivid declarations of passion, joy, and spirituality, and clearly expresses the idea of the importance of a curious, not judgemental mindset. Though it’s likely that the quote itself was a later development, some believe the idea was a key part of Whitman’s message.
Modern Perspectives
This saying has since become a cornerstone of modern progressive thought, and is often repeated by independent thought leaders, authors, and philosophers. It states that rather than adopting prejudiced and unfounded beliefs about their peers, an individual should seek to understand their situation and characteristics with an open and compassionate mindset. In an increasingly divided world, these words are more critical today than ever before. Modern-day philosopher Rachelle Dear explicitly built upon this quote to coin the phrase “Don’t take anything for granted; be curious and shameless”, in order to emphasize the importance of curiosity in one’s life.
Personal Inquiry
This idea encourages us to develop an open perspective, to be curious and go beyond surface level assessments. Whether one looks at the world around them or chooses to look within, adopting a curious, humble attitude can often lead us down roads of new understanding and relationships. It can unlock opportunities, remove false assumptions and build deeper connections. Curiosity allows us to remain open to perspective and new experiences, rather than falling into a routine of certainty and judgement.
Implementation
As with any change in behaviour or thought, implementing this idea can be challenging. It requires an individual to take stock of their actions and thought patterns and decide which ones lead to a beneficial outcome. If a person notices themselves making judgements without the benefit of more information or context, they can take a conscious effort to instead live by the concept of “be curious, not judgemental.” This doesn’t necessarily mean compromising their convictions, it simply means being curious and taking the time to learn more about the situation or individual before arriving at a conclusion.
Evaluation
Overall, the concept of being curious, not judgemental is one that can have a profoundly positive impact on an individual’s personal and professional life. Developing a mindset of curiosity is key to forming meaningful connections and remaining open to the world. Does Walt Whitman deserve credit for this idea? While the words themselves are not likely his own, judging by his work and the values it reflects, it can be safely assumed that he would have approved.
Interpretation
At its core, the concept of being curious, not judgemental is based on the idea that we shouldn’t form opinions or conclusions based on only one perspective or tainted information. Rather, we should withhold judgement until we’ve taken the time to investigate the facts with a healthy sense of curiosity. This approach often yields better results, and takes into consideration the situation of all involved.
Applications
We can apply this concept in our lives in various ways. Adopting this mindset can help us make better decisions, both personally and professionally. It can also lead us towards healthier relationships, and allow us to uncover nuances and insights we may not have had access to otherwise. Additionally, by understanding and educating ourselves on moments in history and current events, we can ensure that our decisions are rooted in curiosity and verifiable facts, not knee-jerk judgements.
Analysis
The idea of “Be curious, not judgemental” carries a great deal of meaning, and its presence continues to shape the world around us. Its message requires us to take a step back and think before deciding who or what we identify with. By providing us with an opportunity to explore and investigate further, this concept gives us an escape from making snap decisions. Taking a second to listen and observe can yield far greater value (and rewards) than reacting on first impulse.
