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About this quote

What does it mean?
People should not judge others because true knowledge of another person is impossible. Judgment requires understanding that no one possesses.
In plain terms
You should not criticize other people because you do not really know them.
What can you take from it?
Avoid judging others since you cannot fully know their hearts or minds.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • personal relationships
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • practice restraint in criticism
  • assume good intent

Questions to consider

  • What limits do we have in knowing others?
  • When is judgment necessary?

Another view

This view might discourage holding people accountable for harmful actions.

More from Sir Thomas Browne

  1. They that endeavour to abolish vice destroy also virtue, for contraries, though they destroy one another, are yet the life of one another.

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  2. But how shall we expect charity towards others, when we are uncharitable to ourselves? Charity begins at home, is the voice of the world, yet is every man his …

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. I intend no Monopoly, but a Community in Learning; I study not for my own sake only, but for theirs that study not for themselves.

    Permalink to quote #19

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