NOT many years ago a man rented a store upon a street appropriately named Market Street. While very busy getting barrels, boxes and other things in- side, he happened to see a boy of eleven years standing by, and called to him, ” See here, boy, if you’ll help me to-day, I’ll pay you well.” The boy looked at him but made no answer. ” Don’t you want to work ? ” The boy made some sort of gesture, but remained silent. ” Oh ! you’re some idler, I guess. Well, if you won’t work or even speak, just pass along about your business.” He thought the boy’s lounging attitude and continued silence meant disrespect and defiance, and soon began to feel irritated over it
” Some young thief, I guess, watching his chance to steal something and run,” thought he. Presently he advanced toward the boy with threatening look, when, to his amazement, the offender performed some peculiar gesture, and strange play of features, as he retreated backward.
” I’ll teach you how to make faces and mock me; you’ve acted the nuisance long enough.” And with- out further delay he raised his hand, when the boy, instead of running off, started, and fell in a heap upon the sidewalk. Several persons hastened to the spot and inquired what was the matter. ” Why ! that lazy fellow refused work when I offered him pay and hung around even when I ordered him off, and finally made faces and disrespectful gestures at me; so I was going to slap him and he dropped like that. He is not hurt enough to even cry about it.” ” Sir, that is poor Danny, a deaf mute and cripple, perfectly inoffensive when you know him. We all humor him and let him stay around as long as he pleases, for his eyes are the chief blessings he possesses, and they can’t injure anything.” When they lifted Danny, they found a bruise upon his forehead, and tears were slowly creeping down his cheeks. He was carried into a store, and one of his friends who understood how to communicate with him, explained the merchant’s mistake. You may be sure the man was heartily ashamed, and so anxious to prove his repentance that he did all in his power to relieve poor Danny’s adversity and affliction.
Drawing materials, also white blocks of soft wood and patterns, with suitable tools, were furnished, and very often the merchant walked down to the plain house where Danny lived, and often, also, he took the lonely boy for a ride by carriage or railway. A comfortable chair and table with drawers, then by and by a cabinet to hold Danny’s works of art, transformed the plain room into an interesting one. The patient mother was very grateful to the new friend, and justly proud of her boy’s work; and a pleasant picture they made, sitting in winter beside their glowing fire, with her sewing and Danny busy at his work-table. But for all this good result, the merchant said often : ” If I had only known the truth, had not been so hasty in judgment, I might have done as much good without having done any injury.”
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Short Stories Judging Unwisely
Short stories that revolve around the theme of judging unwisely serve as rich vessels for imparting moral lessons and encouraging introspection. These narratives not only entertain but also challenge our innate tendencies to make snap judgments based on superficial appearances or incomplete information. For instance, “Judging Unwisely,” a well-loved tale from Kids World Fun, vividly illustrates the consequences of making hasty decisions without fully understanding the context or characters involved . In this story, children are encouraged to think critically about their perceptions and the implications of their judgments, often framed with engaging visuals and interactive elements that make the moral more approachable.
The Unwise Judge: A Tale from Ethiopia
Another captivating narrative that underscores this theme is “The Unwise Judge,” featured in Ethiopian English Readers. This story presents two neighbors who, despite their poverty, maintain a friendship—a fact that can be easily overlooked if one were to judge them solely on their economic status. As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that the essence of the story lies not just in the characters’ choices but also in the broader implications of fairness and justice in society . This narrative invites readers to reflect on the importance of empathy and understanding, especially in a world that often equates worth with wealth.
Judging By Appearance: Cultural Reflections
Moreover, the discussion regarding whether it’s sometimes necessary to “judge a book by its cover” emerges within a broader societal context. A thought-provoking piece on Quora examines the complex nature of judgments made purely on external appearances, suggesting that while these judgments may seem unwise, they can also serve pragmatic purposes in certain situations . For instance, in environments where quick decisions are vital—like hiring practices or social interactions—individuals may resort to superficial assessments out of necessity. Yet, this creates an ethical dilemma: when does pragmatism cross the line into unwarranted bias?
The Wisdom of Observation
In stark contrast to unwise judgments is the philosophy encapsulated in the adage, “A fool speaks, a hypocrite judges, a wise man observes.” This sentiment shared on Facebook resonates deeply with the idea that true wisdom lies not in making judgments but in taking the time to observe and understand others . Here, we can draw a parallel to the tales discussed earlier. Both “Judging Unwisely” and “The Unwise Judge” advocate for deeper comprehension before forming opinions, reinforcing the notion that every individual possesses layers that merit consideration beyond surface-level analysis.
Challenging Our Own Biases
Finally, platforms like Miss Demeanors highlight the pervasive issue of judging individuals based solely on their physical attributes or first impressions . Such stories encourage us to question our biases and preconceived notions, prompting us to explore how our upbringing, experiences, and cultural contexts shape our judgments. They challenge us to dig deeper, fostering an understanding that everyone carries unique stories that define their identities. Perhaps we can draw inspiration from these narratives to cultivate a more compassionate worldview—one that values personal connections over assumptions.
In essence, short stories centered around judging unwisely illustrate the delicate balance between perception and reality. They empower us to embrace a mindset that prioritizes understanding and empathy over quick conclusions, inviting us to view the world through a lens that appreciates complexity rather than simplicity.
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