Refrain From Speaking ill of Others
December 23, 2024•508 words
If you think well of others, you will also speak well of others and to others. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If your heart is full of love, you will speak of love. ~ St. Mother Teresa
"We are all one family in the world. Building a community that empowers everyone to attain their full potential through each of us respecting each other's dignity, rights and responsibilities makes the world a better place to live." ~ Pope John Paul II
Speaking well of others and not speaking ill of them is a sign of humility, emotional maturity, and self-discipline.
The decision to speak to the strengths and potentials, instead of flaws, in others reflects the mindset that values connection and growth. This approach not only uplifts those around you but also demonstrates your ability to handle challenges with grace and understanding.
Equally as important is an open-hearted attitude.
By remaining open to diverse perspectives, you demonstrate respect for the experience and views of others; similarly, you acknowledge that there are limitations to knowledge from a single person and no one has all the answers. This kind of thinking invites collaboration, deeper communication, and an atmosphere wherein growth and mutual respect become the norm.
History has powerful examples to show the way openness and respect can work as the catalyst for transformational change.
An example could be that of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, who completely embodied these qualities. He stood for peaceful protest and open dialogue, appealing to shared humanity rather than division. In appealing to the moral conscience of the society, King stirred an immense support that eventually shook loose historic legislation, such as the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which outlawed racial discrimination.
The transition of South Africa out of apartheid into a new era is another case that well illustrates the strength of reconciliation over revenge.
Leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu supported healing rather than punishment. With the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, victims and perpetrators were both allowed to tell their stories, which allowed them to understand and respect one another. This open-heartedness allowed South Africa to steer clear of further violence and to start rebuilding a more integrated nation.
Another example is the TRC of Canada, but even this illustrates how hard it is to make any real progress.
The TRC was established in 2008 under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement to address the harms caused by the residential school system. However, by July 2024, only 14 Calls to Action are completed, 15 are not started, 19 have stalled, and 46 are in progress. And all these changes stress the need for a continued commitment to an open mind is necessary in the course of overcoming systemic racism and discrimination on the path to real reconciliation in Canada.