Thinking Is Difficult, That’s Why Most People Judge— A Reflection for the Mindful Heart

Thinking requires effort. It demands us to slow down, observe, analyze, and question not just the world but also ourselves—our biases, assumptions, and emotions. Judgment, on the other hand, is quick. It provides a shortcut. When we judge, we bypass the deeper layers of understanding in favour of a surface-level conclusion. That’s why, for many, judgment becomes a habit—it’s easier, faster, and emotionally more comfortable than genuine thinking.

To think critically means to hold multiple perspectives, to wrestle with complexity, and to sit with discomfort. It involves empathy, patience, and self-awareness. But these qualities aren’t always nurtured in a world that rewards speed, certainty, and conformity. As a result, people often default to black-and-white thinking. They label others as “good” or “bad,” “right” or “wrong,” based on limited information or personal triggers. It feels safer. But this safety is an illusion—what we avoid in others often mirrors something unexamined within ourselves.

Judging also gives a false sense of superiority. When we judge, we place ourselves above the person or situation being judged. It cushions the ego and keeps us from having to do the inner work of reflection. But real growth—the kind that expands our consciousness—only happens when we’re willing to go beyond reaction and enter the space of thoughtful inquiry.

The truth is, thinking asks us to be uncomfortable. It asks us to pause before reacting, to ask why, to explore possibilities, and to challenge what we think we already know. It invites us into humility and openness—qualities essential not just for personal development but for creating a more understanding and compassionate world.

So next time we catch ourselves judging, maybe we can pause and ask: “What am I avoiding thinking about here? What truth might I be resisting?” That moment of pause can be the birthplace of awareness—and with awareness, comes the power to change, to grow, and to connect more deeply with others