When I order an espresso, I’ll judge.
Perhaps I’ll “consider” for the first few moments, but then I’ll definitely judge the hell out of it.
If it’s smooth, rich with no bitterness, it passes.
If it’s bitter, cold, too long or just an average bean, it typically doesn’t pass.
Now, when we humanise the situation, I get to consider.
Perhaps the barista is doing the best they can with the beans they have?
Perhaps the machine needs to be overhauled?
Perhaps they are understaffed that day, so it got cold?
While it’s helpful to judge the coffee so that I can make a more informed choice next time, when we are working with people, concepts, cultures, we need to humanise it.
Judgement is finite, or closed, and consideration is infinite, or open. When we move from judgement to consideration, we open to new possible futures with each other.
