Daily Frameworks for 22 February 2024

Istijlál, 16 Mulk (Dominion), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quotes for Reflection:

It is my hope that you may consider this matter, that you may search out your own imperfections and not think of the imperfections of anybody else. Strive with all your power to be free from imperfections. Heedless souls are always seeking faults in others. What can the hypocrite know of others’ faults when he is blind to his own? This is the meaning of the words in the Seven Valleys. It is a guide for human conduct. As long as a man does not find his own faults, he can never become perfect. Nothing is more fruitful for man than the knowledge of his own shortcomings. The Blessed Perfection says, “I wonder at the man who does not find his own imperfections.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

In order to achieve this cordial unity one of the first essentials insisted on by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá is that we resist the natural tendency to let our attention dwell on the faults and failings of others rather than on our own. Each of us is responsible for one life only, and that is our own. Each of us is immeasurably far from being “perfect as our heavenly father is perfect” and the task of perfecting our own life and character is one that requires all our attention, our will-power and energy. If we allow our attention and energy to be taken up in efforts to keep others right and remedy their faults, we are wasting precious time. We are like ploughmen each of whom has his team to manage and his plough to direct, and in order to keep his furrow straight he must keep his eye on his goal and concentrate on his own task. If he looks to this side and that to see how Tom and Harry are getting on and to criticize their ploughing, then his own furrow will assuredly become crooked. — Shoghi Effendi ²

Question for Consideration:

Why do we criticize some people when they make a mistake, but not others when they do the exact same thing? ³

Google Gemini Response:

The quotes highlight several reasons why we might criticize some people when they make a mistake but not others:

• Selective attention and confirmation bias: We tend to focus on and remember the mistakes of others more than our own. This is partly due to our natural tendency to be more critical of others than ourselves and partly because negative information tends to be more memorable than positive information. Additionally, we may have a “confirmation bias,” where we seek and interpret information to confirm our beliefs about ourselves and others. So, if we already have a negative perception of someone, we’re more likely to notice and criticize their mistakes.
• Different relationships and expectations: We generally have closer and more forgiving relationships with people we care about and expect more from those we have higher expectations of. Therefore, we might be more critical of a colleague’s mistake than a similar error made by a close friend.
• In-group vs. out-group bias: We tend to be more forgiving and understanding of mistakes made by people we consider part of our group (e.g., family, friends, colleagues) compared to those we perceive as outsiders. This is called “in-group vs. out-group bias.”
• Context and severity: The context and seriousness of the mistake also influence our response. We may be more critical of someone who makes a careless mistake with severe consequences than someone who makes an honest mistake with minimal impact.
• Personal motivations and agendas: Sometimes, criticizing others can be driven by personal motivations like jealousy, anger, or a desire to feel superior. We might use others’ mistakes to boost our self-esteem or deflect attention from our flaws.
  

It’s crucial to remember that judging others is ultimately unproductive and harmful. It creates division and hinders personal growth for ourselves and those we criticize. As the quotes suggest, focusing on self-improvement and cultivating understanding and compassion is a much more constructive and beneficial approach.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• We all make mistakes, and being kind to ourselves and others is essential.
• Instead of criticizing, try offering constructive feedback respectfully and helpfully.
• Focus on understanding why someone made a mistake and how they can learn from it.
• Practice empathy and compassion, even towards those who make mistakes.
  

By shifting our focus from criticizing others to self-improvement and understanding, we can create a more positive and supportive environment for everyone.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

The wisdom shared by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi highlights a fundamental aspect of human behavior: our tendency to focus on the faults of others while often overlooking our imperfections. Let’s explore this phenomenon:

Selective Perception and Bias:

• When someone we perceive as different from us makes a mistake, we may be quicker to criticize. Our biases and preconceptions influence how we view others.
• We tend to notice and remember negative actions more readily than positive ones, especially when they confirm our existing beliefs.
  

Self-Image and Ego:

• Our self-image plays a significant role. We want to see ourselves as competent, moral, and better than others.
• Acknowledging our own mistakes threatens our ego. Therefore, we may avoid self-reflection and project our shortcomings onto others.
  

Empathy Gap:

• We often lack empathy for people outside our immediate circle. When someone we care about makes a mistake, we may be more forgiving.
• Strangers or those we perceive as adversaries receive less compassion.
  

Attribution Bias:

• When we make an error, we attribute it to external factors (e.g., circumstances, stress). But when others err, we attribute it to their character flaws.
• This bias leads us to judge others more harshly.
  

Social Norms and Expectations:

• Society sets norms and expectations. When someone deviates, we notice.
• We may also hold people in positions of authority or influence to higher standards.
  

Cognitive Dissonance:

• Seeing someone doing the same thing we’ve done (and criticized) creates cognitive dissonance.
• To reduce discomfort, we justify our actions while condemning theirs.
  

Group Dynamics:

• In group settings, we conform to social norms. If others criticize someone, we may join in to fit in.
• Conversely, defending someone who’s criticized can be socially risky.
  

In summary, our tendency to criticize others while excusing ourselves arises from a complex interplay of psychology, social dynamics, and self-preservation. Becoming aware of this bias allows us to practice greater empathy, self-reflection, and understanding. 🌟

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 244. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/17#700778835. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. “Compilation for the 2018 Counsellors’ Conference.” Bahá’í Reference Library, May 2018.
   https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/give-me-thy-grace-serve-thy-loved-ones/4#725749714. ↩
3. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 54. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩