“Be curious, not judgmental.”
These words, which were first spoken by Walt Whitman and later popularized by Ted Lasso, carry a simple yet profound truth: curiosity opens doors; judgment closes them.
In a world that feels increasingly divided — where assumptions and preconceived notions can build walls between us — the choice to be curious rather than judgmental is one of the most powerful acts of leadership, community, and personal growth.
Sunday is World Understanding and Peace Day, a day dedicated to fostering dialogue and promoting global harmony. It serves as an important reminder of the power of mutual understanding in creating a better world.
Understanding begins with listening — not just to words, but to meaning, history and the unspoken truths that shape us. True listening requires us to set aside our need to respond, to argue, or to impose our perspective. It asks us to hear the experiences of others in a way that allows them to be fully seen and understood. This is the foundation of connection.
Too often, we think of peace as the absence of conflict. But real peace is more than that. It’s the presence of connection. It’s built in the moments when we choose dialogue over division, when we lean in instead of turning away. It’s not a distant ideal; it’s a daily practice.
More than ever, we need to reach across language, culture, and lived experience to build something greater than ourselves: understanding. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s right and necessary.
The world is complex, and the challenges we face are too great to solve by ourselves. Whether in business, in leadership, or in our communities, the ability to engage with diverse perspectives isn’t just valuable; it’s essential.
Choosing curiosity over judgment is an act of courage. It means acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers, that our perspective is incomplete, and that growth comes from discomfort. It means being willing to ask questions, challenging our own assumptions, and to embrace the idea that different does not mean wrong.
The world changes when we listen. When we make space for voices different from our own. When we replace assumption with inquiry, division with dialogue, and fear with understanding.
Let’s commit to being curious. Let’s commit to listening. And in doing so, let’s build a world that is not only more peaceful but more deeply connected, more innovative, and more just.
Simon Yoxon-Grant is President and CEO of LanguageLine Solutions.