What You Don't Know

M3 Monday Morning Message – No. 584, April 13, 2020

A few months ago, I was selected to serve on a jury for a criminal trial. During the jury selection process, more than 60 prospective jurors were questioned over the course of about a six-hour session. Part of the questioning included the opportunity for any potential jurors to identify if serving on the jury for that week would cause them any personal hardship. Several people raised their hands were later given an opportunity to meet with the judge privately to discuss their concerns. Among those who did this was juror number 29, a small middle-aged woman who was wearing a surgical mask (note, this was well before the concern of the virus pandemic and so seeing someone wearing a mask in public settings was uncommon).

Three hours into the session there was a lunch break and we were given very specific instructions by the judge regarding our code of conduct, which, among other things, included not discussing the case with anyone and an absolute directive to not be late upon our return from lunch. When we returned, the roll call by juror number evidenced that one person was not present. Juror number 29 was missing (we were all referred to by our juror number). After a few minutes passed by, juror 29 came through the door and was asked to take a seat. Next, there was private discussion between the judge and court clerk at the front of the courtroom, and number 29 was asked to approach the judge. After a short conversation, number 29 was led out of the room never to be seen again.

Wow! What just happened? Was the judge that strict on his on-time rules that he sent number 29 home? I wondered if she was going to get fined or something. Later I found out other jurors had similar questions in their minds and some even thought number 29 was acting like a germaphobe to get out of serving on the jury. It was not until after the final jury selection that those of us chosen to serve found out that number 29 was wearing a mask because she was a cancer patient currently battling the disease. Being in public was a risk to her and the judge was not a cruel, strict ogre, but rather a compassionate and sensible man providing for the safety of the woman. Before having this information, what we did not know was shaping the opinions and perspectives of us and the other people in the courtroom. Knowing the facts certainly changed our perspective!

Of course, it is human nature to be inquisitive and even speculative regarding events surrounding us. Where we sometimes get in trouble is when that curiosity compels us to form opinions or draw conclusions that are not based on facts, or even worse, act on those opinions and conclusions. While it may be difficult, we serve ourselves and others better when we do not allow what is not based on fact to color our thoughts of others. Assuming that juror 29 was manipulative as some did, was obviously very inaccurate. Concluding the judge was harsh was equally wrong. What would have happened if we never knew the truth of the matter? Would a view of the judge being harsh have played into the thoughts and decisions of any of the jurors deciding the case? It quite possibly could have!

It seems there is more opportunity to draw wrong conclusions in the face of so much “fake news” published in the press and social media these days. We all see and hear things every day that form our views. What if we all took a moment before forming any opinions, judgments, or conclusions to make sure that what we decide to think is only based on what we know to be fact? It could change the world! At a minimum, we would be serving ourselves and others better. Before forming opinions and conclusions, try to exercise the self-discipline of suppressing your own bias and ensure you have the facts. This is especially important before expressing your opinions or taking any action based on what you perceive to be true – on what you don’t know. That is the least each of us can do to improve things for everyone. Hopefully, it will rub off on others too.

 “The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.” – Leonardo da Vinci

“As human beings we suffer from an innate tendency to jump to conclusions; to judge people too quickly and to pronounce them failures or heroes without due consideration of the actual facts and ideals of the period.” – Prince Charles

Have a great week! 

Brad

Note – the use of quotes does not imply that I agree or disagree with the views, philosophies, or beliefs of those quoted (especially that “Anonymous” person!).