Everybody is Doing Their Best, With the Wisdom They Have

Judging people for their actions is easy, especially when they hurt or frustrate us. But have you ever paused to think that maybe, just maybe, everyone is truly doing their best with the wisdom they currently possess?

I’m not saying we should accept or excuse harmful behavior—far from it. Accountability is crucial. But I suggest that we stop condemning people outright for their mistakes or missteps. Life is a learning process, and not everyone is at the same stage of that journey. Many people may seem to repeatedly stumble, fall, and fail, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying. They simply don’t know better yet.

Think about your own life. Can you recall moments where you acted out of ignorance or inexperience, only to realize later how you could have handled the situation differently? We all have those moments—times when we hurt others or made poor choices, not out of malice, but because we didn’t yet have the knowledge or emotional tools to do better.

When we understand that everyone, no matter how lost or misguided they may seem, is operating with the knowledge and awareness they have at that point in time, it changes our perspective. Suddenly, we see that person not as "wrong" or "bad," but as someone still learning, still navigating their own challenges in life.

Condemning others for their shortcomings doesn't make the world better. It creates division, fosters resentment, and leaves little room for growth. But what if, instead, we approached others with understanding? What if we acknowledged that they are doing the best they can, even if their "best" isn't enough in our eyes?

Some people never seem to learn. It's frustrating, right? They repeat the same mistakes, seemingly stuck in a loop. But here's the thing: Even when it feels like they aren’t evolving, they are trying their best—based on what they know and where they are emotionally and mentally. The truth is, life doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Everyone is figuring it out as they go, and while some catch on quickly, others take a little longer. And that’s okay.

Learning doesn’t always look pretty, and growth is rarely a straight line. But we can choose to approach people’s actions with understanding, knowing that while they may not be where we want them to be, they are somewhere on their path, trying to navigate their challenges the best way they know how.

Next time someone disappoints you, remember this: they’re doing their best with the wisdom they have. And with time, patience, and the right guidance, their best will become even better.