This quote draws a compelling distinction between the development of judgment and appreciation, highlighting two fundamental aspects of human growth. In our everyday lives, judgment often serves as a critical tool—helping us differentiate between right and wrong, safe and unsafe, or valuable and useless. However, overreliance on judgment can sometimes lead to rigidity, categorization, and superficial understanding. When we approach life solely through judgment, we may miss the deeper, more nuanced aspects of experience and connection.

Conversely, appreciation arises from a place of openness, gratitude, and acceptance. It allows us to see the inherent worth and beauty in people, situations, and moments, beyond immediate surface appearances or mental evaluations. Cultivating appreciation deepens our spiritual and emotional life, fostering compassion and genuine understanding. It shifts our focus from criticism and categorization to recognizing the interconnectedness and sacredness of all things.

This quote encourages us to balance these two qualities. Developing judgment is essential for navigating the practical aspects of life—making decisions, setting boundaries, and protecting ourselves—while developing appreciation nourishes our soul and enlarges our capacity for love and empathy. When we harmonize these qualities, we become more discerning yet more receptive, capable of wise choices rooted in compassion.

In Polishing the Mirror: How to Live from Your Spiritual Heart, Ram Dass emphasizes that spiritual maturity involves cultivating a sense of appreciation for oneself and others, seeing beyond superficialities to the divine or sacred within all beings. This perspective invites us to live not just with mental clarity but with an open heart, elevating our daily experience and fostering deep, authentic connections.