Have you ever become best friends with someone you would never expect to at first sight?
Often, we judge too hastily, making decisions about people before we really know their story. What do people’s habits tell us about them?
Can you judge who the best person of the three people below based on their habits alone?
You’d pick C of course…
But wait….
Person A is Sir Winston Churchill
Churchill was Britain’s greatest wartime leader. He was also a noted speaker, historian, soldier, war reporter and author-biographer.
Has two lovers – Churchill had a close friendship with Violet Asquith, daughter of the Prime Minister, and it was assumed that Churchill and Violet would marry. However, another woman, Clementine Hozier captured his heart. Churchill wasn’t sure Clementine would marry him, so he kept up his relationship with Violet, using her as a “back up,” while hoping to win Clementine’s heart. When Clementine accepted his proposal, he broke the news to Violet, leading her to jump off a cliff, although she sustained only minor injuries. Churchill would admit that he treated Violet badly, but the two remained close friends.
Smokes cigars – Churchill always had a cigar in his mouth. His mother hated seeing him in public smoking so much that she bribed him with a pony and a new gun if he gave them up for six months. He did stop smoking then, but took it up again as soon as the six months were up. “The Churchill” a Cuban cigar was named after him.
Person B is Franklin Roosevelt (FDR)
Lost his job twice – In 1912, he won the re-election to the state senate but did not finish his term. He instead accepted the position of assistant secretary of the Navy. He also then left the public sector Fidelity and Deposit when he ran for Governor of New York.
Sleeps until midday – FDR was stricken with polio during the summer of 1921 leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He eventually could walk small distances with the use of braces and canes. In 1944, he was plagued with headaches in the evenings that left him overly exhausted throughout the day causing him to sleep excessively.
Drinks a bottle of whisky every day – FDR ended prohibition and was known to mix cocktails in the oval office, right at his desk. It was fitting that when Truman got the news of FDR’s passing he was sipping a Bourbon, calling it a fine tribute to his predecessor.
Person C is Adolf Hitler
Doesn’t smoke – During his early life, Hitler was a heavy smoker, but eventually gave up the costly habit. He encouraged his closest associates to quit smoking and banned smoking in his office, and around him.
Never betrayed his wife – Eva Braun was Hitler’s longtime companion, and was married to Hitler for just 40 hours before the pair committed suicide. Eva bit down on a Cyanide capsule while Hitler shot himself.
Don’t judge an individual by their habits.
We often judge others, keeping our minds closed. This also leads us to judge ourselves. We get stuck thinking our way is the only way, and anything different is wrong or negative. Instead, we need to look for the positive aspects of people and situations. Doing this will reduce judgment of others, and therefore the judgment of ourselves. It will also lead us to appreciate the differences in others and open our minds to new things.
