Examine what is said, not him who speaks

“Examine what is said, not him who speaks.”

African proverb and quote.

“Examine what is said, not him who speaks.” The fundamental message teaches us to examine ideas in themselves. Don’t ignore words of wisdom based on who said them. The speaker’s identity or position is unimportant. Concentrate only on assessing the real substance and value.

Unexpected sources sometimes provide insightful information. One misses important information when they judge someone based only on appearances. Truth can emerge from anywhere when one has an open mind. To properly understand the underlying meaning, pay close attention to what is being said without letting the speaker’s identity distract you.

This proverb discourages judgmental behavior. It also fights prejudice and narrow-mindedness, which blind us. We gain knowledge by separating ideas and personas. To expand your understanding, “examine what is said” carefully.