27.

As my understanding of human ignorance becomes more clear, the realization of how vast this epidemic of benightedness has become - or perhaps has always been - gives me a pit in my stomach; a very acute feeling of uneasiness. I realize it's pessimistic to assume that everyone is lying to you, and I don't feel that way, but still I believe I give too many people the benefit of the doubt. To some a smile and a promise signify the highest possible level of security, but the truth of the matter is that both can me faked. More often than not, it seems, motive is not easily seen.

There are certain people I don't like (as I'm sure is the case with almost everyone). I am by no means incapable of getting along with everyone I meet, but there are some people I would rather not get along with. I have been criticized by more than one person for judging people, but I think that criticism stems from a lack of understanding of what I mean when I say judge. Prejudging is one thing, but judging someone based on how they act, what they do, and how they treat other people seems not only reasonable but expected. It is unwise not to judge people at all because eventually someone is going to take advantage of another person's self inflicted naivety.