Chapter 86
What Makes Us Different Makes Us Human
OF A MONSTROUS CHILD This story shall go by itself; for I will leave it to physicians to discourse of. Two days ago I saw a child that two men and a nurse, who said they were the father, the uncle, and the aunt of it, carried about to get money by showing it, by reason it was so strange a creature. It was, as to all the rest, of a common form, and could stand upon its feet; could go and gabble much like other children of the same age; it had never as yet taken any other nourishment…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Track Your Judgment Triggers
For the next few days, notice when you catch yourself thinking 'that's weird' or 'that's not normal' about someone or something. Write down three specific instances. For each one, identify what made it feel strange to you and consider what you might learn if you approached it with curiosity instead of judgment.
Consider:
- •Pay attention to your physical reaction - does your body tense up when you encounter something unfamiliar?
- •Notice if your judgments are based on actual problems or just differences from your experience
- •Consider how your background and experiences shape what feels 'normal' to you
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone judged you for being different or unfamiliar. How did it feel? What would you have wanted them to understand about your situation or choices?
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