Contempt prior to investigation comes from an old quote, attributed most famously to Herbert Spencer, though, depending on your source, you’ll hear a number of people being credited with coining the phrase.
So, what is contempt prior to investigation? In short, it is making judgments or developing a negative attitude towards someone or something without first seeking proper knowledge or understanding. Basically, it’s a really fancy and elaborate way of talking about judgment, though it specifically is in relation to things (or people) which you have no lived or practical experience with. Cut to – anchovies. Yes, anchovies.
Anchovies, if you’re unfamiliar, are small forage fish typically filleted, salt-cured, and canned in oil. Supposedly, there’s a whole group of people in this world that like them on pizza – I don’t know those people. Regardless, anchovies are one of the many foods in this world that receive a lot of contempt prior to investigation (from myself, especially). One of the best examples I ever heard about contempt prior to investigation was in regard to anchovies – though I’ve never tried anchovies in my life, if you asked me if I liked anchovies, I’d tell you “no, absolutely not.” This close-minded state of mind in which we form firm opinions despite a lack of understanding, knowledge, or lived experience, keeps us from living a truly rich and fulfilling life where we are open to all new experiences.
Contempt prior to investigation, practiced in any area of our life, will continuously rob us of valuable opportunities for growth and understanding, and can often perpetuate prejudice, that is, preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. Have you ever made a snap judgment of an individual which prevents you from interacting with them, only to find out some time later on that you actually really like them? That’s contempt prior to investigation in practice. It’s easy to look at something at face value and, without being open to the potential that it holds, make a judgment which limits our interest, interaction, or openness to it. Personally, I’ve done this with anchovies, as well as with people. Avoiding practicing contempt prior to investigation allows room for more opportunities and experience, and, thus, more growth and personal development.
What are some ways to practice letting go of this old frame of mind?
Gather facts and information before making a judgment or forming an opinion
Practice willingness by listening to different perspectives and seeking out opinions which are different from your own
Cultivate empathy towards others, and an understanding that their opinions, like yours, are a direct reflection of their experience (or lack thereof)
Avoid jumping to conclusions based on temporary emotions
Always keep an open mind and give people/things/experiences the benefit of the doubt – try it before you pass judgment on it!
My mother used to tell me when I was younger to try food first before putting salt on it – that’s one simple and easily implemented method of beginning to release contempt prior to investigation from your life. Now, in an effort to begin working towards this ideal myself, I will be trying anchovies for the first time. To watch my experience with this, visit The Cactus YouTube channel. (Video to be posted on Friday, September 8th) See if there’s something you, too, can try to begin releasing contempt prior to investigation from your life!
