The Principle of Charity is a cognitive decision to discard the cowardness of cynicism and embrace a more compassionate mode of thought. Put simply, it is a consciously charitable interpretation of another’s motives (unless proven otherwise, and without compromising one’s physical safety). Instead of assuming the worst about people, offering them the benefit of the doubt gives them the opportunity to live up to their better natures. The reward for you is that is makes you more personable and reduces mental stress. A cynical/suspicious approach does not offer anything except keeping you preemptively miserable; it is neither a smart nor a healthy way to function.

In the event of a strong disagreement, the best assumption to begin with is one of misunderstanding, not one of malice. Instead of being insulted by every perceived slight, consider that the other person may have failed to communicate, or, to put it another way, that you’ve misunderstood. Take the time to check if that is the case before writing them off. It costs you nothing at all to offer a few words of pleasantness to someone who seems grouchy, but it might just improve their day, making you a new ally.

Instead of exhausting yourself by always being on guard, have the Courage to share your humanity. Dare to actively practice empathy. Be brave enough to show compassion; it is not a commodity, the more love you share, the more love you have to give.

So go ahead, it will make others feel better, it will make you feel better, and it will make the world that much better too.