1. Reference Essay 4

2. Reference Article 5
Each of us has the opportunity to be ourselves and pursue our own dreams. Therefore, let's stop judging others and avoid being swept away by the noise around us.
When you judge someone, do you truly understand their actions? Or are you simply thinking that what they do or say is strange or different from the norm? Have you ever thought about whether the person you're judging had the same opportunities as you?
For example, if you see someone who didn't attend university, you might think they're lazy, unambitious, or just enjoying life. But have you considered that perhaps they would have loved to study, but circumstances or a difficult family situation prevented them from doing so? You might look down on them because they don’t have the same education level as you, but would you have been as strong if you were in their shoes?
We often hear one person who is frugal criticizing another for being wasteful, or someone generous calling others stingy. A homebody will mock those who love to travel, and a frequent traveler will disparage those who prefer staying at home as passive or unimaginative. We hear these judgments every day, until we eventually realize that sometimes we need to ignore what others say and learn that it's not always right to judge people so easily.
I have a friend who works as a civil servant, earning a modest salary, with no wealthy family to support her. Everyone thought she was careful with every penny, barely affording to eat or dress well. Then, suddenly, she decided to go on a trip to France. Her family opposed the idea, calling it wasteful, and her colleagues whispered that she was just trying to show off. Yet, she was determined to go. She confided in me that, since childhood, she had always dreamed of stepping foot in the glamorous city of Paris, to fully appreciate the “City of Light” of this era. That dream stayed with her every day, so she worked hard to save and manage her expenses to make it happen. It was that simple. She asked me: 'Can money be carried with you forever? And why should I delay my dreams just because others might judge me wrongly? Why should I live according to their imposed expectations?'
I couldn’t come up with a convincing answer to her question. That's why I always carry her question with me. It reminds me that often we’re too concerned about what others might say, and we forget to live true to ourselves.
Sometimes we encounter people who believe they have the right to judge others based on preconceived notions but are unwilling to accept differences. The worst part isn't their judgment; it's when we allow ourselves to be trapped by those very prejudices. So why not stop fearing and listen to our own voices instead?
We are born and die without having a say in it. We don’t get to choose our appearance or our family's wealth. But each of us has the opportunity to be ourselves, to do what we love, and to follow our own dreams. Therefore, let's stop judging others and avoid being swept away by the noise around us. Let's respect others and listen to ourselves!

3. Reference Article 6
Humans are elevated by patience, cherished for kindness, and distinguished by enlightenment. Just as water cleanses all things, without it, there is only impurity. Just as the sunlight nourishes everything, without it, everything would wither. Just as stillness brings peace and clarity, without it, there is only chaos and deceit. Similarly, we must constantly remind ourselves to cultivate qualities that lead us toward nobility and virtue in life!
Life is fleeting; in the short time we have, we should focus on doing good and refrain from doing harm. If you enjoy peace and happiness, do not invite suffering into your life.
The more we experience life, the more we realize its invaluable lessons. You will come to see that those who have studied deeply are worlds apart from those who have not. It is only the unwise who look down on others. And in all the suffering in life, the greatest misery is that which comes from ignorance.
Humans are elevated by patience, cherished for kindness, and distinguished by enlightenment. A person of patience can handle all things with grace, raising their character. A person who lives with kindness, always contributing to the good of others, deserves respect. A person with insight, who understands the nature of life, is truly exceptional.
In life, fame and wealth are like fleeting clouds, vanishing at any moment. Only a good reputation remains, passed down through the ages. Never lower others to lift yourself up; be humble, respectful, and elevate others in order to be a true noble person.
Never judge others, for everyone has their own story and challenges, ones only they can fully understand. Would you like to be judged by others? If you do not appreciate something happening to you, do not impose it on others.
Do not look down on someone just because they have nothing, for humans are often strange—when they are in need, they may not receive comfort, but when they succeed, they don't need applause. Show respect and kindness, even to those who seem insignificant. That is true goodness.
For those who are virtuous, treat them with respect. For those who are evil, treat them with sternness. For your friends, show generosity. For the talented, show humility. For the weak, show tolerance and offer help.
In life, simply assess whether an action should be done or not, and follow that understanding. Do not impose strict expectations on others or yourself. Allow things to unfold naturally, without forcing them.
When you are angry, you are the first to suffer the consequences. Forgiveness is one of the highest virtues. The vastness of the sky and the ocean cannot compare to the breadth of the human heart.
Once you understand these principles, you will find happiness in the present. Enlightenment allows you to enjoy life in every moment, facing life's ups and downs with awareness and wisdom.

4. Reference Article 7
Judging, criticizing, and fault-finding others is a common habit among many people today. Many have the habit of making quick judgments about others, but have they ever thought about the consequences of 'judging others too easily'?
Judging others involves evaluating them based on our own subjective or objective perceptions. It often means imposing our narrow, rigid, and selfish views onto someone. Making judgments easily can lead to serious, unforeseen consequences. Often, these judgments are shallow, inaccurate, and based on a one-sided, biased view. As a result, they can cause misunderstandings and conflicts between people, leading to regrettable outcomes. With the rise of the internet and social media, it has become even easier to pass judgment, which creates considerable harm in human relationships. Many painful and tragic events have occurred because someone spoke carelessly or judged others too hastily. Those who regularly judge others become selfish, narrow-minded individuals who end up alienating themselves from others. Those who are the targets of such judgments may suffer mental and emotional harm (depression, stress, etc.) or even physical harm. Numerous students, for instance, have been involved in fights or violence because they were judged by their peers. We all have our flaws, and we’ve all been guilty of passing judgment at some point.
Therefore, always remember: Do not judge others too quickly; take time to listen and respond thoughtfully to judgments made about you. No one is born perfect. If you despise others because of their mistakes, you will end up isolated in this world. So, judge less and love more. Only love can bring true happiness.

5. Reference Article 8
In today's society, we are facing a challenging issue: the tendency to judge others almost automatically and often without careful consideration. This behavior is leading us into a heartbreaking reality. Judging others, usually based on superficial appearances or specific statements, can never fully reflect their true essence and value.
Typical signs of this behavior include making repeated statements about others without clear evidence, and exercising judgment in a rigid, inflexible manner, refusing to accept diverse perspectives. Sometimes, we speak without thinking, unaware of the consequences our words might cause. These attitudes and actions can have negative impacts, not only on the individuals being judged but also on the entire community.
Firstly, judging others can harm the psychological well-being of those being evaluated. If the judgment is inaccurate or unjust, it may leave them feeling unfairly treated and insecure. Even thoughtless words can lead to defamation, insults, and disruption within the community, affecting the reputation and credibility of both the evaluator and the judged.
Moreover, if we freely judge others without concrete grounds, it can contribute to the formation of prejudice and discrimination in society. Judging can diminish social cohesion and create divisions, affecting interpersonal relationships and the overall harmony of daily life.
Finally, the act of judging others can also threaten the reputation and respect of those who engage in it. Therefore, we must be cautious about how we express our opinions and avoid passing judgment too easily. Instead, let us embrace the diversity and differences of individuals, for as Publilius Syrus once said, 'Words are the mirror of the soul.'

6. Reference Article 9
The habit of criticizing and judging others has long been a troubling issue. Criticizing others to threaten, offend, or degrade them, while satisfying personal emotions, unconsciously causes psychological harm to the recipient, even affecting their physical well-being and potentially their life. This is a phenomenon that significantly impacts the character and ethics of students specifically, and society’s culture in general, leading to a decline in moral values and turning individuals into uneducated, uncultured beings in the eyes of others.
Such actions severely harm the dignity and self-respect of those targeted, often leading to feelings of frustration and loss of self-control, with potentially grave consequences. Criticism and judgment are starkly different from offering constructive feedback or sharing thoughts. Sadly, many instances of school violence occur because of mockery or judgment. When an individual displays lack of culture, the entire society is affected.
In today’s fast-paced world, everyone strives to be the best. You dive into your work, constantly believing you’re always right and superior to others. This mindset then gives you the right to criticize anyone who doesn’t meet your standards—praising those you like and mercilessly attacking those who make a mistake. Even worse, people judge others based on their appearance and assume they understand their character. It’s like looking at someone as if they were a blank page: whatever you write on it becomes their truth. But have you ever thought of putting yourself in the shoes of those you criticize? Have you considered the feeling of being judged, silenced, with no chance to defend yourself? It feels terrible, powerless, and the consequences of your words can lead to unforeseeable outcomes. So, why engage in such behavior when there are countless other ways to address the situation? Instead of judging others based on their appearance, take the time to understand who they really are, their character, or the reasons behind their mistakes. Once you have gained that understanding, then you may judge, but only then.
Do not let a hasty word make everyone regret for a lifetime. Remember this: 'UNDERSTAND FIRST - JUDGE LATER.'

7. Reference Article 10
Judging others easily is a heartbreaking issue in today's society. To judge others means to form opinions based on someone's appearance, a remark, or an action without truly understanding them. This often leads to unfair, inaccurate judgments that reflect poorly on the person making them.
Common signs of this behavior include regularly making negative comments without adequate evidence and believing one has the right to judge others, dismissing other people's perspectives. People often speak impulsively, without considering the potential consequences of their words. This can lead to significant negative outcomes for both the judged individual and the wider community. First, judging others can cause psychological harm. If the judgment is wrong or unjust, it can make the person feel unfairly treated and insecure. Furthermore, careless remarks can lead to defamation, insults, and harm to one's reputation. If people are allowed to judge freely without clear evidence, it can create prejudice and stigmatization in society. This practice can reduce unity and create divisions. Ultimately, judging others can damage the credibility and respect of the one making the judgment.
Therefore, we must be careful with our words and avoid hastily judging others. Instead, we should respect the diversity and uniqueness of every individual because, as Publilius Syrus said, 'Words are the mirror of the soul.'

8. Reference Article 1
Today, society faces a significant challenge: the almost automatic tendency to judge others, often without careful consideration. This behavior forces us into a painful reality. Judging others typically focuses on external appearances or specific actions, failing to capture their true essence or value.
Common signs of this behavior include making repetitive, unsubstantiated comments about others, assuming the authority to judge rigidly and without flexibility, and dismissing the diversity of opinions. Sometimes, we speak thoughtlessly, without realizing the potential consequences of our words. Such actions can negatively impact not only the people being judged but the entire community as well.
First, judging others can cause psychological damage to the person being evaluated. If the judgment is inaccurate or unfair, it can leave them feeling unjustly treated and insecure. Thoughtless remarks can lead to defamation, insult, and instability in the community, affecting both the judge's and the judged person's reputation.
Moreover, if we freely judge others without concrete evidence, this can contribute to the development of prejudices and discrimination in society. Judging others can weaken social unity and create divisions, negatively affecting relationships and social harmony.
Finally, judging others can threaten the reputation and respect of those who engage in it. Therefore, we must be cautious in how we express our opinions and avoid judging others too easily. Instead, we should embrace the diversity and differences of all people, as 'Words are the mirror of the soul,' as Publilius Syrus wisely said.

9. Reference Article 2
Each of us leads a life shaped by our unique circumstances and fate, which others may find hard to understand. Therefore, we should refrain from hastily criticizing or judging others without fully comprehending their situation and reality.
There is a powerful fable with this message: A pig, a sheep, and a cow were locked in a pen. One day, when the farmer came to take the pig, it screamed loudly in protest. The sheep and cow, annoyed by the noise, scolded the pig: 'Why are you making such a ruckus? We too are taken, but we never complain.' The pig responded, 'The difference is, when they take you, they only want your wool and milk, but when they take me, they intend to take my life. Do you understand?' The sheep and cow fell silent.
This simple yet profound story reminds us that, depending on the perspective and circumstances, it can be difficult to truly understand others. To understand someone else, we need to try putting ourselves in their shoes.
Another story speaks of a doctor who received an urgent call for a surgery. The doctor rushed to the hospital, but the father of the patient, a man, was upset and scolded the doctor for being late. However, when the doctor explained that he wasn’t at the hospital and came immediately after receiving the call, the father was heartbroken. The doctor revealed that the previous day, his son had died in a car accident, and when he received the call, he had been on his way to his son's funeral. In that difficult moment, the doctor set aside his own sorrow to try saving the life of the man's son.
This story encourages us to reflect on the lives of others, highlighting that we cannot judge them based solely on appearances. We need to understand that everyone faces their own struggles and challenges, and it is only by putting ourselves in their position that we can truly understand them.
Life is not just about talents, privileges, and appearances. It also depends on the relationships we build with those around us. For a happy and harmonious life, we must consider how we treat others, and showing kindness is a crucial starting point.

10. Reference Example 3
If I had to choose a cartoon that best symbolizes the behavior of many people on social media, I would pick the following: The Facebook logo is depicted as a gateway, where ordinary people stand before entering, but once they step through, they transform into lawyers, judges, and self-appointed authorities, all too eager to judge and criticize others.
Their words are loud, refusing to allow any counterarguments, disregarding others’ opinions. In such situations, I believe many individuals, having only interacted through a keyboard, forget the real world outside and freely express criticism without caring whether their comments, notes, or statuses might harm others. This applies not only to the online world but also to real life.
Many people believe they have the right to judge others and always seem to find something annoying or disagreeable. They rush to make inaccurate conclusions without thinking carefully. Remember, life is not always as simple as one plus one equals two. A situation might seem this way, but if we fail to understand its essence, we are bound to make mistaken and inaccurate judgments.
Let me share a small story:
During the French resistance period, poet Xuân Diệu was assigned to do fieldwork and stay with a peasant family. One afternoon, while writing poetry, he suddenly heard crying. The cause was the young daughter of the family, who had just woken up and was crying. Her father asked her why, but she didn’t respond, only sobbing. The crying continued, and no one understood why she was upset, despite their best efforts to comfort her. The father was about to punish her, but Xuân Diệu intervened: "Don’t punish her. Perhaps in her dream, she saw her mother. When she woke up, she missed her so much that she cried like this." Indeed, the mother had passed away during a battle with the French. Xuân Diệu’s sensitivity and understanding of the girl's situation made a deep impression. This story illustrates that before we judge others, we must first understand their context, for what we see or hear is not always enough.
Many people may have read the Bible and remember the moment when Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. A woman caught in adultery was brought before him. According to the law, she was supposed to be stoned to death. In this situation, He said a famous line that later became an inspiration for many works of art: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Gradually, the crowd dispersed, and He continued: "Anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed the sin in his heart." Clearly, before we judge others, we must first examine ourselves, for without self-reflection, we may only see the "speck in someone else’s eye without noticing the beam in our own."
This quote contains a valuable life philosophy. In life, criticizing and judging others is often easy because we tend to forget who we are and focus only on "ourselves." It’s difficult to appreciate the beauty in others because, at those moments, we are often arrogant and believe ourselves to be the most perfect.
It is uncomfortable to encounter people who constantly pretend to be patient, eager to seem outstanding and self-confident. Such an attitude prevents them from seeing the beauty in others. Remember, despite differences in social status, age, or income, everyone has their own strengths.
In modern life, almost everyone, not intentionally, still makes the mistake of rushing through things. They hastily judge something without thoroughly understanding it, jumping to conclusions that are often too firm. This haste can lead to harm, leaving no opportunity to correct the mistake.
Recently, I have been reflecting on a tragic event at the Vũ Thư General Hospital in Thái Bình: My brother, after being treated for an emergency, used a knife to fatally stab a 60-year-old male doctor and injure another doctor. This was the result of hasty judgment and lack of self-control, and of course, it will be dealt with by the law. I pity the doctors who tried to save lives but could not protect their own from the consequences of such a tragedy.
When we talk about "mental health," everyone wants to embrace beauty, kindness, and share vibrant green sprouts and fragrant flowers. However, we cannot always avoid the harsh reality of society.
I believe that amidst all of this, we need to cherish the beautiful sprouts that are being cared for and protected every day. And perhaps one of the most important reminders we should share with each other is that before judging anyone, we must be cautious, for if we are not, we may end up hurting others.
But is that enough? No, it is not. We cannot forget the advice of an unknown philosopher who said: "Life is an echo. What you send out will come back to you. What you sow, you will reap. What you give, you will receive. What you see in others exists in you."

