“When we are assured of the intention of the other and find that the competence is lacking, we become a help to the other. When we doubt intention of the other, we get into opposition.”
We trust our own intention while we are not ready to trust the other’s intention. It is the same for the others as well. They would also have the same answers as we, to the table above. While the other trusts his/her own intentions, he/she does not trust mine. Hence, mistrust is born and we deny the relationship. When we are judging ourselves we are judging on the basis of our intention, whereas, when we are judging the other we are judging him on the basis of his competence. We are sure that we want to make the other happy, but we are not sure that the other wants to make us happy. We find that while we look at our intention, we are sure of it, we are not sure of the other’s intention. We are actually seeing their competence, and making a conclusion on their intention, say “I wanted to do well, but I could not”. But for the other, we say “He did not want to do well”. “Wanting to”, is the intention, “could not”, is the lack of competence.
We can see that as we are not able to fulfill our intentions in terms of our competence at all times. It is the same for the other as well. We want to be related to the other, and we want the other to be related to us, irrespective of who this other is. If we have trust in the other, we are able to see the other as a relative and not as an adversary. We then become ready to become a help to the other. Intentions are always correct; it is only the competence that is lacking, which can be improved by the right understanding.
This statement highlights the importance of distinguishing between the intention and competence of others when it comes to our interactions with them. Let’s break it down:
Assured Intention, Lacking Competence: When we are confident in someone’s good intentions but find that their competence or skill level is lacking in a particular area, it creates an opportunity for us to be of assistance to them. Instead of opposing or criticizing them, we can offer support, guidance, or resources to help them improve their competence. This approach fosters a collaborative and supportive dynamic, allowing us to contribute positively to their growth and development.
Doubtful Intention: On the other hand, when we doubt the intention of the other person, it creates a sense of mistrust or skepticism. This skepticism can lead us to oppose or resist their actions, ideas, or requests. Doubting someone’s intention often results in a breakdown of communication, collaboration, and cooperation. It hinders our ability to work together effectively and can create a negative atmosphere.
In summary, the statement emphasizes that when we trust the intention of others, even if their competence is lacking, we can offer help and support to facilitate their growth. However, when we doubt their intention, it leads to opposition and creates barriers to effective collaboration. By understanding the role of intention and competence in our interactions, we can choose constructive approaches that foster cooperation and positive relationships.