The quote “What disturbs people, these are not things, but the judgments relating to things” suggests that it is not the events or circumstances themselves that cause us distress, but rather our perceptions and interpretations of these situations. In essence, it is our thoughts and judgments about a situation that create our emotional responses, not the situation itself.

For instance, if we fail at a task, the failure itself is a neutral event. However, our judgment of the failure — such as thinking that we are incapable or unworthy — is what causes us to feel upset or disturbed. On the other hand, if we view the failure as a learning opportunity or a stepping stone towards success, we may feel motivated and optimistic instead.

This concept is particularly relevant in today’s world where we are often bombarded with information and experiences. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out by the sheer volume of things happening around us. However, if we learn to control our judgments and change our perspective, we can significantly reduce our stress and improve our emotional well-being.

In terms of personal development, understanding this concept can be incredibly empowering. It means that we have the power to control our emotional responses and our overall happiness. By changing our judgments and perceptions, we can change how we feel about any situation. This can help us to be more resilient in the face of adversity, more optimistic about the future, and more content with our lives.

It also underscores the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness. By being aware of our judgments and actively working to shift our perspective, we can change our emotional responses and improve our overall well-being. This is a key component of many forms of therapy and personal development programs, and is a skill that can be developed and improved over time.