Sallust: 'All who consult on doubtful matters, should be void of hatred, friendship, anger, and pity.'

All who consult on doubtful matters, should be void of hatred, friendship, anger, and pity.

The quote by Sallust, "All who consult on doubtful matters should be void of hatred, friendship, anger, and pity," encapsulates the importance of objectivity and impartiality when seeking advice or making decisions. It suggests that in order to truly and effectively advise others, one must set aside personal biases and emotional attachments. This straightforward interpretation emphasizes the need for rationality and detachment in the process of consultation.But what if there is another perspective to explore? What if we consider a philosophical concept that challenges the notion of complete detachment? Let us delve into the depths of existentialism, a school of thought that places emphasis on the individual's subjective experience and personal responsibility. By contrasting existentialism with Sallust's quote, a thought-provoking discussion can emerge.Existentialism, most notably associated with philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, posits that human existence precedes essence, meaning our actions define us rather than predetermined purposes or values. It promotes the idea that personal emotions and connections play a crucial role in decision-making processes, even in cases of doubtful matters. According to this philosophy, it is in our emotions, friendships, and even our anger and pity, that we discover authenticity and valuable insights.In the realm of consultation, existentialism challenges the notion of complete objectivity by embracing subjectivity. From this perspective, rather than attempting to detach oneself from emotions and personal connections, consultants are encouraged to embrace their internal experiences and biases. By acknowledging our emotions, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and become better equipped to guide others through challenging decisions.However, Sallust's quote still holds relevance, as it emphasizes the potential dangers of allowing emotions to excessively influence our decision-making processes. It calls for a careful balance between recognizing our emotions and ensuring they do not cloud our judgment. It reminds us to remain rational and objective in our analyses.In essence, both perspectives have their merits. Sallust's quote reminds us of the value in stepping back and critically evaluating situations without the interference of personal biases, while existentialism highlights the importance of acknowledging and integrating our emotions into the decision-making process. By combining these contrasting perspectives, we can adopt a holistic approach to the art of consultation.So, how can one strike a balance between objectivity and subjective experiences when consulting on doubtful matters? It begins by cultivating self-awareness and introspection. Recognizing our emotions, biases, and attachments is key to understanding how they may impact our decision-making abilities. By actively engaging with our emotions and personal connections, we can harness their insights without losing sight of objectivity.Furthermore, seeking diverse perspectives is vital. The integration of various viewpoints promotes a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. Actively seeking out differing opinions and challenging our own assumptions broadens our thinking and helps overcome the limitations imposed by our emotional attachments.In conclusion, Sallust's quote highlights the significance of impartiality and rationality in consultations, emphasizing the need to set aside personal biases when advising on doubtful matters. However, the existentialist perspective introduces an intriguing counterpoint by suggesting that emotions and personal connections can offer valuable insights. By adopting a balanced approach that acknowledges both objectivity and subjectivity, we can navigate the intricacies of decision-making with greater wisdom, ultimately offering more effective and meaningful guidance to those who seek our counsel.