The phrase “in all things be objective, in all else, be reasonable” captures a disciplined way of moving through the world. It is a reminder that clarity comes first, and flexibility comes second. Together, these two principles form a balanced approach to decision making, judgment, and interaction with others.
Objectivity is about seeing reality as it is, not as we wish it to be. It requires stepping back from emotion, ego, and personal narratives to examine facts, patterns, and outcomes. When you are objective, you ask what is actually happening rather than how you feel about what is happening. You look for evidence, not validation. You measure results instead of intentions. This mindset is essential in areas where accuracy matters, such as work, finance, health, and conflict resolution. Without objectivity, decisions become distorted by bias, fear, or hope, and reality eventually corrects those errors, often harshly.
However, pure objectivity without reasonableness can become cold, rigid, and impractical. Life is not lived in spreadsheets or lab conditions. Human behavior is messy, context matters, and not every situation can be reduced to perfect data. This is where reasonableness comes in. Being reasonable means understanding limits, tradeoffs, and human nature. It means knowing when precision is necessary and when approximation is sufficient. It means adjusting expectations without abandoning principles.
Reasonableness also governs how objectivity is applied. You can be objectively correct and still be unreasonable in how you communicate or act. Facts delivered without timing, empathy, or awareness can create resistance rather than understanding. A reasonable person knows when to push and when to pause, when to insist and when to adapt. They understand that long term progress often matters more than short term correctness.
Together, objectivity and reasonableness prevent two common failures. The first is emotional blindness, where feelings override reality. The second is intellectual arrogance, where reality is acknowledged but applied without wisdom. Objectivity keeps you aligned with truth. Reasonableness keeps you aligned with people and circumstances.
In practice, this balance shows up in everyday life. At work, it means evaluating performance honestly while recognizing effort and constraints. In relationships, it means acknowledging facts without turning every disagreement into a trial. In personal growth, it means seeing your flaws clearly while allowing yourself time and patience to improve. In all cases, objectivity answers the question of what is true, and reasonableness answers the question of what to do about it.
This philosophy also builds resilience. When you are objective, setbacks do not surprise you or shatter your identity. When you are reasonable, setbacks do not turn into self punishment or blame. You adjust, learn, and move forward. You neither deny reality nor dramatize it.
Ultimately, “in all things be objective, in all else, be reasonable” is a rule for clear thinking and steady living. It encourages honesty without cruelty, discipline without rigidity, and intelligence without detachment. It reminds us that wisdom is not just knowing the truth, but knowing how to live with it.
