Societal norms, the Moral Majority and a rant that feels so good

[Prudence]

I don't necessarily think that judging is wrong, but in most cases it needs to be an internal act. I do think that we might benefit, as a society, if more people paid more attention to how others act and what consequences follow from those actions. Perhaps if more people noted that Action A tends to lead to Negative Consequence B there would be fewer people participting in Action A.

However, as I noted, that is in most cases appropriate as an internal exercise. I can observe Action A and evaluate it silently to myself. I can discuss Action A with my spouse back home later. And if I had children and if they happened to see Action A, it would be a really good idea to discuss that later as part of their education.

Baring any immediate threat to life or property, however, there is likely no need for me to approach those participating Action A and tell them that I don't approve. They neither need nor want my approval, and while I'm busy sticking my nose in, someone else is observing the negative consequences of my actions and making notes to tell their family later.