So, if environment does in fact shape us, then judgment of a person would be based on that person's inner strength, their ability to overcome their environment. To me that's something different than what the person is as a whole. I have a hard time being angry at a person for being weak. Environment can shape that too. Were it not for environment, how would we know whether we would be any stronger or weaker in our ability to overcome our environment? In that sense, maybe environment cannot be truly overcome, since it is at least a part of what gives you the ability to overcome as well. Inner strength and outer strength are both limited and beyond our control.
Therefore, judging a person is like judging the series of events that led to who they are today. I take the point of view that, had I been subjected to the same thing, I might be that person exactly. How do I know? So, every time I judge another, I judge myself and everyone else. There is so little that truly separates us.
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Maybe the answer is in the very light reflected off our blades. Maybe that's what it means to be this creature known as samurai.
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