"The writer is more concerned to know than to judge"

W. Somerset Maugham’s observation illuminates the essential approach of a true writer: the relentless pursuit of understanding rather than immediate assessment. The writer, guided by curiosity and a desire for truth, seeks to explore the complexities of human nature, society, and the world. Instead of hastily casting verdicts or imposing moral judgments on characters or situations, the writer aspires first to grasp the underlying motives, contradictions, and forces at play.

Knowing, in this sense, is a process that involves deep empathy, meticulous attention to detail, and a willingness to dwell in ambiguity. Writers immerse themselves in the worlds they create, or in the realities they document, not to present their readers with tidy conclusions, but to invite them to witness raw experience. Through nuanced observation and thoughtful reflection, the writer gathers threads of evidence, emotion, and context, weaving them into narratives that provoke thought rather than dictate perspective. Judging often closes the door to inquiry, reducing characters to one-dimensional symbols of virtue or vice, situations to clear-cut rights or wrongs.

By resisting the urge to judge, writers remain open to the paradoxes and contradictions that make life richly human. Characters may act out of impulses that are understandable even when not admirable; societies may function in ways that are both cruel and necessary. The writer’s commitment to knowing nurtures a literature that enriches our understanding rather than conforms to moral prescriptions. In doing so, writers respect the intelligence of their audience, allowing them to discern, interpret, and form their own conclusions.

Ultimately, this orientation towards knowing reflects a humility before the vast complexity of existence. The writer acknowledges that truth is rarely simple, reality seldom neat. Through honest inquiry and observation, rather than judgment, the writer becomes a faithful recorder of humanity in all its flawed splendor.