I have learned the hard way to mind my business, without judging who people are and what they do. I am more troubled by the lack of space being provided for the truth to unfold. Humans cannot seem to wait for or honor the truth. Instead, we make it up based on who we believe people should or should not be.

This quote by Iyanla Vanzant, a renowned spiritual teacher, author, and television personality, offers deep insight into personal growth, judgment, and our relationship with truth. Vanzant reflects on her own experiences, stating that she has “learned the hard way” to mind her business, meaning she now refrains from making assumptions or passing judgment on others. This lesson emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the discipline of focusing on one’s own journey rather than interfering in or evaluating someone else's life.

Vanzant expresses concern about the widespread impatience for the truth to emerge naturally. She believes that people often lack the space and stillness necessary for genuine truths to unfold. Instead of allowing life’s deeper realities to surface in their own time, we rush to form narratives that fit our preconceived beliefs. This tendency reveals a collective discomfort with uncertainty and a preference for neat, quick conclusions over the complexity of real human experiences.

At the heart of her message is a call to honor the truth—to give it room to reveal itself without interference from bias, expectation, or ego. Vanzant warns against the human habit of constructing false realities based on our judgments of who people “should or should not be.” This often leads to misunderstanding, misrepresentation, and missed opportunities for genuine connection and compassion.

Ultimately, Vanzant’s quote is a reminder of the need for patience, humility, and respect in our interactions with others. It invites us to let go of control, avoid projecting our own standards onto others, and trust in the slow, often uncomfortable process of allowing the truth—in all its richness and imperfection—to fully emerge.