Always Look for the Good in Others

Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky's biography, written by his brother Modest, says this of their father Ilya Petrovich Tchaikovsky:

He was a "sympathetic, jovial, and straight-forward character, with an affection for everyone he met. In youth, manhood, and old age, he loved his neighbor, and his faith in him remained unshaken. His truthfulness and trustfulness knew no limits. To the end of his days, everyone he met was an excellent, honorable, good fellow. It would be hard to find another man possessed of so many devoted friends."

This seems like an excellent example of someone who followed the admonition to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matt 22:39). This is a good goal to strive for - to be less cynical and distrustful, and to instead be more forgiving and kind. In essence, to always look for the good in others and give them the benefit of the doubt. Particularly when first meeting others.

Source: Great Masters: Tchaikovsky His Life and Music