Response to Jake's Post

In his post, Jake Hess noted that

Contrary to Nick's statement, "In consequence, I'm inclined to reserve all judgments . . ." I think he is in constant judgment... Nick later refers to Tom as egotistical and that Tom no longer nourished his peremptory heart. Nick also has characteristics of a cynic.

I would like to respond specifically to the accusation that he is in constant judgment. Do we not all judge in some way? How boring would a book be if the characters were not differentiated in somehow? Because the story Nick is telling concerns mankind, there is need for descriptions of personalities and characteristics. I do not mean to say that Nick is completely truthful in his being a self-proclaimed nonjudgmental person. However, I would say that Nick is less judgmental than he is discerning. As we all must be, Nick views those around him and describes them by their situations, circumstances, and sometimes their ethics. It seems that he does not wish harsh punishment upon anyone for who they are and what they do, rather he views people as a culmination of these things and carries on with his life. Does he not still associate with them? I personally believe he is a fairly nonjudgmental person because of the way he discerns others.