Everybody makes excuses for themselves they wouldn't be prepared to make for other people.
The quote by Rebecca Goldstein in "Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won't Go Away" highlights the tendency of individuals to justify their own actions while holding others to a stricter standard. People often create rationalizations for their shortcomings or mistakes that they would criticize if committed by others. This inconsistency reflects a common human behavior where self-compassion can lead to a lack of accountability, contributing to a broader philosophical discussion about morality and ethics.
This perspective invites us to examine our own biases and the disparity in how we judge ourselves versus how we judge those around us. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing these double standards in order to foster greater empathy and fairness. Ultimately, Goldstein's observation serves as a reminder that philosophy encourages us to reflect critically on our values and our treatment of others, questioning the morality of our personal excuses.