In William T. Vollmann's novel "You Bright and Risen Angels," the author explores the human tendency to perceive oneself as stable and unwavering, while viewing others as more fluid or inconsistent. This perspective highlights a common bias where individuals overlook their own changes and shifts in beliefs, often judging others more harshly for their perceived inconsistencies.
The quote encapsulates a fundamental aspect of human psychology, emphasizing the discrepancy in how we evaluate ourselves versus how we evaluate those around us. It invites reflection on the nature of perception and the judgement that arises from it, suggesting that we often engage in selective memory regarding our own actions and decisions.