When someone behaves like a beast, he says: 'After all, one is only human.' But when he is treated like a beast, he says, 'After all, one is human.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People excuse bad behavior by citing humanity but demand to be treated as humans when they suffer.
- In plain terms
- We use humanity to excuse our actions but demand to be treated like humans.
- What can you take from it?
- Apply the same standards to yourself and others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you excuse your own mistakes?
- Are you treating others as you want to be treated?
Another view
It overlooks situations where self-defense requires different standards.
More from Karl Kraus
To me all men are equal: there are jackasses everywhere, and I have the same contempt for them all.
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Permalink to quote #49 To be sure, the dog is loyal. But why, on that account, should we take him as an example? He is loyal to man, not to other dogs.
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