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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

  • conflict resolution
  • criticism
  • social interaction

Putting it to work

  • check your standards
  • practice empathy

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

  1. To me all men are equal: there are jackasses everywhere, and I have the same contempt for them all.

    Permalink to quote #47
  2. When the sun of culture is low, even dwarves will cast long shadows. (Wenn die Sonne der Kultur tief steht, werfen selbst Zwerge lange Schatten, famous German …

    Permalink to quote #49
  3. 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.

    Permalink to quote #46

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