About this quote

People who constantly complain about others are usually just projecting their own flaws. When you assume everyone has dirty motives, you reveal your own internal muck. It is an easy defense mechanism to keep from looking in the mirror. Why do we do this? It is much simpler to hate everyone else than to do the hard work of fixing your own character.

When to use it

• When a coworker refuses to share their project notes because they assume you will steal their ideas to get a promotion. You realize they only think this because they would do the exact same thing to you.
• Your sibling constantly accuses everyone at the dinner table of talking behind their back. You pull them aside to explain that their constant suspicion is just a reflection of how they treat others.
• While buying a used car, your friend insists the seller is trying to scam them, despite all the clean paperwork. You have to tell your friend that not everyone is trying to cheat them just because they once tried to pull a fast one on someone else.