---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Most people use two totally different…"
description: "\"Most people use two totally different sets of criteria for judging themselves versus others. We tend to judge others according to their actions. It's v..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/45d/john-c-maxwell-113_action_most-people-use-two-totally-different-se_177839.jpg"
---

#  Most people use two totally different sets of criteria for…

![“Most people use two totally different sets of criteria for judging themselves versus others. We tend to judge others according to their actions. It's very cut-and-dried. However, we judge ourselves by our intentions. Even if we do the wrong thing, if we believe our motives were good, we let…” quote by John C. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/45d/john-c-maxwell-113_action_most-people-use-two-totally-different-se_177839.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/45d/john-c-maxwell-113_action_most-people-use-two-totally-different-se_177839.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/45d/john-c-maxwell-113_action_most-people-use-two-totally-different-se_177839.jpg)

> “Most people use two totally different sets of criteria for judging themselves versus others. We tend to judge others according to their actions. It's very cut-and-dried. However, we judge ourselves by our intentions. Even if we do the wrong thing, if we believe our motives were good, we let ourselves off the hook. And we are often willing to do that over and over before requiring ourselves to change.”

[John C. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-c-maxwell/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People apply different standards: external actions for others, internal intentions for themselves, leading to self‑exoneration.

**In simple terms:** We judge others by deeds, ourselves by motives, often excusing bad actions.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and align your standards for self and others.

Themes

self‑awareness ethics judgment accountability motivation

Mood

reflective critical motivational

Type

advice philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

- personal growth
- leadership coaching
- conflict resolution
- team feedback
- ethical decision making

Key Concepts

cognitive bias moral licensing self‑deception

Questions to Reflect On

- How do your standards for others differ from those for yourself?
- What steps can you take to hold yourself to the same criteria you use for others?

A Different Perspective

Self‑justification can prevent genuine change and accountability.

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