"It's easier to be wise for others than for ourselves"

Often, the challenges and dilemmas we face in our personal lives appear clouded and confusing, colored by emotion, bias, and self-interest. When seeing the struggles of others, however, a certain detachment allows for clarity. Our minds can analyze their problems logically, unburdened by the emotional entanglement that so often clouds judgment when we confront our own issues. Advice flows freely, insightful solutions seem obvious, and complex quandaries appear simple when they are not our own.

This tendency can be explained by the psychological concept of self-distancing. When we look at others' circumstances, we’re not threatened by the consequences in the way we are with our choices. Fear, insecurity, hope, and desire, these forces don’t exert the same pressure when the outcome does not directly affect our lives. Furthermore, ego and pride often block clear assessment when self-reflection is called for; it is far easier to critically examine another’s predicament than to scrutinize ourselves with equal honesty.

There is also a protective mechanism at work. Self-deception is a powerful tool; we rationalize and excuse our own decisions, gently weaving narratives where we are always somewhat justified. When observing someone else, sympathetic though we may be, we are not shackled by their rationalizations. Our ability to evaluate is unimpeded, and the path appears straightforward.

Yet, recognizing this human proclivity holds a valuable lesson. Conscious awareness of our own blind spots can help us strive to apply to ourselves the gentle, impartial perspective we often bring to others. It suggests that individuals might benefit from seeking outside perspectives, or even practicing seeing their own problems “as if” they were someone else’s. Wisdom is not an inborn quality, but the result of effortful, honest introspection, something far easier offered to others, but infinitely valuable when earned for oneself.