"The absent are never without fault. Nor the present without excuse"

Human nature often leads people to judge harshly those who are not present while overlooking the flaws of those in their company. Michael Caine’s observation, "The absent are never without fault. Nor the present without excuse", captures this dynamic. People tend to assign blame or suspicion to those who are missing from the scene, sometimes attributing faults that may not even exist. The absent cannot speak for themselves, cannot clarify misunderstandings, or defend their actions; their silence becomes a canvas on which others project assumptions and narratives. When someone is not around, it is easy for those present to attribute misfortunes, mistakes, or shortcomings to the person who is not there to contest the accusation.

At the same time, those present are usually granted leniency. Within a group, individuals can defend their actions, offer justifications, and explain their reasoning. Excuses flow freely; misunderstandings are quickly cleared up, and accountability is diffused. Being present affords the opportunity to influence perceptions, to negotiate meaning, and to ensure that one’s side of the story is told. The mechanisms of conversation and social dynamics favor those who are there, sometimes resulting in a forgiving or understanding stance towards their actions, mistakes are explained away, and intentions are clarified.

The interplay between fault and excuse underscores the importance of presence in human relationships and judgments. Absence, whether physical or emotional, leaves room for suspicion while presence allows for negotiation and understanding. This serves as a subtle warning about how quickly people may judge those who cannot defend themselves, and how readily they might pardon the ones who can offer explanations. Ultimately, this observation encourages a more empathetic and balanced approach: to recognize the unfair disadvantages placed on those not present and the unconscious bias in favor of those who are, advocating for greater fairness before forming judgments.