If a project is too stressful, why didn't she say "no, this is too stressful, let me work on something else." To me, it reads like they went along with the stress, knowing it was going to be stressful, and acknowledging that it is indeed very stressful. This sounds like a lesson in asserting your boundaries around mental health.
Because there are strong incentives to persevere. Shipping a foundational spec is a major achievement, so it's easy to think that the stress is worth the goal. There's a cultural pressure to "suck it up" and not be "weak". Quitting can hurt your career and finances. So you try your best for as long as you can… until you can't.
If what you say is a valid explanation, then the original question "I don't understand how this is Google's fault?" should be answered with "they should reduce the incentives for employees so that they won't burn themselves out trying to outdo themselves".
Yeah, it sounds like sarcasm but I think the logic above can be read both ways.
Nobody is forced to climb Mount Everest, and doing so can be deadly. But do you blame the mountain for being "too attractive of an achievement" when someone dies trying to reach the summit? Know your limits and set your boundaries.
The question I've answered was about motivation, not blame.
The analogy you bring up isn't fitting, because unlike mountains, companies are run by people who consciously set up the incentives, assemble teams, set goals, receive feedback and can react to it. If a Mount Everest Travel Agency Ltd. advertised awesome climbs, got feedback from a participant that they're struggling and need a guide, and the company said "you won't get one, keep going!" then yes, I'd blame them for the injuries.
