Why Are We Hypocrites?
What is Hypocrisy?
Hypocrisy is a “double standard”; a behavior or action which is acceptable when you perform it but unacceptable when performed by someone else.
Hypocrisy is another term for “self delusion”. Hypocrites are like actors or performers. The term hypocrite is derived from the Greek word hypokrisis, which means, “play-acting” or “acting out”. Hypocrites will perform this self delusion or cognitive dissonance, either knowingly or unknowingly. If the action is performed knowingly, it is to signal a double standard to society. If the action is performed unknowingly, it is to preserve a dishonest self image.
Hypocrisy manifests when we refuse to hold ourselves accountable by the same standard we use for others. The reason hypocrisy is so rampant is due to the lack of a “cognitive mirror”. A mirror is an physical object which provides an accurate assessment of our physical appearance. But no mirror exists for our cognitive appearance.
The only way to uncover our own hypocrisy is through an honest and objective introspection or self examination. Self reflection is extremely hard to do for the very reason it is uncomfortable. Self reflection is a critique of our ego which we have carefully constructed to shield ourselves from hostile psychological intrusions. Ego is a armor which is easy to put on but hard to put away. Thus, greater an ego of a person, lesser the propensity they possess for an honest and objective self examination.
From a macro picture, the more judgemental a society, the greater number of hypocrites it will produce. Statistically speaking, inhabitants of judgemental societies will produce hypocrites faster than non-judgmental societies will produce individuals with integrity.
In conclusion, hypocrisy is rampant in all societies across the world. Maybe in the future we can construct a mirror to view our thoughts like we view our faces. And maybe then, we will finally be able to look at our own hypocrisies.