“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

What is hypocrisy? Some say it is a situation in which someone pretends to believe something that they do not really believe or when actions do not match words or intent.

In today’s times, hypocrisy is all too common in nearly every area of human activity, including political, religious and commercial—at institutional levels and even on personal levels. The English word “hypocrite” comes from a Greek root that denotes a speaker or a stage actor, often wearing a mask. In time, the term came to mean anyone who was putting on an act to deceive others or to advance certain selfish goals.

Each of us knows first-hand that hypocrisy can arouse strong emotions in those affected by it, including anger and resentment. But I want you to think about hypocrisy in the context that it is so pervasive and prevalent that we may have become immune to it and somewhat expect it. This is why I implore you to stop, take a deep breath and seriously reflect on this. Have you become immune to hypocrisy? Do you truly recognize it? Do you take the time to really listen and hear—and more so—be impacted by the hypocrisy in the world, in your life and possibly within you? Do your actions reflect your words and intent? 

We live in interesting times, where Institutions have grown too big and are breaking, where paradigms and models cannot be sustained and where some affluent leaders are trying to hold on to what they have or had. Massive Universal change is in motion. This is not comfortable and it stresses our sense of reality. And this is where hypocrisy enters and can take root.

Now is the time to reflect on the changes underway on the political, economic, educational, health, etc. fronts. Now is the time to understand yourself, to know your beliefs and values and be aware of the hypocrisy at play. You may not be able to change or stop hypocrisy as it is interestingly enough part of the process of change. But you can take steps to be aware of it in others and even within yourself.

One way of looking at it is that hypocrites groom you to become hyper-aware of what you may deem are your “wrongdoings,” while they dismiss anything that they themselves may be doing “wrong.”  They tend to relocate blame. In short, they are experts at blaming others, while empathetic people are experts at blaming themselves. The more hypocrisy poison to which you are exposed, the more you may doubt yourself. Stop the madness.

As you navigate the world of ubiquitous hypocrisy do your best to objectively perceive reality for what it is. Try your best to objectively perceive truth for what it is. Trust your instincts and strive to live by your values.