We Humans are Hypocrites

Who is a Hypocrite? How does it get associated with humans? These are the two different aspects that needs to be answered before moving forward towards a broader spectrum. A hypocrite claims or pretends to be very moral and virtuous but who does not behave as such. He/she is a person who acts in contradiction to his or her beliefs or feelings. We, human Beings are hypocrites because we often tend to act against our ethics and religious beliefs that are taught from childhood for example: a child when small is strictly taught not to speak a lie and always speak the truth, but on the other hand we, ourselves ask him to lie on our own convenience. This is a very simple common example to understand and such kind of similar incidents must have taken place in each individual’s life.  Another example is an individual who is indulged into an extra marital relationship claims to be faithful. Is this not hypocrisy?

"Do the right thing" doesn't mean to do that which best serves our lustful desires. A lack of respect for the seducing nature of debauchery has led many to live hypocritical lives. In our heart of hearts, we know fully well that something is morally wrong with our actions, but we do it anyway because it feels good or is convenient. The people committing hypocritical acts normally try to use some form of rationalization to justify their actions. A man committing adultery may say that he is only breaking his wedding vows by having sex with prostitutes. The ultimate rationalization is the phrase, "I just couldn't help myself."

How many of us strictly follow the path of righteousness and do any selfless act. We teach our children all these things but do not preach them. Today, in this fast moving world, we have to keep our pace and sometimes even do things that are against our own ethics, but that does not give us the liberty to compare ourselves with other and feel jealous by seeing what’s on others plate. On the face of the person you show happiness and appreciation but behind the back you are envious and unhappy, then is it not hypocrisy.

Comparing with others we love to see them and improve our own status to rise in the society, but when it comes to adapting their behaviour, thoughts or even follow their steps towards the changes, then there comes a big full stop using tradition, religion or society as a tool. Of course one can rise according to oneself but he/ she needs to change for the betterment according to the time as change is the law of nature. The great Indian epic of Mahabharata is a prime example it where Lord Krishna lets the war take place to bring a change for the betterment of the people for a bright future.

 It is not necessary to accept all the changes because what is good for one may not be good for the other, so think twice before rejuvenating your inner self. Never shy away from truth under the protection of lame excuses of tradition and religion instead use it as a tool of strength where transformation becomes an ethical change and any good change is accepted with open arms. It is only then, when we can come above the tag of hypocrisy.

 

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