Unconscious Hypocrisy

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 4, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 46.

Unconscious Hypocrisy.

THERE is such a thing as unconscious influence—an influence undesigned and unsuspected. Is there such a thing as unconscious hypocrisy? Does not hypocrisy consist in a design to conceal what one is doing, or a design to appear different from what he really is; and can one have such designs without being conscious of them? He must take into account the influence of habit. When one begins to practice on a piano, he is conscious of an act in connection with every key that is struck. When he becomes an expert, he is conscious of only a general purpose to play the tune. There are other acts which become habitual, and their performers do not seem conscious of their moral character.

A lady called on Mrs. Alston. "I am very happy to see you," said Mrs. A. "It is a long time since I saw you."

"I was sorry I was not at home when you called," said the lady; "I was attending a sick friend."

Mrs. A. seemed very glad to see her visitor, and pressed her to spend the afternoon with her. Her manner was so cordial that the lady would have stayed if it had been possible. She prolonged her call in accordance with what she supposed to be Mrs. A.'s wishes.

"Dear me!" said Mrs. A., "I thought she would never go."

"Didn't you want her to stay?" said her little daughter Mary.

"Mother is very busy to-day."

"Don't you love her very much?"

"She is a very pleasant woman."

The conversation was not pleasant to Mrs. A. Till her daughter put those home questions, Mrs. A. had not thought that she was playing the hypocrite. She wished to be agreeable, and her efforts took the form above mentioned. What is the true epithet to be applied to her conduct, the reader must decide.

There is a great deal of unconscious hypocrisy among men. It is thought to be necessary in order to get along with men. It is never necessary to do wrong. It is never wise to do wrong. What is necessary in order to get along well with men is kindness and a real interest in their welfare, and not a showy pretense. A thoroughly sincere character is as estimable as it is rare.—Christian at Work.