Rebuilding Rob

Hypocrisy – more than even lying – is one trait that raises a red flag for me when meeting new people.

The fact is that people lie. We, as humans say things that aren’t true everyday. Sometimes it’s done of our convenience . There are varying degrees to lying of course. For instance, telling some “I’m fine “ when they ask how you are. Most people wouldn’t consider this “a lie” as much as engaging in small talk.

I’m his 2005 book On Bullshit, philosopher Harry Frankfurt – a book which I’ve blogged about previously – separates lies from bullshit by explaining that when a person lies, they know the truth and are choosing not to share it. For whatever reason, ethical or otherwise, they decide not to disclose the truth. In bullshit, the perpetrator neither knows nor cares about the truth when they talk. The bullshitter does so for his/her own benefit.

Straddling the proverbial line between lying and bullshitting is the hypocrite – one who says one thing, but their actions prove otherwise. Hypocrites will often say what you want to hear – in order to ingratiate themselves upon you. After all, first impressions are important. But eventually their actions contradict their words. These are the ones to look out for.

On the other hand, some people don’t realize that they’re doing the very same thing they claim to be against. Some people, whether it’s due age or ego, lack the ability to reflect upon themselves. People sometimes can’t even recognize that their actions contradict their words. But the truly wise, adaptable or open-minded people – those who are willing to correct their behavior are capable of redeeming themselves. When they are called out for their hypocrisy, they will try to change their ways so their words align with their actions.

Lies, bullshit and hypocrisy are my major red flags.

Thanks for stopping by Rebuilding Rob. Be sure to like, comment and subscribe to my blog below. It’s greatly appreciated! Also, feel free to follow me on social media as well! Check out my most recent posts as well as some earlier, related posts:

• Rob’s Retro Movie Review: This is Spinal Tap (1984) – The Movie That Scaled to Eleven
• A Death in the Family (And My Disposable Income): My Life in Comics
• The Supporting Cast: Navigating the Eras of Male Friendship
• Life is What Happens: A Look Back at My Non-Existent 2025 Vision
• The Moment I Walked Inside a Hallmark Movie

The article “On lies, bullshit and hypocrisy” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob.