In search of man

The hypocrite

A short poem of sorts — an open ended thought.

To whom do you preach from your lofty pedestal, so far from reach.

It strikes me that there are many words that bind us together as human. Some words imply strengths/positives whilst some are seen as offensive/negative — words to be rejected because they undermine our sense of self, or rather sense of worth.

We seem naturally inclined to accept, to seek positive affirmations of our ‘good’whilst downplaying the significance of the other.

Take the word ‘humane’ as perhaps the best example, derived from the words we use to describe our 'race’, human beings. It’s a word that triggers positive images especially if you were to contrast it with say ‘animalistic’, a word perhaps associated with brutal and beastly behaviour.

So what are the true attributes of humanity, especially when compared with other life on earth, what attributes are most truly humane? Are these truly positive?

The word that springs to my mind as perhaps a common and unique attribute to humanity is hypercrit. A word we don’t like to associate with ourselves, only others. Yes, to me hypocrite is a word that is almost uniquely attributable to humans. It is a word we readily recognise in others but generally reject in ourselves, or perhaps as further proof, readily justify and rationalise when we do indeed glimpse it in ourselves.

It’s a word I find hard to apply to other life on earth.

Hypercrit, a label, a stereotype, that describes us all well, whether it is the armchair philosopher who so freely tells others it’s not their place to tell others what to think, or it’s those who see no irony in instructing others what to do whilst saying they support individual freedoms and the need to respect the views of all. Often in their simplistic belief in the ‘right’ of their own beliefs. The fact that others are equally belligerent only proving their point in their own minds. The stronger the opposition the more they hold onto their own view, clearly demonstrating their fundamental lack of respect for the opinion of others, which they where so supportive of only moments before. Supportive if you feel the same as them that is, otherwise you are obviously an idiot, an idiot who needs to be taught the error of their ways, what other explanation could there be after all? The most likely, a pair of idiots, equal and opposite, similar if not the same. Both unwilling to listen to and investigate the others point of view, to seek to understand the other. Both willing to engage but not to give ground. Not to truly stand in the shoes of the other. Not prepared to change their own view, not truly.

Hypocrite. A word that fits us well. I recognise it in myself and yes, i’m talking about #youtoo.

A final thought, those most likely to agree with me…agree with me ‘strongly’ that is…perhaps the most hypercritical of all, although in some cases, perhaps not.

Photo credit: Cristina Gottardi

https://unsplash.com/photos/tMXjU4cGsNA?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink