Hypocrisy is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue; it needs an unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit. It cannot, like adultery or gluttony, be practised at spare moments; it is a whole-time job.
W. Somerset Maugham (1874 -1965)
This is the first time I've tried anything written by this author and I've only just finished the first chapter of Cakes and Ale but the words above jumped out at me. Hopefully the rest of the book will be worthwhile.
Dictionary definition of hypocrisy:
'A feigning to be what one is not; a concealment of one's real character or motives; the assuming of a false appearance of virtue or religion; a deceitful show of a good character...'
A couple of thoughts:
I wonder sometimes that the sin of hypocrisy isn't always intentional.
People don't always honestly see themselves as hypocritical; maybe it's pride that blinds us to its presence in our lives?
Perhaps it's a sin of ignorance in some cases.
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