Sincerity: Genuine and Counterfeit

By way of excusing a man who has done wrong there is sometimes offered in explanation the fact that he was sincere in what he was doing. While sincerity is usually listed among the virtues, we must keep in mind the possibility of being sincerely wrong. A man may be sincere in his persecution of other men, but the fact of his sincerity does not lessen the evils of persecution. Indeed, his very earnestness may enhance them. A man may be sincere in his intolerance and bigotry, and his sincerity may add vengeance to these other undesirable qualities. Men are usually sincere when they make bad investments, but the fact of their sincerity does not prevent their losing, sometimes the savings of a lifetime. And so it is imperative to remember that it is not only necessary for men to be sincere⎯it is necessary for them to be right. Faith in a wrong cause, work for an unworthy end, belief⎯even though sincere⎯in error and untruth, is a tragedy. Men must be more than sincere. They must be sincere⎯and right.