Hallmark of a hypocrite crossword

Insincerity brands the hypocrite - it shows in every word and deed. Under the thin coat of pretended sincerity, the hypocrite's real self appears through behaviour that shifts from day to day plus through an even neglect of right conduct. The same person proclaims noble standards then lives by none of them. The gap between what the hypocrite claims to believe and what the hypocrite actually does is hypocrisy itself but also that gap destroys trust and ruins credibility. Hypocrisy appears in many shapes. A politician who preaches morality while acting dishonestly is one shape. A self declared philanthropist who uses other people for private profit is another. In every case the hypocrite says one thing as well as does the opposite, usually without caring what happens next. The split between speech and action is a basic defect that strips the hypocrite of both authenticity or trustworthiness. The crossword answer “insincerity” names the heart of hypocrisy, because it points to the hypocrite's failure to match outward show with inward fact. That failure is intentional - it keeps the false image in place and bends the opinions of others. By exposing the insincerity, the crossword urges us to judge people by what they do, not by hollow talk. In the end the hypocrite refuses to live by the rules he imposes on everyone else. He may weave a story that paints him as upright also moral - yet his character leaks out through behaviour that changes whenever it suits him and through contempt for the very rules he proclaims.