What do you think of the statement: "Do as I say and not as I do"?

Question

Do you find this as a way out for a hypocrite? How do you feel about a person who preaches in this manner (religious or not religious)?

Answer 1

It depends.

If it's in a current context then it's definitely hypocritical,.

but if it realtes to something that the person did a long time ago, then he or she has the benefit of hindsight to see whether what they did is right or wrong

Answer 2

Do you find this as a way out for a hypocrite? YES

How do you feel about a person who preaches in this manner (religious or not religious)

That they are a hypocrite as is their religion - and I would not be seen within 10 miles of them or any other known associates - if I can manage it.

For any parent saying this to a child - you are giving your child conflicting messages. The child will believe the actions (what you do) over the words (what you say).

Answer 3

From a pedagogical perspective this idiom can be taken very literally and applied to different learning styles. For instance an auditory learner would be more prone to adhere to the "do as I say" aspect of the phrase. Whereas the kinesthetic learner would adhere more to the "do as I do" aspect of the phrase.

I don't think the statement is a way out for hypocrites because who really knows if what the person is saying and doing aren't exactly the same thing. How do I feel about preachers...I don't like them...well at least the non-religious ones who want to control others. A person who preaches is a person who will want their audience to either do what they say or do what they do, so I feel the phrase is appropriate for preachers.

Answer 4

Aaarrggghh! I hate that saying with a passion! And yes, I find it very hypocritical... If someone has to use that phrase when preaching then they shouldn't be preaching in the first place, as they are obviously not in a position to do so. If there's something a person feels that others should not do then they most likely shouldn't be doing it themselves. Whenever I hear someone say that I feel like slapping the hypocrisy right out of them!!! (of course, it's a different story if the person is speaking out of past experience and not a current situation or habit.)

Answer 5

It's not a complete cop-out. Yes, it's hypocritical, but does that really matter? At least the hypocrite recognizes the fact that they are a hypocrite. This is a step beyond someone who is but doesn't realize it.

To me, that statement indicates a realization and understand of the wrongness of a situation, and knowing is half the battle. (Yo Joe!)

Answer 6

No offense but you really are thinking too deeply into this.

The quote is/was used as a way to express that What I say, is often my own opinion, yet at the same time, not always how I proceed. I've heard it offered in the opposing way as well.

As a species, we are born into a situation where we learn by physical expressions, (sign language sort of) as infants, and at the same time,,,by examples,,,not strictly the "spoken word"

Osmosis,,,might be the best way to define how we learn,,and most especially when we reach ages where we "TUNE OUT" what is said to us.

The examples could be endless, as might be the answers you get here. A very simple example might be,,,

"I told you to clean your room!" Stated by a parent who lives in clutter, and disorganization otherwise. That doesn't state that they are hypocrites, but might only suggest,, in that case, that I haven't made MY CASE? They may actually realize their fault, and not want YOU to follow by verbal direction, or example, but rationalize the choice and its effect?
Oppositely, a parent who might be very neat, with a child who isn't, might HOPE that their example,,,even without direction, will effect change in the childs less than neat attitude, yet they may not realize, that THEIR issues may not be accepted by, transferred to, understood by the child,,,but that the child may be very OK in their own choices?

Break this down to less than religion. This is a philosophy category, and not strictly related, in context, to any faith based system.

Steven Wolf

Answer 7

i dont think this is hypocritical or a way out at all. The person is acknowledging that they themselves may not always do the right thing. We all err at times.
The important thing is that they are trying to teach the difference between what is right and what is wrong, ethically or morally.
In my opinion, a good part of the worlds problems stem from the fact that alot of people dont seem to know the difference between right and wrong, and/or they dont aspire to do the right thing.
My father used to say this to me when I was a kid, and I am now thankful that he instilled some morals and values in me.

Answer 8

This statement is dependent on the context it is used in. Like someone mentioned above, if it is a hindsight comment, then it is said as a benefit to both the speaker and the listener. If it is said by someone who is doing the wrong thing at the time and has no intention of stopping their actions (even though they admit they are wrong), then it is almost a statement of despairing laziness. They are saying "Oh, I won't stop what I'm doing but don't you dare ever do this!"

Answer 9

It's not hypocritical, because the statement acknowledges that the speaker is doing something of a lower standard than the standard he is hoping to instill in the listener. I like a person with that kind of humanity and honesty.

Answer 10

the answer has been stated but one part is left out. to recap, it depends on the context it can be hypocritical in ways we all know. it can not be in hinds sight. Or it can be in knowledge given at which the message cant be obtained by the giver. IE I can tell you every muscle and motion that the body goes through and/or the textbook way to hit a golf ball perfect everytime but Im not athletic enough to do it myself.