Is hypocrisy a learned behavior or is it instinctual?

Question

People sure are good at being hypocrites. Myself included!

Answer 1

Hypocrisy stems from an inability to step away from your own perspective. People who cannot empathize with other people will generally be hypocrites. They will use words like "fair" in their arguments. Listen to how often people like Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter say the word "fair". And their fans gobble it up.

My mom went out of her way to get me to think about other people's perspectives. Even today, I don't want a job like a car salesman, where my whole reason for existence is to get people to pay more than they should for something. (Car salesmen's favorite game is the "...up to?" game. They say, "How much can you afford to pay for a car today?" You say "5000 dollars." They say, "Up to....?" And if you are like most pigeons, you say a higher number.) Car salesmen are the epitome of hypocrisy. If the butcher asked them how much they could pay for a steak and they said, "8 dollars" and the butcher said, "Up to...?" They would probably start crying.

I think the default is to remain self centered and hypocritical. I think the higher state is to be able to empathize and not be hypocritical.

Answer 2

Hypocrisy is a way to take advantage of someone. It is instinct all the way. If you want to win a running race, you tell everyone to go slow, and you run as fast as you can. The more stupid the people, the better it works. http://www.desktopsupport.tv

Answer 3

Early on, it is a modeled behavior. Later, it is a choice.
It never is instinct to act other than you believe.

Answer 4

Sometimes it just a necessary adjustment to society and not anything to look down on.