The Random Comic Strip

The Random Comic Strip

Words to live by...

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and to rest afterward."

[Spanish Proverb]

Ius luxuriae publice datum est

(The right to looseness has been officially given)

"Everyone carries a part of society on his shoulders," wrote Ludwig von Mises, "no one is relieved of his share of responsibility by others. And no one can find a safe way for himself if society is sweeping towards destruction. Therefore everyone, in his own interest, must thrust himself vigorously into the intellectual battle."

Apparently, the crossword puzzle that disappeared from the blog, came back.


Thursday, February 7, 2013

Sincerity: Once you can fake that, you've got it made


Sincerely, oh yes, sincerely
'Cause I love you so dearly
Please say you'll be mine

Sincerely, oh you know how I love you
I'll do anything for you
Please say you'll be mine


Sincerity is a virtue, they say. "They" say a lot of things and we just nod our collective head and murmur... "of course." But is sincerity really a virtue? Or is it a scam?

Actors are very good at faking sincerity. As are politicians, lawyers, most of my ex-girlfriends, and car salesmen. But that's fake sincerity, not real. To which I reply... And just how do you tell the difference?

Sincerity isn't all it's cracked up to be. Look at Henry Winkler pushing reverse mortgages on us senior citizens, for example. He very sincere sounding... especially when he delivers that final line: "Take control of your retirement... Today."

What made Henry Winkler a wizard on financial matters of the retired? The guy got rich pretending to be a juvenile delinquent ("The Fonz") on a sitcom. And played in a few movies and had guest spots in other TV series where he mostly did an imitation of the role he had on Happy Days. How does that qualify him as an expert in financial matters?

My brother had sincerity down pat. He fooled me countless times and, in the end, helped make me the cynic I am today.

The result is that whenever someone starts sounding sincere, I pretty much assume he or she is lying.


2 comments:

Joanne Noragon said...

Maybe your data sample is too small?

Douglas said...

I am sure my data sample is too small. On the other hand, it is spread over many, many years.