The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity. André Gide
Hypocrisy is the homage which vice pays to virtue. Francois duc de La Rochefoucauld
The only vice which cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy. William Hazlitt
Hypocrisy is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue; it needs an unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit. It cannot, like adultery or gluttony, be practiced at spare moments; it is a whole-time job. Somerset Maugham
Hypocrisy in anything whatever may deceive the cleverest and most penetrating man, but the least wide-awake of children recognises it, and is revolted by it, however ingeniously it may be disguised. Leo Tolstoy
Hypocrisy is like dry rot. Air and light will kill her. Her friends are anxiety, discretion, envy, embarrassment and fear. Matthew Parris (Times 15/10/05)
Hypocrisy is the essence of snobbery, but all snobbery is about the problem of belonging. Alexander Theroux
Affectation is to be always distinguished from hypocrisy as being the art of counterfeiting those qualities, which we might with innocence and safety, be known to want. Hypocrisy is the necessary burden of villainy; affectation part of the chosen trappings of folly. Samuel Johnson
It’s absolutely true that it’s inconsistent, to put it mildly, for someone who believes in a fairer and more egalitarian society to send their child to a private, fee-paying school. I’ve always believed that private schools prop up the class structure of society. It’s inconsistent, it’s indefensible and that’s why I haven’t sought to defend it. Diane Abbott [On her decision to send her son to a private school.]
No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true. Nathaniel Hawthorne