I don't reveal my flaws, eg to my kids (though I'm not lying to hide them) which makes it hypocrisy IMO.
I'd rather politicians do things morally, but if they realise the moral/ethical thing, fail, and cover up their failure but nonetheless support the position they know to be morally superior: I think I'd rather that than have them shrug and say "well I failed so that moral position isn't worth fighting for".
If I supported non-violent protest as a politician, but got in a fist-fight at a rally, hid that fact ... should I give up on promoting and supporting non-violent protest.
I don't see private failing as necessarily discounting oneself in public office.
A not uncommon situation is an adulterer being outed; they probably know better than others the harm that can come through such acts.
Thanks for your thoughtful and thought provoking response.
>I don't see private failing as necessarily discounting oneself in public office.
I agree. If everyone knew everyone's failings no one could live together. I think we all can agree that there's a time and place to not reveal someone's error or publicly denounce an error. (thankfully the choice is personal and it's no one's business but our own to decide which is which)
In the case of parenting, there are some flaws you can't hide. Might as well face those and teach your kids how to do it right. They can learn from your example not only how to humbly present errors, but also be gracious in return.
A side benefit of this is easier correction. (this has happened to me a few times) One time an older child failed at something that I have historically failed at, and I corrected her. She shouted at me "well you do it too!", and I could boldly state, "You know I think it's wrong, you know I am working on it, I have made progress and I plan on permanently changing, and I can expect you to try as well."
What I said was honest and true, and she'd witnessed me completely changing other behavior before. And then we both calmed down, and everything was just a little bit better.
And I do agree with your sentiment about hiding some things from your kids. I knew too much as a kid, and it was a burden.
I'd rather politicians do things morally, but if they realise the moral/ethical thing, fail, and cover up their failure but nonetheless support the position they know to be morally superior: I think I'd rather that than have them shrug and say "well I failed so that moral position isn't worth fighting for".
If I supported non-violent protest as a politician, but got in a fist-fight at a rally, hid that fact ... should I give up on promoting and supporting non-violent protest.
I don't see private failing as necessarily discounting oneself in public office.
A not uncommon situation is an adulterer being outed; they probably know better than others the harm that can come through such acts.
Thanks for your thoughtful and thought provoking response.