Why Sometimes, We Need to Be Careful of Sincere People
It takes more than sincerity to change the world...
How many times have you bought into ideas and plans because of a person’s sincerity? I’ve often felt that because they believed in the idea so sincerely, it had to be the right thing to do – but over and over, I’ve been wrong. It took me a long time to learn that sincerity is a good thing – but it actually means very little when it comes to the validity or truth about good ideas.
Over the centuries, lots of people have been very sincere about very bad ideas. The most sincere people almost always seem to start cults and heresies. Anarchists are sincere. Terrorists are sincere. And as a result, millions of lives have been destroyed by sincere people. Of course, I want people to be honest, forthright, and authentic about what they believe. But before you take a risk with a new idea, make sure you’re buying into more than just sincerity.
Because the most sincere people can be sincerely wrong.
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
