October 25, 2026

We are all inclined to judge ourselves by our ideals; others by their acts.

Harold Nicolson (1886 – 1968), British politician and writer, The Cynic’s Lexicon, Jonathon Green, ed. (London: 1986), p. 155

MEDITATION: What are your ideals? What are your actions? Why the variance? Can the gap be closed? At what cost to your career?

COMMENTARY: Nicolson reminds us that hypocrisy is the glue of civilization. Ideals guide us; but compromises sustain us. The danger lies not in falling short but in pretending the distance doesn’t exist.