Sincerity v. Truth
IllustrationAnalogySome people tell you it makes no difference what you believe, if you are only sincere. I have heard lots of people say, “You do not think it makes any difference what a man’s creed is, do you, if he is only sincere? The disciples of Mahomet and Confucius are all right, if they are only sincere.” That is the biggest lie that ever came out of hell.
A lie never lifted any one yet. It is the truth that makes us free, and it is that which we want to believe. A lie will do a man no good be he ever so sincere! Suppose I present a cheque for £10,000 at some bank, and the cashier says— “Have you any money in this bank?”
I say, “No.” “Well,” he says, “why are you trying to draw this money?”
I answer, “Well, I am very sincere about it, and I want £10,000 very much; I don’t think any man wants it more than I do.” My earnestness will not get me that money. Some people get hold of a lie, and hold on to it. If you are wise, my friend, you will look and see if you believe the truth or not.
The point
A pointed argument against the idea that sincerity alone matters regardless of belief - since sincerely believing a falsehood, like sincerely trusting a worthless bill, does not make it true or valuable.