Sincerity is the virtue of one who speaks and acts truly about his or her own feelings, beliefs, thoughts, and desires.
Sincerity has not been consistently regarded as a virtue in Western culture. First discussed by Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics, it resurfaced to become an ideal (virtue) in Europe and North America in the 17th century; and it gained considerable momentum during the Romantic movement, when sincerity was first celebrated as an artistic and social ideal. Indeed, in middle to late nineteenth century America, sincerity was an idea reflected in mannerisms, hairstyles, women's dress, and the literature of the time.
More recently sincerity has been under assault by several modern developments such as psychoanalysis and postmodern developments such as deconstruction. Some scholars view sincerity as a construct rather than a moral virtue—although any virtue can be construed as a 'mere construct' rather than an actual phenomenon.
Literary critic Lionel Trilling dealt with the subject of sincerity, its roots, its evolution, its moral quotient, and its relationship to authenticity in a series of lectures published under the title Sincerity and Authenticity.
Sincere is the second studio album by English musician M. J. Cole. It was released in April 2001 under Island Records. The album reached number 14 in the UK Albums Chart in August 2001.
Why can't I understand you?
The path you're on I can't get to
Why can't I feel you in my heart?
We're drifting so far apart
Don't make it up
Please be sincere
'Cause I just can't sleep at night
Since you're not here
Sometimes I want to fucking scream
Scream 'till I have no voice
Have someone to hold me
Tell me there's another choice
Take my hand I'm here for you
Let me in, we'll make it through
Take my hand I'm here for you
Let me in, we'll make it through
Sometimes I want to fucking scream
Scream 'till I have no voice
Have someone to hold me
Tell me there's another choice
So...
Take my hand I'm here for you
Let me in, we'll make it through
Take my hand I'm here for you
Let me in, we'll make it through
Why can't I understand you?
The path you're on I can't get to
Why can't I feel you in my heart?
We're drifting so far apart
Don't make it up
Please be sincere
'Cause I just can't sleep at night
Since you're not here
Don't make it up
Just be sincere
I swear I'll do my best