"Man is the only animal that learns by being hypocritical. He pretends to be polite and then, eventually, he becomes polite"

In this quote, Jean Kerr checks out the appealing concept of hypocrisy as an inherent step in the procedure of knowing and personal development. In the beginning glance, hypocrisy is often viewed negatively, indicating insincerity or duplicity. However, Kerr invites us to think about the principle from a various perspective, suggesting that it may serve a transformative function, especially in human behavior and social interaction.

The phrase "Man is the only animal that learns by being hypocritical" asserts that humans uniquely have the capacity to gain from their own pretense. This recommends that the space in between one's present habits and an aspirational perfect might not be simply misleading however can act as a bridge towards real modification. In a sense, pretending to embody specific virtues or behaviors can be a vital action towards implanting them. It ends up being a practice session for the genuine performance, where the enactment ultimately aligns with genuine identity.

When Kerr says, "He pretends to be polite and then, ultimately, he ends up being polite", she stresses this transformative journey. At first, politeness might be an act-- a learned societal expectation instead of an inherent quality. However, through constant practice and reinforcement, what starts as an obligation or mimicry slowly becomes internalized. This process reflects the versatile nature of human beings and their capability for growth. It indicates that by performing favorable habits, even ostensibly, individuals might adopt these characteristics genuinely with time.

Moreover, Kerr's insight highlights a special attribute of human social learning: our ability to mold ourselves not only through direct experience but also through emulation and the conscious enactment of desired qualities. While other animals might find out through replica or instinct, people can utilize dissonance between action and intention as a driver for evolution.

Eventually, Kerr's remark recommends a specific optimism about human capacity. It acknowledges that although people might at first participate in habits insincerely, they have the possible to develop towards authentic expressions of those behaviors. It's a hopeful reflection on how goals can turn into realities through deliberate action, even if they begin with a touch of hypocrisy.