Sincerity is the way of Heaven. The attainment of sincerity is the way of men.

Whether heaven is taken as the natural order of things or as something sacred, the contrast is the same. Heaven, on either reading, simply is what it is, without pretence. People have to work at being genuine, because we can say one thing and mean another, so sincerity becomes a lifelong practice rather than a starting condition.

Watch for small gaps between what you say and what you feel or intend: the compliment you do not mean, the agreement given to avoid friction. Close one of those gaps this week. Let your words and your intentions line up, even when it would be easier not to.