The definition of sincerity and authenticity
The author is so passionate about giving the readers the precise definition of the terms sincerity and authenticity. The author starts by referring to what other people have said about sincerity and authenticity. As the reader continues to read, it is ironic that there is no point where the author provides his exact definition of authenticity because all the provided meanings are referenced from the past lectures made by his predecessors.
The satire of ethical earnestness
The shifting of moral sincerity to the new moral standard started in the early 1970s. However, the new moral standard contradicts the moral earnestness that ever existed in the early decades. For instance, moral sincerity is all about doing the right thing. However, the new moral standard is centered on ‘knowing oneself.’
The irony of realism
Realism or authenticity is the center of discussion in Trilling's work. According to Trilling, people know who they are. Therefore, being true to oneself is a vital aspect of individuality. Ironically, the reader realizes that the moral value or new standard depicted in modern art does not feature moral sincerity.
The irony of morals in personal and open life
Trilling believes that an individual's public behavior reflects his ethical standards in his private life. The reality contradicts Trilling's assumption on moral principles because people behave differently. For instance, some people often pretend that they are morally upright in public, but private life contradicts that reality.
The irony of Abraham
The biblical citation of Abraham in Lionel Trilling's writing is entirely sarcastic. According to the Bible, Abraham is the most respected character who obeyed God at all times and remained loyal to his culture and ethics. Ironically, Trilling depicts an individual who is not sincere merely to emphasize the significance of considering cultural settings to measure an individual's genuineness.
